Something Wicked Anthology

Book Blurb:

Prepare yourselves for when Dama de Diablo spits her Hellfire from The Underneath. She will deliver Wrath & Ruin to all of you Unfortunate Souls.

One step out of line will earn you a Prick from the Forbidden Queen. Once she orders you to Bite Me, you’re going to Wish that The Deadly Hunt taking place Within These Shadows can end in Bittersweet Beauty.

Enjoy being The Toy while you can as your Nights on the Round Table with Wicked Lady T are numbered. Soon we will all fall victim to SOMETHING WICKED.

Stories included are:
Forbidden Queen by Missy Ann
Within These Shadows by B. Celeste
Bittersweet Beauty by Elizabeth Cash
Dama De Diablo by A.A. Davies
The Toy by Anna Edwards
Bite Me: The Cursed Evil Queen by Emery LeeAnn
The Deadly Hunt by K.S. Marshall
Wish by Claire Marta
The Underneath by C.L. Matthews
Wicked Lady T by T.L. Mayhew
Nights On The Round Table by Michelle Pace
Unfortunate Souls by Michelle Brown
Hellfire by Ally Vance
Prick by Murphy Wallace

My Review:

This collection of short stories from some amazing authors all centre around a different Disney Villain. But they are most definitely not the ones you will remember from your childhood (or adulthood if you are like me and think you can never be too old for Disney!). These tails will take what you think you know about the Disney story and turn it completely on its head. Each of these stories will draw you in and keep you wanting more.

As I mentioned there are a lot of amazing authors in this anthology that are well known for producing dark, dangerous and delicious stories and none of them dissapoint in this collection. While all of the stories are short, it is clear with some of them that the authors intend to adapt upon these stories to produce full books. Now to me this is music to my ears because all of these stories left me craving more and annoyed as hell when they finished. One of the best compliments I can give to any story, particularly short ones is that is the desire to want more words, more story and that is the case with all of these books. I want more, so much more!

Although there are lots of stories in this collection, I genuinely mean it when I say that they are all incredible. But for me there were a few that stood out and these I will just briefly review.

Ally Vance – Hellfire
This story is based around one of the lesser known Disney movies, Hunchback of Notre Dame and for that reason a lot of people may not be familiar with the key characters and the main villain Frollo. But despite that there is no doubting who the villain is in this story. Ally manages to take a normal children’s story and twist it into something dark and deceptive but it still manages to hold some of the qualities that the original Disney characters have. This is one of the books that I can honestly say I am desperate for there to be more off. It was such a good read and was over before I even knew it. Ally has a way of creating characters that are dangerous and enticing all at the same time. I cannot recommend this story enough.

Claire Marta – Wish
Wish features around the well known Disney tale of Aladdin and the villain is Jafar. But I can tell you now that you need to forget everything you know about Aladdin because this blasts it to smitherines. In this retelling our villain is named Nadir and he is a successful gangster who runs a hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. But in the past he had everything stolen from him and he still holds resentment towards the boy who he feels wronged him and took everything from him.
In the past Nadir worked as the right hand man to crime Lord David Sudan and he was good at his job. But he was always tempted by David’s young daughter Jesse despite their 19 years age difference. He waited until she was old enough and went from seeing her as a child to all woman. Then his whole world was turned upside down when a cocky, arrogant kid called Aladdin came on the scene and framed Nadir, blackmailed David into becoming his second in command and asked for the hand in marriage of his princess Jesse.
Having lost everything Nadir builds his own empire and tries to forget about his desperate need for revenge. Until one night he sees a very drunk Jesse all alone in his casino. She is clearly flirting and looking for a good time, despite being engaged to Aladdin. A plan quickly forms and Nadir takes advantage of a drunken Jesse which results in them tied together for life. Stealing the daughter and fiance of his enemies seems like the perfect plan for revenge. But what happens when Nadirs plan to ruin Jesse starts to fall apart. Is he starting to fall in love with the girl or is that an emotion his dark heart will never be capable of?
This story is so good. It is dark, sexy and extremely addictive. I was hooked on this story and when it ended on a cliff hanger I was so frustrated because I wanted more. I do hope Claire plans on releasing more because this story has so much potential and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.

The Toy by Anna Edwards
This is a modern day retelling of the story of Peter Pan and Captain Hook. But there is almost nothing in this story that will remind you of the original. This modern day retelling is set within a University and features Bella (Tinker Bell) as our main character. She has been in a relationship with her boyfriend Peirs (Peter Pan) for a while but their relationship is not a happy one. Then one night Bella returns home to the house they share and finds Piers having sex with her best friend Gwen (Wendy). But if that wasn’t bad enough it turns out that Gwen’s brothers Evan and Mikey are also part of the foursome and Piers enjoys a little male attention as well as female.
Disgusted and distracted Bella flees and ends up in a car accident where she hurts her head. But she is saved by one of her professors Rook Jamieson (Captain Hook). He takes her to his house boat to help her recover from her head injury and it soon becomes clear that Rook is infatuated with Bella and plans to make her his. But does this have anything to do with the fact Piers is his mortal enemy and he is desperate for revenge or does he actually have feelings for Bella.
This story just throws that beautiful Disney story that everyone will remember from their childhood right out of the water, replacing it with sex orgy’s, kidnapping, manipulation, sex toys and a lot of sexual tension. But once you start this book Disney will be a distant memory and you will love this imaginative, sexy, manipulative retelling. This story most definitely leaves you on a cliif hanger and you will be desperate for more. I will be first in line to read the follow up book because this story was amazing.

Overall, there are so many good stories in this book and I have only been able to name but a few. But I can assure you that as you dive into each of these stories and devour them, not only will you be amazed and enthralled, you will be hoping for more. They will ruin every childhood memory you have of Disney characters and they will twist them into something unrecognisable yet sexy. But I can assure that will only make you crave more. I cannot recommend this anthology any more. It is such a clever concept and each author has rolled with that concept and produced something amazing that you will love.

Master of Games (Gods of Vegas Book Two) by Sienna Snow

Book Blurb:

He was my obsession. Haunting my dreams, reminding me of my past.

He was the one whose heart I destroyed.

Pierce Lykaios was everything I could want: captivating, cunning, and controlled. He understood my darkest desires and took pleasure in feeding my every craving.

And when I walked back into his world, it was my fault for letting the first touch lead to a second. And a third. I shouldn’t have let him reawaken my need.

Now I’m caught in his grasp with no hope of escape, unable to forget, unable to stop.

He says this time I won’t leave him. I won’t forget him. And I’m afraid he’s right.

My Review:

If you thought the Master of Sin was hot, then just wait until you meet the Master of Games. This book is sexy beyond compare and it will have you addicted before you even realise it. This is the second book in the Gods of Vegas book series and although they both could be read as standalones you will get a lot more from the storylines when they are read together. This review will feature spoilers from book one, so if you have not read it I would advise you not to continue reading. When I read Master of Sin, I thought it was impossible to get hotter than Hagen Lykaios, but Sienna Snow knew exactly what she was doing when she created Master of Games, Pierce Lykaios.

Pierce is the middle brother of the Lykaois boys and has always had a reputation for being a hot head. As a teenager he was an Olympic swimmer and it’s during his time on the Olympic team that he meets Olympic Taokwondo champion Amelia. They became teenage lovers and were each other’s’ first for everything. They fell hard and became infatuated with each other. But external pressures forced them apart and Amelia fled to Greece, where shortly after that she married Stavros Thanos, a middle-aged millionaire businessman. The news that Amelia had fled and married so quickly after breaking his heart caused Pierce to fly off the rails until Haden stepped in and forced him to straighten out.

Now, ten years later, Pierce is a man who has achieved so much in his life and along with his brothers he runs the entertainment world of Vegas. He is a sports promoter after getting banned from swimming for going off the rails in his teens. In his spare time he likes to indulge his kinky side in the sex clubs that he owns. But contrary to what the media portrays, he doesn’t go through an endless stream of girls and has always been monogamous. He has just arranged a prized fight for his up-and-coming fighter Hugo, against one of the best MMA fighters in the business, Apollo But there is a problem, Apollo is managed by the girl that got away, Amelia. When the fighters come to America to go into training Amelia comes too and steamrolls back into Pierces life. But after he discovers Amelia’s darkest secret he gives her a choice, but to gain his silence she has to submit to him. She does this easily and it is the start of a beautiful, sexy relationship. But secrets never stay that way forever.

Ame is such a fierce and tough character who has taken on so much during her life. She has moulded herself into the image that is expected of her, so as not to ruin the reputation of her deceased husband but in doing so she has lost some of herself. Being with Pierce, she may have to give away some of her control but she gains so much more in return. He knows her body and her desires better than she does. She learns to be herself and not to bow down to peer pressure. The love that she has for Pierce is so beautiful and when she finally decides to fight for him she really does shine and it is wonderful to see.

Oh wow, I cannot tell you how much I loved Pierce. He had so many reasons not to love or trust Amelia but they all went out of the window the minute that he sees her again. He has loved her for his whole life and cannot change that, but he doesn’t always show it in the best way. His instinct is to dominate and my word, when he does it is hot. He knows how to control Ame’s body and teaches her about pleasure and pain. The sex is unbelievably hot, made even better by the couple’s intense chemistry. It is obvious despite all the mistakes they have both made, that Pierce and Amelia were meant to be together and the way they fight for that is so amazing to witness.

As you know, this is the second book in the Gods of Vegas series and I am so pleased it is not the last because I am craving more. There is another gorgeous Lykaios brother that we have yet to see. But from what we have seen of Zack, the baby of the group, so far, I am sure that his story is going to be incredibly feisty. I am guessing that it will include a certain poker player who is also Penny’s cousin, Hanna, who can’t stop getting under Zack’s skin. Just from the few interactions that we have seen, I am sure we are in for a very steamy ride. So I cannot wait for book three.

Overall, I loved this book so very much and it just made the whole series even better. This book features drama, secrets, sizzling chemistry, kinky sex and some fierce MMA fighting, what more do you want from a book. The relationship between Amelia and Pierce has had its ups and downs. They have both made mistakes and outside interferences have forced them apart but it’s clear that they have always loved each other. Now is their time to get their happily ever after! This book will draw you in, get you hooked and leave you desperate for more. You will love this back and the whole series so far.

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Master of Sin (Gods of Vegas Book One) by Sienna Snow

Book Blurb:

“It was always him…The one I shouldn’t want, shouldn’t crave, the one who could destroy my carefully built life. Hagen Lykaios was the essence of sin, indulgence, and danger – everything I knew to avoid. All it took was one unexpected touch, and he consumed me, left me begging, needy, and hungry for more. He said if I entered his world he would corrupt me, own me, and change all that I had ever known…and you know what? I went anyway.”

My Review:

There has been a lot of hype around how great this book is and I was so drawn into reading it. But I like to go in with an open mind and make my own judgements. Let me tell you right now that this book didn’t just live up to the hype, it smashed it clear out of the water. In fact I am still fanning myself and feeling a bit overheated as I write this review. This book is dirty, dangerous and so sexy but there is a beautiful love story buried deep within and that is what will draw you in and keep you hooked.

Persephone ‘Penny’ (Starlight) Kipos lives a very sheltered and innocent life according to the outside world. She works and is a shareholder of Kipos International, the company founded by her late father. But all is not as it seems. Before her father’s death he had been about to divorce his second wife Dara, mother of his son and Penny’s half-brother Aiden. But his untimely death, in a suspicious road traffic accident, meant that the divorce did not go through and Dara became joint shareholder with Penny until Aiden turned 21 and could take his shares. Penny has been under the thumb to Dara, in order to protect Aiden who at eight years younger, has almost being raised by Penny. Penny has put her life on hold to ensure Aiden gets his inheritance but Dara will do everything in her power to stop it. In reality she has secretly set up her own chemical distillery and created Firewater, an alcoholic drink that is selling for thousands of dollars per bottle and is in exclusive supply and demand. Penny has always suspected Dara is behind her father’s death but in order to prove it she may have to make a deal with the devil. So it’s a good thing she has been in love with him for as long as she can remember!

Hagen Lykaios has had a rough life. He was disowned by his father and kicked out at the age of 17 and he ended up roaming the streets with nowhere to go. After living rough and hungry for months and fighting off abusers he is finally taken in by Draco Jackson, the Japanese mob boss who runs Las Vegas. He took Hagen in and trained him as his own but this included being part of a criminal underworld and taking part in things that gave him a reputation that would stick. Eventually Draco came to view Hagen as one of his grandsons and allowed him to go off and conquer Las Vegas, but to know he would always be bound to him. Hagen goes on to make a name for himself and together with his younger brothers Pierce and Zack, they set up their own company, which has branched out into several industries until they own Vegas. The brothers are well known and respected but Hagen and his past are feared more of all. He has earned his reputations as the Master of Sin and it is something his tries to live up to. But again, all is not as it seems. He is not completely the bad boy the press makes him out to be. He is not a womaniser and is in fact friends with most of his ex’s. They all know where they stand and that he doesn’t want a relationship. But that might have something to do with the fact that no woman has made him feel the way his childhood friend Penny has. Now Penny is finally asking to be corrupted and Hagen doesn’t have the strength to resist.

Hagen and his Starlight are one hell of a couple. I don’t think that I have ever read a book where I could almost feel the couple’s chemistry bleeding out of the pages. They are so hot they are almost on fire! Penny, despite her innocence, has always know Hagen is the one for her and has held out until the time is right. She is determined to make something happen and act on the burning need she has for Hagen. But Hagen believes he is not good enough for her and as a result struggles to say how he really feels. This leads to Penny having doubts until she realises that actions speak louder than words. Hagen is such a complex character. He is forced into darkness with his past but that is not truly who he is. He allows the world to see the stone-cold persona, as it works for him but with his Starlight he is kind, caring and almost in awe of her. His jealousy and possessiveness actually turned her on. Hagen has loved Penny for as long as he can remember but he just doesn’t know how to say the words. But he knows the minute she gives herself over to him she is his forever. He owns her body and soul but it’s the love she gives him that helps him to see that he is more than just his past.

This book is part of a series and we are introduced to Pierce and Zack, the other Gods of Vegas who will be getting their own books, I hope! Because of the serial element to the books there are some bits of the plot that have gone unanswered and I hope they are covered in the sequel. But there are no cliff hangers that will leave you frustrated, they are just loose ends that need tying off. Plus, whilst I love the fact Hagen and Starlight agree to be together forever, I wanted to see what that looked like. I want to know what happens next.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book. Hagen is a strong, alpha male who loves to dominate and talk dirty. Penny is an innocent girl with a secretive, feisty side that has loved Hagen for as long as she can remember and is desperate for him to corrupt her. This leads to a sexy, passionate, erotic relationship that sets both of their worlds on fire. This book features secrets, lies, intrigue, lust, sin and lots of dirty sex which is the perfect combo for a great book. I cannot recommend this book more and I can’t wait to start reading the next book.

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Stained Hearts (Kiss Me, Kill Me Anthology) by Ally Vance

Anthology Book Blurb:

USA Today and International Bestselling authors come together to deliver stories of dark decadence for a cause.

Watch A Serenade of Fireflies follow Sweet Caroline as she attempts to hide her Silent Deception from the Alpha. Only in Stolen Dreams will you learn the secrets of Our Tormented Love, that are kept under Locke & Key.
Can you survive The Syndicate or will you run from the White Widow and fall prey to her Beautiful Mercy? Be careful not to swallow the sweet poison of Bloodlust and become one of the vanished.

With Stained Hearts, follow along with the Master Marionette as he captures his Twisted Little Bird whether she’s Ready or Not. Will the Writhe finally bid a long Goodbye to The Dark Knight as endures the sorrow of the night’s bitter song.

Try not to do a Double Take when the Message Received is MINE: Press Start to Continue, because the monsters that lurk in these woods Watch Me Losing Faith in The Kiss.

And when all is said and done, watch as Getting Her Back in her bloodstained Stiletto heels becomes a much easier task than originally assumed.

Kiss Me, Kill Me.

An Anthology for American Forests.

Book Review:

This is a short, sexy, dark and dangerous story that will draw you in and leave you breathless. Ally says in her dedication at the start that this book is for her beta readers who are constantly pushing her to go darker and I think it is safe to say that this book manages to achieve that goal. This is not one for the faint hearted and if you trigger easily, particularly around violence or sexual abuse then this may not be the book for you. However, if you do give this book a go, I am sure you will not regret it.

Ten years ago Amelia’s life changed forever when Ryan took something from her that she could never get back. She was left broken and irrevocably changed but has tried to move on with her life as best she can. Then she met Adam, who with his own demons, matched her broken perfectly. He manages to bring out the pain that Amelia craves through sex and he owns her mind, body and soul. Through this she has finally found a way to cope with life. But what happens when Ryan walks back into her life and doesn’t even remember who she is. Will Amelia get the revenge that she craves?

Amelia is such a beautifully, broken soul. She is desperate to erase the hurt from her past and has entered into a masochistic sexual relationship with Adam to help her cope. She trusts him to push her mind and body to the limit, even if that means she has to bleed for the pain. I loved how strong Amelia was, even in her darkest time and it was fantastic to watch as she struggles with her humanity and considers her revenge.

Adam was a big enigma in this book. He is a dangerous, dominant and he loves to inflict pain. But it’s clear that he has his own demons that are fuelling his rage and he needs Amelia to be an outlet for his problems. I felt there was so much more going on with Adam and I would love to find out more and to get into his mind!

Adam and Amelia’s relationship is such a strange one because they find pleasure from hurting each other, yet they also have a strong emotional connection that has developed based on trust. When Amelia is in her darkest hour she calls on Adam for help and knows that he will come and he doesn’t let her down. Their dark and dangerous sex is hot and sexy. I really want more from this crazy duo.

Overall, I absolutely loved this incredible short story. It was dark, dangerous, a little crazy and a whole lot sexy. But beware this book is definitely not for the faint hearted. It is a romance book that certainly embraces its dark side and I loved it. I want so much more! I can’t wait to read the other books in the anthology.

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This book is available for Free on Kindle Unlimited or can be purchased here:

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2YOIXYR

Broken Hart (The Hart Duet Book One) by Bo Reid

Book Blurb:

Hartley

The course of your life can change in a single moment. That’s how it was the day he took everything from me. Nothing would ever be the same.

Kasen

They say timing is everything, and my timing has always been wrong. Then she crashed into my life. For the first time I was in the right place at the right time. And all the wrong moments had lead me to her.

Lucas

She was promised to me from the very beginning but refused to accept it. Until the day I claimed what had always been mine. And yet, she still pretended we would never work, as if she had any choice in the matter.

I’ll make her mine again or take away everything she has ever loved before I ruin her all over again.

Broken Hart is Book One of The Hart Duet, must be read in order.
The Hart Duet is a medium burn, contemporary romance, trigger warnings for sexual assault, and violence.

My Review:

This book is the type of book that creeps up on you, infuses into your veins and before you know it you are so addicted that you cannot put the book down. It’s a story about giving second chances, not judging before getting to know someone and breaking society’s moulds. Broken Hart is the first book in the Hart Duet and you need to be aware that it ends on one hell of a cliff-hanger that will leave you desperate for more. It also features scenes of sexual assault and violence that may be a trigger warning for some people. But I do need to say that the scenes are tastefully written and are an important part of the plot, so whilst it may be an issue for some people, for others I hope it does not put you off.

Hartley has experienced something so painful and tragic that her life would never be the same again. But out of that darkness came a ray of light and she used that to help cope with her pain. She is learning to live her life the best way that she can when she is involved in a road traffic accident. One of the people who witnesses the accident has medical knowledge and can help her, but he is a prisoner on the prison transport bus at the time of the wreck. She is given the choice as to whether to let him be involved and help or not. But when she takes one look at him and feels a spark causing her to trust him instantly, she allows him to help and that changes both of their lives forever.

Hartley is a tough and feisty heroine. She has had a rough past which has left her more than a little broken but she is still not afraid to fight for the people that she loves. Hartley is very closed off and there were times when she failed to communicate with Kasen openly either out of fear or protection, which was incredibly frustrating. This was a part of her personality that did annoy me at times, but I could understand why she was the way she was, and it made her more relatable. Her kindness and the love she has for her family and friends made her such a great character.

Kasen is such an amazingly beautiful character. He has had a rough past and was broken by circumstance leading to him having almost no self-worth. But despite being in the wrong place at the wrong time, he accepted his punishment and is determined to right the wrongs of his past. Now faced with having to live life with his mistakes hanging over his head, he struggles with how to adapt back to society, which is when Hartley offers him a lifeline he grabs with both hands. Kasen is so sweet and kind, as well as a little bit broken, but he is the type of character you can’t help but love. Oh and every time I saw him playing with Brooks my ovaries literally hurt, that is how gorgeous they are together.

Kasen and Hartley have such a beautiful and sweet relationship. I loved how they met and the instant connection and trust that two people created in an awful situation, was so beautiful to witness. However, despite the fact they both felt the same way they allowed the pain and heartbreak of their past to influence them are were reluctant to open up and be in a relationship. What results is a beautiful friendship that slowly blossoms into something romantic and it made their relationship feel more natural and believable. They both help each other to heal and watching them learn to love each other was so beautiful and special.

This book features some fantastic secondary characters that all play an important role in the plot. They are so well written that there is potential for them to all get their own stories. I loved Sol and learning about Hartley and Sol’s childhood. They are such beautiful people and I loved the fact that they did not want to be part of the wealthy society that is expected of them. Instead they choose to look beyond labels and support people who would normally be ostracised. Sol was so kind and devoted to his family that I would love to see him get his own story and find love. Lucas on the other hand is one of those characters that is integral to the plot and you will feel compelled to hate him. I desperately wanted him to suffer a slow and painful death that I am hoping Bo Reid will be more than happy to provide in the next instalment.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book. The plot is so captivating and flows easily and naturally. It is written perfectly and makes you fall into the pages without even realising until you are engrossed and cannot put the book down. Broken Hart is full of emotions and it will give you all of the feels. But be warned there is a cliff-hanger ending that will leave you speechless and desperately craving more. This book is filled with pain, drama, angst, second chances and love. It will make you question stereotypes and how society can put people into boxes with labels. But mostly it will make you fall in love with Hart, Kasen and Brooks. I loved this book and am desperately waiting for the second instalment. Hurry up please Bo, I am desperate to find out what happens next.

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This book is available for Free on Kindle Unlimited or can be purchased here:

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2MhyTRM

Boyfriend Bargain (Hawthorne University Book One) by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Book Blurb:

Top 8 Amazon Bestseller: #1 Sports Romance, #1 New Adult and College Romance
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills returns with an all-new swoon-fest of a novel about what happens when you take a chance on love.

Broke and desperate, Sugar Ryan has no use for arrogant, bad-boy athletes . . . until she’s forced to bargain with the cockiest of them all.

If only he knew she was alive.

Her mission? Get on this hockey player’s radar any way possible.

Zack Morgan is the king of the ice and the bedroom, but nothing prepares him for the mystery girl who shows up everywhere he does–frat parties, his favorite bar, and finally his front door with an offer he can’t refuse. The only rule in her boyfriend bargain: no falling in love. But after one (um, two) smoking-hot hookups, he’s done with pretending and vows to make their fake relationship real. Too bad she can’t trust a player with a reputation for breaking hearts.

Will this hockey star score his forever girl, or will this boyfriend bargain end in heartbreak?

★★★★★”Steamy and emotionally intense, Boyfriend Bargain is the perfect new adult sports romance! Ilsa Madden Mills has done it again with this sexy must read!” — Melanie Harlow, USA Today bestselling author

My Review:

If I was to tell you that this book is a classic new adult love story about a star hockey player who falls in love with a shy, but quirky girl who isn’t into hockey and after a turbulent journey they get their happily ever after, you would think that you have read this story before. Throw in a bargain that the main characters have, to pretend to be in a relationship since, the male lead doesn’t believe in commitment and the female needs to benefit from his fame, and then you can see that it is a little different but has still been done before. But let me tell you now that these classic labels do not do this book any justice, it is so much more and then some! You will fall in love with this book and I wouldn’t blame you because I did too.

Zack ‘Z’ Morgan looks like he has the perfect life. He is in his final year of college and has already been signed to go pro in the NHL, but he decided to stay and play hockey for his college team to try and help them win the championship after losing last year, whilst also finishing his school work. Zack lives and breathes hockey and trains hard to be the best. Other than school and spending time with his best friend Eric and brother Reece, everything he does is hockey. He is not interested in the social standing that comes with being famous, in fact it is something that he runs away from. He has women throwing themselves at him be he doesn’t want any form of commitment. He is well known for having a woman of the month and is happy to let them think that this is true so they know he can’t offer women anything long-term. In reality Z has pain and heartbreak in his past which make him think that he is not deserving of love and so he shies away from it. But all of that changes when he think he sees a ghost from his past, when really she is actually his future.

Sugar Rae Ryan has most definitely not had an easy life. Her mum and dad did not have a normal relationship, in fact her dad was already married with two other children leaving her and her mum as his dirty little secret. Then when she turns eight years old and his wife finds out about the affair, Sugar’s dad pays them to leave town so as to not cause his family more pain. This tore Sugar and her mum up and she didn’t agree that her mum kept letting him back into their world whenever he called. But no matter what happens, he never actually acknowledges Sugar as one of his children and she never takes his name. Then as a teen her mum passed away leaving her alone and she was taken in by her mums best friend Mara, who owns a strip club. Sugar dreams of becoming a lawyer and wants to go to Vanderbilt, one of the best law schools in the country and also the school that her father and all his family attended. It is her way of saying that she really is good enough even if her Dad does not want her. But then despite having near perfect test scores she gets wait-listed and her world comes crashing down. She needs a plan and finds out that the Dean of admissions has a passion for hockey and is looking forward to Zack Morgan joining the team that he supports. This is when Sugar devises a plan to ask Zack to be her fake boyfriend and take her to the admissions meal for wait listed students, to help change the dean’s mind. The only problem is that Zack Morgan doesn’t even know that she exists. So she goes to his known hangouts in the hopes of meeting him and when they do meet it starts a chain of events that they can’t undo. But the number one rule of their boyfriend bargain is that they can’t fall in love. Will they be able to stick to their own rule and do they even want to?

Oh wow, do I love Z and Sugar’s relationship so very much. I challenge anybody to read this book and not to fall in love with Z. He is tall, sexy and powerful. He goes after what he wants and is possessive over what is his. But there is a darkness to him and he is heartbroken over the past, but hearing about his past and the guilt he feels was heart-breaking. I loved seeing how he deals with his issues and despite letting them get the better of him for a while, he does not let them beat him. I found it refreshing that the alpha male in the book was portrayed as dealing with mental health issues and wasn’t just living a life where everything came easy. This not only made him more real and relatable but actually I was attracted to him a lot more. Plus I love how he takes charge during sex and who doesn’t love a bit of dirty talking!

I also really liked Sugar as a character. She was funny, quirky and a bit of a loner. She has allowed her past and her experiences to influence her ability to trust people to prevent herself from getting hurt. This distrust is made worst by her musician ex of two years, who cheated on her for not attending every concert of his. Sugar is determined to stand on her own and be her own person. She doesn’t want popularity and is happy with the couple of friends that she has. When doubt is thrown her way about Z she knows that she shouldn’t believe it but her struggles with trust and men runs deep. She is determined not to get hurt even if that means walking away first and not giving things a chance. At times I wanted to physically shake her and make her realise how much Z loved her but it was obvious that she needed to get there on her own.

Overall, I loved this book so very much. The love that they have is beautiful and shines so bright that it is enough to keep both of their dark past at bay. I loved the secondary characters that we are introduced to in this book. Eric is gorgeous and hilarious. Reece is just as tortured and brooding as his brother, so he deserves a bit of love away from living in the shadow of his big brother. Boone is such a sweetie and his idolisation of Z is great, I would love to see more of his story. I also loved Sugar’s friends Taylor, Julia and Poppy. I think there are good stories available for all of them, particularly Julia. Although I suspect that Julia’s story cannot be told without Eric. Either way, I can honestly say that I am looking forward to whatever book Ilsa Madden-Mills produces next, because I can guarantee that I will be reading it. As for this book it is full of heartbreak, drama, anxiety, laughter, friendship, hockey and some hot as sin sex; what more could you be looking for in a book. I cannot recommend this book more and am sure I will be reading it again very soon!

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This book is available for Free on Kindle Unlimited or can be purchased here:

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2T1QSMt

Unbroken (Undisputed Book Two) by Aaron L. Speer

Book Blurb:

When Ava Beckinsale’s parents discover their daughter’s attraction to women, they decide a radical medical treatment is the only way to fix her.

When Ava finds out what’s really happening during her sessions with the doctor, she runs to the only friend she has left, a retired MMA fighter.

With his help, Ava will reach for the only thing that hasn’t been stripped away: her dream of forging her own career in MMA.

Where the only things that matter are the strength of your character, the size of your heart and whether you have the courage to get back up when you’ve been knocked down.

Despite everything she’s endured, her true test will begin in the Cage. To conquer it, and everything life will throw at her, she’ll have to learn: sometimes your biggest opponent is yourself.

My Review:

This is book two in the undisputed series and after reading about gorgeous, tough MMA fighter Owen, I did not think it would be possible for the series to get better but this book manages easily. Unbroken features everything including fighting, forbidden love, hatred, friendship, violence, abuse, angst and the journey of self-discovery. But this book is not your traditional love story. In fact it is the best type of love story, it is the one where you learn to love yourself. This book features quite a lot of trigger points including domestic violence, sexual abuse, prejudicial hatred and lesbian romance and sex. If any of these are not your cup of tea or may offend you then you may not want to read this, but honestly whilst some of these things are never easy to read about they very much did enhance the story.

Ava Beckinsale was raised in a good Christian background, where her parents had exceptionally strict standards and expectations for her. They did not support her dream of becoming a fighter. Instead they just wanted her to find a good man to marry, who would look after her and provider for her while she takes care of the house and has children. At the young age of 17, Ava knew what the future was for her and that wasn’t it. She knew that she was gay and has always had feelings for women instead of men. Then she starts up a secret relationship with her childhood best friend Jasmine. At the same time she is training at her local gym with ex-MMA fighter Ruben who becomes a great friend to Ava. When Ava and Jasmine’s sexual relationship is discovered at their school, both of their parents are informed and this sets off a chain of events that will change their lives forever.

Ava’s parents believe that she is doing the devil’s work and will go to hell if her attitude does not change. A gay conversion doctor is recommended to them and they take Ava to receive treatment. She goes weekly to see him, takes tablets and then is injected with an unknown substance that makes her feel woozy and relaxed. The doctor then uses hypnosis to try to change Ava’s sexuality. Until one session Ava forgets to take her medication and finds out the true extent of the ‘care’ she is receiving. Feeling betrayed by the doctor she rushes to tell her mum who says she already knows that the doctor is using less than scientific ways to see if Ava reacts sexually to a man. So after arguing with her mum Ava runs away to Ruben and his boyfriend Chris and they agree to take Ava in. They support her and when Ava says she wants to train as a fighter they agree to be her trainers. She progresses quickly and eventually finds herself in her first professional match. But instead of being against a low ranking opponent, because of several scandals and declining interest in the women’s division, she ends up facing her personal hero and undisputed female champion for several year, Veronica Nash. Nash is expected to trample newbie Ava and so the world is shocked when scrappy Ava puts up a good fight and although Nash wins, they both end up in the hospital.

Jasmine has not has an easy life. Since her relationship with Ava was discovered, her family moved away believing that Ava was the one corrupting Jasmine. They sent her to church classes and forced her into dating boys. Adam is picked for Jasmine and they are thrown together at church camp. They grow close and Jasmine tells him about her past. He say that he is understanding and cares for her still but Jasmine continues to struggle to cope and turns to self-harm as an outlook for the pain. Her parents force her relationship with Adam to progress and they begin seriously dating. He makes it clear that he wants sex from Jasmine. She holds out saying that she doesn’t want sex before marriage. With her parents’ consent Adam then tells her that they are getting married without even asking her. What results is a very unhappy marriage filled with abuse and violence. Jasmine’s only relief is when she thinks of a happier time with Ava. So when she sees Ava has been admitted to hospital after the fight she is determined to find her and make sure she is alright.

This book is presented as a love story between Ava and Jasmine but it is not. We do get glances into their first love and how they deal with it, and their feelings are beautiful to witness. Also seeing how they find their way back to each other was great. But when they do find each other again their relationship doesn’t flourish like they hope. They both realise that they have grown a lot over the years and their needs and dreams are no longer aligned. But they need to come back together for closure. Jasmine needed to see that it is alright for her to feel the way that she does and that she does not have to conform just to meet the expectations of her parents. Whereas Ava learns that she is a fighter and always will be. She needs to stand up for what she believes in, fight through the pain and humiliation, and learn to accept and love the person she is. Watching Ava learn to be brave and love herself was something extraordinary. It inspired me and made me want to be a fighter in life, which is a powerful thing for words to do.

This book is full of fantastic characters that I love. Ava was so inspiring, tough and passionate but she was also afraid and lost, which made her a very relatable person. The pain she has faced in her past was heart-breaking but she uses that to give her strength which is inspiring. Jasmine was so unhappy with her life but she did not have the fight that Ava had. She chose to conform to her parents’ wishes and this resulted in her becoming meek, depressed and generally very lost. But with Ava’s helps she fights back, learns to accept who she is and get her sparkle and strength back which is great to see. I loved both Ruben and Chris and the way that they took Ava in almost as their adopted daughter. They supported her, showed her love and stood by her to help her achieve her dream. But they also had their own backstories and flawed personalities. They too go on a journey in this book and having Ava in their life is something special.

We also get a small catch up with Owen Gasnier and Tegan’s best friend Fiona, from the first book, as there is a little crossover between the two books that just reminded me of how kind and awesome Owen is. Then there is Veronica Nash. She is painted throughout the book as a cold heartless villain because that is the role that the fight promoters need her to play, but we got to see a different side of her. She is someone who is focused on fighting as it is all she has in her life, no friends, family or a life outside of fighting. But really she is lonely, she feels guilt and admiration towards Ava after the fight. She is an awful lot more than what we see in the fight promotion and personally I would love to see Nash get her own book and happiness. I also loved Ava’s dad who was willing to admit his mistakes and put to love he has for his daughter before his beliefs.

While there was a lot of characters that I loved this book also featured a lot of characters that you cannot help but hate. Ava’s parents hid behind their Christian belief and allowed her to be subjected to hatred rather than supporting their children for who they really are. Ava’s mother who knew about the pain Ava has been subjected to, but was too worried about her social standing within the church, that she allowed it to happen. I cannot possibly understand her positioning and Speer did a fantastic job of making me hate her along with the evil perverted doctor. He claimed his methods were in the name of science but he abused the position of trust and this I cannot possibly understand. You go to a doctor for help and you put your trust in them, so for them to break that trust it is awful. But no character did I hate more than Jasmine’s partner Adam. He was a sexist pig that not only had an archaic view of what the role of a wife entailed, but I hated the fact that he saw Jasmine as his property and that he felt he had the right to have rough sex with her whenever he wanted, was completely disgusting. His behaviour as an abuser could not have made me hate him more and I think that this book very much makes sure he gets what he deserves.

Overall, I could not love this book any more. I did not think that it would be possible to enjoy this book as much as I did the first, but actually it was so much better. What is so fantastic about this book is that it is full of beautifully written words that will empower and give the reader inspiration whilst making them feel so much. Aaron L Speer is a fantastic author who has the power to drag emotions out of you that you never even saw coming. This book is a rollercoaster ride that you will love. I do hope there is more in this series.

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This book is available for Free on Kindle Unlimited or can be purchased here:

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2YCK516

Undisputed (Book One) by Aaron L. Speer

Book Blurb:

“Speer has not just delivered a love story, but a story which had strength, fight, beauty, and a wonderfully woven tenderness. I was glued to the pages” – International Best Selling Author, Belle Brooks

“Excellent jaunt into the fighter universe. I love this story!” – Brandi, Let’s Read Romance Book Blog

The steamy, adrenaline fueled, Sports Romance from the award winning author of the Undeadly Secrets series that will melt your kindles, before sending them to the mat!

Owen Gasnier is a gentleman even inside the Cage. As much of a gentleman as one can be having an undisputed record with every win by a knock out. People LOVE him.

Overworked barista Tegan Holland doesn’t know he exists. Not until ten minutes before her friend Fiona drags her to the biggest cage fight Sydney has ever seen.

By the time he heads back to his training camp in the States, she’ll never forget him. But should she let him forget her? He’s chasing his dream. He doesn’t have time for her. Does he?

For Owen, the hits just keep coming. Trash talking opponents, sensationalist media, and someone’s out to ruin him for good. He can’t put Tegan in the middle of it. Can he?

Soon, will any of it matter? Cause life has other plans, and NOTHING hits harder than life.

*CAN BE READ AS A STAND ALONE*

“Undisputed was a book that kept me on the boil. My interest was high because there always was something going on and the word-smithing was perfection… and, holy hell, there was some pretty intense scenes between Gaz and Teagan. Or should I say, classy, steamy, h-o-t” – via Amazon

“Even if you are not big on romance you have to read it for Fiona. She is the most hilarious female side kick I have ever read. I had tears rolling from laughing at her” – via Amazon

“This was a great MMA romance. This book brings the feels with it and has you wishing the characters were really human. This book is very different from the author’s other work I’ve read but in a great way. Shows how capable the author is at creating a sports romance different than others that are written” – Book Luvr’s Cave

My Review:

This book is the first book in the Undisputed Series, and it is a fantastic book about picking your battles, never giving up and most importantly making sure that you have people by your side that can help you win. This story is heartfelt, funny, full of angst and has an enormous amount of love and passion. Undisputed will draw you in and make you hungry for more, but prepare for it to twist you up while you read.

Owen ‘Gaz’ Gasnier is an MMA fighter who has dreamed of becoming a world heavyweight champion and has done his whole life. Owen’s father, Robert, was a top fighter but the sport ruined his marriage and ultimately Owens family life, however in spite of this he still wants to succeed. What happened to his family reminds him that the life of a fighter and the commitment he puts into training means that a relationship is not possible. Robert never wanted Gaz to make the same choices and mistakes that he did and therefore didn’t want him to become a fighter. But when Gaz does it anyway, Robert decides to stick by him and acts as his manager and trainer. They choose to face the MMA world as a father and son duo.

Gaz fights hard but fair, he’s the only competitor in his division who doesn’t attack when an opponent is knocked to the ground, instead waiting for them to get back up. This strategy works and has left him undefeated so far. He is Australia’s only MMA heavyweight fighter, so when he returns home from the US to fight it is a big deal. If he wins that fight he only has one more opponent to take down and then he can challenge to take on the champion.

After his hometown win he is taken to the meet and greet area, which Gaz loves because his fans are important to him. There are times he wishes that he wasn’t noticed by fans but he isn’t big headed or cocky, knowing that there are people out there who are doing much more impressive things that are deserving of love and support, but he is still very grateful. At the meet and greet there is a scuffle and he is escorted out of the room, which is when a gorgeous girl catches his eye right before she starts to vomit. Little does Gaz know this would be the start of a relationship that changes both of their lives.

Tegan has not had it easy growing up. She has no family and is haunted by a traumatic past, but despite this manages to remain strong and independent. She is supported by her best friend that she works at the coffee house with, Fiona. Fiona is a massive MMA fan and when one of her friends couldn’t go to the fight they gave Fiona two tickets to the big fight. Knowing Tegan has been living a somewhat shy lifestyle, she invites her along to the fight despite the fact she knows nothing about fighting and thought the Gasnier posters she had seen advertised were a band!

After putting up a fight initially she agrees to go. Tegan doesn’t enjoy the warm up matches and would even go as far as to say that she was bored. But all of that changes when gorgeous, strong, muscular Gaz steps into the cage and ends things in a few seconds with a deadly punch. She can’t help but be drawn to Owen as he is very enigmatic and almost brooding. When Fiona and Tegan realise they have meet and greet tickets they argue about her needing to socialise more and she is guilted into going. Whilst all the other girls are crowding and pushing at each other to get to Gaz, Tegan stands back instead helping herself to some prawns. But when she starts to feel sick she runs out to the garden space to vomit. Then she feels someone pull her hair back she looks up expecting it to be Fiona. Instead she meets Owen and her life changes forever.

I absolutely loved Own and Tegan’s relationship. It starts off fast, heated and passionate because they think they only have a couple of nights together and so they decide to make it count. But the more time they spend together, the more they realise they don’t want it to end and it becomes clear that their feelings are more than a fling. But Owen has to return to the US to train for his fights. So they keep in touch and agree to meet up when he returns to Australia. But sadly events get in the way and they face turbulent times ahead that tests them both as people and their relationship.

Tegan is an absolutely fantastic character. She is shy and quiet at first but there is a fierce, proud fighter inside of her. She has faced unbelievable pain and suffering and still is struggling. She pushes Owen away thinking that she doesn’t need him but not realising that they both need each other. So, when she does slowly let him in she begins to trust that he could love her and she finds strength from him. Seeing her at her lowest was incredibly sad and I was so desperate for her to find happiness.

I loved Owen so much. He is strong, honourable and incredibly gorgeous. The fact that he is prepared to give up in his dream for Tegan was such a beautiful gesture. I think while the news portrays him as a bad boy, the truth is far from it. The love, support and care that he shows Teagan when she is at her lowest was so beautiful. If you weren’t in love with him after that, wait until he starts interacting with his young fans because that will win you over and make you sign up to the Gasnier fan club for sure. I loved his strength and determination but also the fact he knew when he needed to ask for help and that is an incredibly hard thing to do. When he goes into the cage I was on the edge of my seat and felt like I was watching the fight live. That is how great the writing is!

Overall, I loved this book so much. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I felt sad, annoyed, angry, upset, embarrassed, joy, laughter and love. I didn’t know it was possible to feel that many emotions when reading one book. I know this is the first book in the series and I cannot express how much I am looking forward to the next book. This is the first book that I have read by Aaron L Speer, but his ability to create lifelike characters that are relatable and get me to care about them so much, is incredibly clever. Then add on top of that a great plotline and you have a truly great book. This will most certainly not be the last book of Speer’s that I read. Bring on book 2!

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This book is available for Free on Kindle Unlimited or can be purchased here:

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2ZE5Jis

Ivy’s Poison (Cavalieri Della Morte Series Book 5) by India R. Adams

Book Blurb:

Bors is hungry for revenge after one of his assignments spins out of control. Not only is he tortured by the man he was hired to murder, the president of a notorious and ruthless motorcycle club, but he’s also left in the care of the man’s deranged daughter, Ivy. And she knows exactly who is chained and at her mercy, the one she has wanted dead for three years.

During captivity, Bors witnesses what has become of Ivy’s life, and finds himself trapped between hatred and sorrow for his female tormentor.

“It only took one day for me to hate her more than my worst enemy.
Only took two to start planning her death.
And only three… to fall in love with her.”

Bors is an avenger. Especially Ivy’s.

*This book contains dark content, and triggers. Reader’s discretion is advised*

My Review:

This is the fifth instalment in the Cavalieri Della Morte Series focusing on a group of assassins that are led by their leader Arthur. As with the other instalments this book features a strong and sexy man who loves to kill and finds his romantic match. But this book has just that bit more grit and drama than the other books that I have reviewed in the series and I love it.

This instalment features Bors who lives a very solitary life. After growing up in lots of different foster homes and never fitting in due to his scary height and looks, he was left feeling lonely. Until one foster mother, a nun, took him in and gave him strength. She knew he had the potential to have a family and to lead a normal life one day. But Bors did not see it, which is why he joined the Cavalieri Della Morte. He is a great assassin because that is all he has in his life. Arthur allows him to own a home because he never had one growing up. But whenever Bors returns home in between the jobs he is reminded of how something is missing from his life. He thinks he doesn’t want a relationship or any commitment but deep down he no longer wants to be alone. His next job tasks him with taking out the president of the most deadly motorcycle gang in the area. Whilst doing the recon, his target walks into the same bar Bors is in, along with his gang and daughter. So imagine Bors surprise when the daughter turns out to be the crazy redhead he had sex with three years before, who blew his mind. The only woman he can’t stop thinking about.

Ivy has had a horrible upbringing. Being brought up by her father, alone in a motorcycle gang, is not easy. Her dad has been selling Ivy to his men and business associates for years. Allowing her to be raped, used and abused, while he pockets the cash from it. She has never dreamed of a better life because that would mean having hope and hers died a long time ago. But her life changes dramatically when she meets Bors, her priority switches but the dangers increase. That night with her mystery man, her Champ, has stayed with her and so when he reappears back into her life she is pleased. Until she discovers Bors deadly secret and it threatens to ruin everything forever.

I loved Ivy as a character. She is feisty, tough and extremely protective. But when you break through her walls you can see that she is actually a scared, broken, little girl who has been hurt in the worst way possible by the one person who was supposed to love and protect her. I loved the fact that she was a little crazy and quirky. It made her seem more relatable and I liked her so much more.

Bors was also such a great character. He epitomises the tall, dark, grizzly brooding man persona. He is focused on his work and is very task orientated. He lives for the kill and is constantly planning and thinking of back up plans for if things go wrong. But when he meets Ivy he finds a kindred soul. They are both a bit lost and a bit crazy, which is why they work so well together. I loved Bors protective nature and the way that he falls in love even though to him it means giving over his man card. But if you weren’t in love with him before then seeing the love and adoration that he has for Jade will make your ovaries explode.

I loved Ivy and Bors relationship. It was very turbulent, with lots of fighting and anger, but all of that was just their own weird version of foreplay. The chemistry between them sizzles and literally sparked off the page. I loved watching Ivy learn to trust Bors and then Bors learning to realise that letting women into his life and creating his own family is exactly what he wants. The sex between them is hot and dirty, but it also becomes slow and sensual when it needs to be for their bonding. They are both willing to share control in the bedroom and I think that not only showed mutual trust but a mutual love and respect too.

Overall, I loved this book so very much. It is a fantastic addition to the series and I know that this is a bold statement as we are only five books in, but this is probably my favourite so far. I liked Ivy’s strong will and the fact that she wasn’t a meek submissive. I loved Bors’ strong and beautifully caring personality. This book has lies, drama, deceit, murder, sex, love and a whole lot of knives. But I will say this book is not for the faint hearted. It features graphic discussion of child abuse and there are scenes of domestic violence and rape, which some readers may not enjoy. I would suggest that you read the disclaimer at the beginning of the book, which tells you which chapters to avoid so that you can still enjoy the book. I personally think that whilst the scene is very disturbing it did add a lot of context to the plot. This book adds so much to the series and it just shows that the series keeps getting better and better. As with all the books in the series that I have reviewed so far, I would definitely recommend Ivy’s Poison as it is a fantastic read that you will struggle to put down.

Note: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is available for Free on Kindle Unlimited or can be purchased here:

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2lkUoF0

The Dark Underworld (The Chosen Coven Book 2) by D.L. Blade

Book Blurb:

t’s been a year, and I can feel my powers growing stronger, but almost too strong, too fast. I’m having difficulty controlling them, and it’s hurting the ones I love. The ones who I forced to be free of me after I took away my feelings for them.

Caleb is relentless though; he won’t stop fighting for me. There’s also Dorian, who’s now back in my life, and vowing to help protect me when I need.

A shadow lingers again, an enemy from my past. He wants me back. He will kill the ones I love to have me back. There’s a darker, more sinister plan he and the traitors of our kind are brewing, and once I find out what it is, I’ll kill them.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“While the first book of this series introduced you to the characters and the fascinating world the author has created; this book brings the story to a whole new level.”

***

Mercy’s life changed forever when she discovered that not only is she a witch, but that she was born to rid the world of vampires once and for all.

After a year of intense training to hone her powers, she and her coven are pulled into a murder case in her hometown of East Greenwich. The coven, with the help of a friend with direct ties to the investigation, discovers that a vampire attack claimed the victim’s life. Mercy suspects the killer belongs to a new clan in town, The Black Horse, and goes undercover in the vampire underworld. There, she’ll discover dark, long-hidden secrets and face her father from her previous life, who she learns is the leader of this ruthless undead.

New relationships will develop, friendships will be tested, and lives will be lost.

As Mercy draws closer to finding the killer, a villain from her past creeps out of the shadows. Maurice, centuries-old vampire, is thirsty for revenge after her coven took down his clan.

The Chosen Coven will now have to combine the forces of the Universal Elements, to fight the darkness that falls on their city.

Author Notes & Disclaimer:

Violence, mild language, non-graphic intimacy scene and attempted rape scene.

This will be a three-book series. It is recommended to read book one, ‘The Dark Awakening’ before reading book two. Their final battle will conclude in book three, and will be released in the fall of 2019 or spring of 2020

My Review:

This is the fantastic follow up book to The Dark Awakening, book one in the Chosen Coven series and they must be read in order. If you loved the first book as much as I did then you will be blown away by this follow up. If you have read my review for the first book you will know the basic idea of the book and who the main characters are and this review will contain spoilers if you have not read the first review or book. This book contains even more drama, suspense and heartbreak.

The Dark Underworld is set almost a year after the events of the first book and everyone has moved on with their lives, after Mercy cast her spell to forget about her feelings for both Caleb and Dorian. She is no longer the innocent girl who is in the dark about her life as she was in the first book. She is now a cold warrior who is focused on her powers and getting revenge.

Riley is now dating his pack member Amber and they are at Brown University together but have promised Mercy pack support when needed. Cami has been left mentally effected after being possessed by Kylan and needs to be cared for full-time in an institution. Her other human friends have moved away for school after struggling with the idea that the supernatural world exists. Caleb lives with his family who have now been made human and he is trying to move on with his life by dating the medical examiner Melissa, who helps them with supernatural autopsies. While Caleb cares for Melissa it is obvious that his heart still belongs to Mercy and he is struggling to deal with her decision to cast the spell. Dorian is living with his shifter friend Noah and has no physical contact with Mercy, only keeping in touch by occasional text as she requested. But it is obvious that Dorian does not want to forget and move on. Mercy lives with the remaining members of her coven but does not let them in and tries to do everything by herself. Joel and his husband have moved nearer so that he can be there for Lily and Mercy and to help her with her training. Lily has also moved on and has found a new boyfriend Bradley. He is kind, cute and cares so much for Lily but he does not know anything about the supernatural world. However, can people be part of that world and not find out the truth?

Knowing that her blood can make vampires human, Mercy is on the hunt and gives bad vampires a choice; she will either turn them human or kill them. But the vampires who are not hurting anyone, they agree to form a truce and if the vampires do not kill then neither will Mercy. But the evil in the town and the killings continues and evidence leans towards the vampires again. Mercy suspects that Maurice, the evil vampire clan leader that they defeated in book one, is seeking his revenge and is responsible for the deaths. But is he really responsible for the deaths or is there another threat in their town.

Mercy was a very difficult character to understand in this book. After taking away her feelings she was obviously very cold towards both Caleb and Dorian, but she could not understand why they were so hurt by her actions. She came across very irrational at times and it was very much her way or the high way. Despite being the most inexperienced and part of a very powerful coven, she is very set in her opinions and jumps into things by herself without thinking things through. But I think it is obvious that she is going through a very rough time and struggling with the power that she has and her erratic actions are as a result of her pain.

One of the things that is did struggle with when reading this book is that there seemed to be lots of different creatures and characters being introduced. At times I found it difficult to keep up with all the different introductions, but maybe that was just something that I found when reading. I think to create a whole supernatural world, a lot of characters are needed to make it realistic so this may have been an unavoidable problem.

Overall, this is a fantastic book that is filled with lots of drama, angst, violence and lust. What I loved is that no matter how much I read, I do not know which of the boys Mercy will end up with. I literally change my mind constantly and that is a true talent created by D.L. Blade. It is obvious that Mercy shares a strong bond with Caleb and that their love is very strong. But with Darian they are full of heat and passion. Even after casting the spell to forget her emotions, their chemistry is still palpable and cannot be erased. I hate to pick sides because I love them both but if I am being honest Dorian gets my vote. He is brooding, kind and incredibly sexy. He cares for Mercy and wants to be with her but most importantly he treats her as his equal rather than telling her what to do.

I know that there is going to be a third book in the series, so I knew there would be some unresolved issues. But, my word, I cannot express how much D.L. Blade killed me with this cliff-hanger. It literally left me with my mouth hanging open and grasping for more, so I hope I don’t have to wait too long until book three is available. This whole series has been fantastic so far and I have loved being dragged into the supernatural world of the Chosen Coven. But there is no denying how great this book is and that it has left me twisted up and desperate for the next book!

Note: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is available for Free on Kindle Unlimited or can be purchased here:

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2jKU1Dl