Book Review: Crush the King (Crown of Shards, Book #3) by Jennifer Estep ~ @Jennifer_Estep #EpicFantasy #Fantasy

Book Information:

Series: A Crown of Shards Novel (Book 3)

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Harper Voyager

Publish Date: March 17, 2020
ISBN-10: 0062797697
ISBN-13: 978-0062797698

About the Book:

Queen Everleigh Blair of Bellona has survived the mass murder of the royal family, become a fearsome warrior trained by an elite gladiator troupe, and unleashed her ability to destroy magic. After surviving yet another assassination attempt orchestrated by the conniving king of Morta, Evie has had enough. It’s time to turn the tables and take the fight to her enemies.

There is no better opportunity to strike than during the Regalia Games, a time when warriors, nobles, and royals from all the kingdoms come together to compete in various sporting events. With the help of her loyal friends, Evie goes on the attack at the Regalia, but things don’t turn out the way she hopes. Soon, she is facing a terrifying new threat, and she will have to dig deep and learn even more about her growing magic if she has any chance of defeating her foes.

Because to secure her throne and ensure her kingdom’s survival, Evie must think like a true Bellonan: she must outsmart and outwit her enemies . . . and crush the king.

My Review:

Crush the King is the final action-packed fantasy novel in Jennifer Estep’s Crown of Shards trilogy. The story is filled with magic, deception, death, romance, action, and strategy, all leading to one epic battle.  The showdown is against the King of Morta, who continues to commission assassination attempts against Lady Everleigh Winter Blair. Apparently he doesn’t remember that Evie has ascended to the Bellona throne after dispatching her deceiving and murderous cousin, Vasilia, dealt with nobles who have everything but her and Bellona’s best interests at heart, and is capable of defending herself, her people, and her new alliance with Andvari.

After the last attempt on her life, Evie knows it’s time to put the King of Morta in his place. Evie plans to put her plan into place at the upcoming Regalia Games. All the kingdoms are brought together, and the very best members compete against one another. What better time to be up close and personal with the enemy and try to turn the tables?

I love Evie’s form of magic. Evie’s magic allows her to destroy other forms of magic, making her a formidable foe. Jennifer Estep has created a very strong character in Evie. She’s had a tragic upbringing but one that allowed her to move through the kingdom and learn both the important aspects and those that were most unsavory. She trained as an elite warrior while Vasilia and the rest of Bellona though she was dead. She brought Vasilia to her knees and took her rightful place on the throne.

The epic conclusion to the Crown of Shards series delivers suspense and riveting action. The King of Morta’s tricks know no bounds and has Evie fighting her life, the lives of her people, and the preservation of all the other kingdoms. Unbelievably complex situations are threaded through this book and unsuspecting events threaten the sanctity and spirit of the Regalia Games. It’s a battle of wills, strength, and know-how and Evie relies on everyone to do their part in taking down the Mortan king.

There hasn’t yet been a book written by Jennifer Estep that I haven’t like, and I’ve ready most of them. Her stories are fascinating, full of action, and engaging. Crush the King is a well-written fantasy novel with wonderful characters and detailed world building. The story played out like a movie as I read. The book has a killer cover and intriguing synopsis and I was pulled in from the start.

My Rating:

Book Review ~ Hard Knox by Amber Malloy ~ Perfect Stats, Book 2 ~ #SportsRomance

Hard Knox by Amber Malloy

Genre: Sports Romance

About the Book:

A simple favor to save the girl turns into the quarterback losing his heart.

As beautiful as she is fun, Remy Bell has only one problem—a psychotic killer with political power wants her dead. Always a ‘two steps ahead’ type of gal, she plans to outrun the maniac. Marriage and a sweet life in the football star’s hometown in Canada would give her the cover she needs, but Remy doesn’t stick around long enough to find out. She travels all over the world, photographing the most beautiful and devastating events, but her now-husband’s tabloid activities lead her to the one place she should avoid…back home.

Superstar Gavin Knox wins at everything. However, once he scores the girl of his dreams, he’s suddenly in danger of losing the one thing he has always needed. Before she can slip through his fingers, he offers her a deal she can’t refuse—marry him for Canadian citizenship, which will protect her, and after five years, they can divorce. Knox is positive that she will fall head over heels in love with him, but it doesn’t happen. After six years of marriage, two playoff titles and a third on the way, Knox is forced to contend with a successful wife almost more famous than he is.

Determined to get exactly what he wants, which includes having Remy and a family, he devises a stupid scheme that puts everything he’s worked so hard for in jeopardy.

Book Details:

Print Length: 169 pages
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
Publication Date: June 16, 2020
ASIN: B087D62GH4

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2CsWoDH

My Review:

I enjoyed Hard Knox, book 2 in the Perfect Stats series by Amber Malloy. I was pulled in by the synopsis and couldn't put the book down. The story is engaging, fast paced, and includes intriguing characters. Remy and Gavin have a marriage of convenience but it's mostly to keep Remy safe. Both of them are like magnets to one another and when they get withing range, the sexual tension and steamy scenes are inevitable.

The suspense in the novel is subtle but I couldn't help sitting on the edge of my seat. Remy is running from someone and he/she may have just followed her right back home. I can't imagine having to look over my shoulder at every turn. The scene in Barbados was anxiety-inducing and I wondered who/what Remy was facing. The romance is hot. The chemistry between Remy and Gavin is undeniable and completely realistic. There are definite feelings between the two, despite their marriage to keep Remy safe.

The only thing I found off-putting about the story are random thought shifts and mentions or phrases  that didn't go with what was happening in the scene. This didn't happen often but I had to re-read some passages and try to figure out what I missed because something would happen or someone would say or do something that didn't make sense. I still enjoyed the story and was able to move past those parts.

If you like a good romance with a touch of suspense and scorching-hot passion, I recommend Hard Knox. The author's writing style is smooth and conversational, the story is interesting, and I enjoyed the entire book. I look forward to reading more by this author.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Book Review: Protect the Prince (Crown of Shards, Book #2) by Jennifer Estep @Jennifer_Estep #EpicFantasy #Fantasy

Book Details:

Print Length: 451 pages
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Publication Date: July 2, 2019
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
ASIN: B07CRDFG8H
Amazon

About the Book:

Everleigh Blair might be the new gladiator queen of Bellona, but her problems are far from over.

First, Evie has to deal with a court full of arrogant, demanding nobles, all of whom want to get their greedy hands on her crown. As if that wasn’t bad enough, an assassin tries to kill Evie in her own throne room.

Despite the dangers, Evie goes ahead with a scheduled trip to the neighboring kingdom of Andvari in order to secure a desperately needed alliance. But complicating matters is the stubborn Andvarian king, who wants to punish Evie for the deaths of his countrymen during the Seven Spire massacre.

But dark forces are at work inside the Andvarian palace, and Evie soon realizes that no one is safe. Worse, Evie’s immunity to magic starts acting in strange, unexpected ways, which makes her wonder whether she is truly strong enough to be a Winter Queen.

But Evie’s magic, life, and crown aren’t the only things in danger—so is her heart, thanks to Lucas Sullivan, the Andvarian king’s bastard son and Evie’s . . . well, Evie isn’t quite sure what Sullivan is to her.

Only one thing is certain—protecting a prince might be even harder than killing a queen…

My Review:

Protect the Prince is the second action-packed fantasy novel in Jennifer Estep’s Crown of Shards trilogy. The story is filled with magic, deception, death, romance, action, and strategy. Lady Everleigh Winter Blair has ascended to the Bellona throne after dispatching her deceiving and murderous cousin, Vasilia. Evie is now dealing with the court from the opposite side of what she’s used to – as their leader. Every minute that passes has Evie looking over her shoulder for those who want to exploit her, members who want to dethrone her, and assassins who want her dead. Regardless, Evie knows she must build alliances against the King of Morta.

Evie’s first stop in building those alliances is the kingdom of Andvari. She knows the alliance will not be easy, as the king of Andvari’s citizens were caught in Vasilia’s mass murder plot to gain the throne of Bellona. Upon another assassination attempt in Andvari, Evie discovers she may not be the only target, and everyone is in danger. Everyone must be diligent and be completely aware of their surroundings.

I love Evie’s form of magic. She discovers other aspects of her magic in Protect the Prince and she begins wondering if her magic is strong enough to be the Queen of Bellona, a Queen of the Winter Blair lineage. I have complete faith in Evie’s abilities, however. Jennifer Estep has created a very strong character in Evie. She’s had a tragic upbringing but one that allowed her to move through the kingdom and learn both the important aspects and those that were most unsavory. She was able to observe the royals, nobles, and staff, understanding how they worked, what they thought, and how they figured they would get ahead, or try to get ahead.

The romantic elements of the story soften the hard edges of danger, deception, and action. Evie and Sullivan have sort of a love-hate relationship going on and it’s the equivalent of the boy pushing the girl he likes down in the playground. They also realize they can’t move forward with their relationship because of her status and his. Most unfortunately, really, because I absolutely love the both of them together.

There hasn’t yet been a book written by Jennifer Estep that I haven’t like, and I’ve read most of them. Her stories are fascinating, full of action, and engaging. Protect the Prince is a well-written fantasy novel with wonderful characters and detailed world building. The story played out like a movie as I read. The book has a killer cover and intriguing synopsis and I was pulled in from the start.

I was provided an ebook to review. Opinions are my own.

My Rating:

Anthology Review ~ Handbook for the Dead by Jacob Floyd, Jenny Floyd, Pamela K. Kinney, Mark Rivett, Heddy Johannesen, Carol Smith, Jim Towns, Julia Hebner, Holly Wholahan, and Susan Schwartz

Book Details:

Print Length: 126 pages
Publisher: Anubis Press; 1 edition
Publication Date: October 2, 2019
ASIN: B07YNZJ13V

Purchase Link: Amazon

About the Book:

DON’T FORGET YOUR HANDBOOK…Welcome all spirits! The Frightening Floyds present to you, Handbook for the Dead – a guide to help all new manifestations realize their functional perimeters. Within this anthology, you’ll read paranormal accounts from individuals who have experienced phantoms and disturbances that have not only chilled them, but also left them with some new insight into the supernatural. Now, they want to share their stories and wisdom with you. That way, if you’re feeling a little flat, or even if you’re a lost soul, you won’t have to draw a door and knock. Handbook for the Dead is sure to please the strange and unusual in everyone, and we promise it doesn’t read like stereo instructions.

My Review:

Handbook for the Dead contains real-life encounters and stories of the paranormal. I was drawn into the paranormal accounts and mysterious happenings provided throughout the book. You travel to various destinations including hotels, graveyards, theaters, insane asylums, and homes throughout the world. The book is a wonderful look at supernatural happenings in everyday places. As a fan of ghost hunting shows and novels (fiction and non-fiction), this book is another wonderful collection of stories fitting for lovers of paranormal.

The book is written in a conversational tone. Each story is written like an open discussion, not scripted and flat. It was exciting, and chilling, to read stories from folks who came face-to-face with spooky events, dark entities, and unexplained happenings. Each tale also includes factoids at the end with history of the location, sighting reports, and other interesting pieces of information.

I enjoyed Handbook for the Dead and encourage anyone with a love for the paranormal to grab a copy.

I was provided this book to review.

My Rating:

Book Review ~ Crimson (Colors of Crime, Book #4) by Sophie Lark

Book Details:

Print Length: 241 pages

Publication Date: January 15, 2020

Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC

ASIN: B081ZJHRP1

Purchase Link: Amazon

About the Book:

Seduce An Enemy To Control An Empire…

Nadia is a mafia princess, come to Moscow to solve an old mystery from her mother’s journal.

Nikolai is the heir to the rival Markov empire. He’s about to secure his family’s fortunes once and for all. There’s just one thing standing in his way...

He needs a wife. And not just any wife — he needs Nadia Lebedev. Their families have been enemies for generations. The bloodshed and betrayal goes back two hundred years.

Nikolai must end the feud by taking possession of Nadia. He will tame her. Own her. And make her his forever…

“Crimson” is a blazing hot Dark Mafia Romance, full mystery and intrigue. It’s Book 4 in the “Colors of Crime” series. It’s a stand-alone novel, complete with HEA and no cliffhangers. 

Contains explicit scenes, including spanking.

My Review:

Crimson moves further away from the themes in books one and two and becomes fully engulfed in the Russian mafia. There will be spoilers from Violet, book 3 in the Colors of Crime series. 

Nadia Lebedev lost her mother Samara in Violet, the previous book in the series. Crimson begins at Samara’s funeral. Not really having a relationship with her mother, Nadia is sad for the what-could-have’s that she’ll be missing out on. In an effort to try and connect with her mother, Nadia leaves Paris and ventures to Moscow to her grandfather’s estate, bringing along her boyfriend, Maxim. There, Nadia attempts to translate a journal given to her before leaving Paris, one that paints a picture starkly different than the woman Nadia grew to know. Nadia also attempts to get closer to her mother by staying in her old room and travelling to all her mother’s former haunts. 

After ditching Maxim, the dude was monster anyway, she finds herself gravitating toward Nikolai Markov. The two families have an ongoing feud that has lasted many, many years. The two families reuniting now is suspicious, but Nadia knows her feelings for Nikolai are real and growing stronger every day. When the truth is revealed, Nadia and Nikolai may very well end up like their parents. My only complaint is the ending. I would have loved another chapter to see how Nikolai’s father would have reacted to Nadia’s revelation. 

I love the characters in the Colors of Crime series. They are written well and are realistic. The suspense and twists in the story keep me on the edge of my seat. The mystery unfolding in Nadia’s mother’s journal is engaging and kept me reading, wanting to know more. Lyrically, the author is a star. Her use of descriptive language, metaphors, and vivid imagery take this book to the next level. Crimson hits all of positives for story, character development, world building, passion, and suspense. I look forward to getting my hands on the next book.

Please note this book does contain light BDSM and sex.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Book Review: Gone With the Rogue (First Comes Love, Book #2) by Amelia Grey #Historical #Romance

Book Details:

Print Length: 290 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1250218780
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Publication Date: April 28, 2020
Sold by: Macmillan
ASIN: B07YRL2N1G

Purchase Link: Amazon

About the Book:

She had an acceptable marriage of convenience. Now widowed, can this determined and beautiful mother find true and forever love?

The sinking of the Salty Dove took her husband’s life―but it didn’t drown Julia Fairbright’s courage to endure. She creates a proper life for herself and her young son. But now, the ton’s most notorious rogue is back in London, and how he makes Julia feel is anything but proper. She can’t deny the desires he awakens in her, even though she knows that the handsome devil will surely break her heart.

Garrett Stockton owns a successful shipping company and is rumored to have a woman on every continent and half-a-dozen in England. The truth, however, is that Garrett has but one mistress: the wide open sea. That is, until he meets Julia, whose spirit of independence matches his own. What begins as a flirtatious battle of wits turns far more passionate than either of them could have imagined. Suddenly, Garrett’s only desire is to sail into the sunset with Julia as his wife and young Chatwyn his son. But she won’t take his hand―how can he convince her that his love is real and his heart is hers?

My Review:

Julia Fairbright lost her husband with the sinking of the Salty Dove. She has made a respectable life for her and her son, despite the tight leash her father-in-law holds. Then Garrett Stockton, one of the ton's handsomest rogues sails back on land after time away at sea, enters Julia's life. The two collide, all fun and flirty at first, then explode into forbidden passion. Julia knows to hide her scandalous relationship, should her father-in-law find out, his brand of discipline would leave Julia broken.

Julia enlists Garrett's assistance in trying to find proof her father-in-law isn't the upstanding man the ton considers him to be so she can get out from under his thumb. She knows he has secret enterprises all around London, ones that would crush him if his involvement was discovered. Julia also knows that, as a man and a successful business man at that, he will be able to move in circles she's not allowed to travel.

Amid the investigations, their romance blossoms but Julia knows it can go no further, especially since Garrett is a man of the sea and not one to settle down. Except, Garrett's heart has other plans. When Julia refuses to marry Garrett, all bets are off. Garrett must convince Julia his heart is pure and belongs to her completely. Julia and Garrett's characters and the story were well-developed.

I enjoyed Gone with the Rogue. The story was fun, engaging, and the antics between Julia and Garrett were entertaining. I have yet to read a poor historical romance from Amelia Grey. The author’s books are fantastic, flow well, and have likable characters. 

I was provided a copy of this book to review.

My Rating:

   

Book Review: Ignite You: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Diana A. Hicks ~ Cole Brothers Series, Book #1 ~ Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Book Details:

Ignite You: A Second Chance Mafia Romance
Diana A. Hicks
Cole Brothers Series, Book #1
Publication date: November 1st 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Amazon

About the Book:

“This is a slow-burn that made my heart melt. The buildup was perfect and the fall was beautiful!” – Goodreads Reader

Dom Moretti.
Former mafia hitman.
God’s gift to women.
Brilliant lawyer.

Those were just a few reasons why I hated Dom in law school.

Tonight…

I hate his panty-melting stare, his wicked smile, and that loose-hip stride of his.
I hate the way his biceps stretch the sleeves of his tailored suit.
I hate that after two years, I can’t stop thinking about the almost kiss in the library.

So when he sits at my bar, acting like he doesn’t remember me, I do what any woman would’ve done in my position.

I agree to a midnight hookup with the great Dom Moretti.

Ignite You is a steamy, slow-burn mafia romance that can be read as a standalone. It is book one in the Cole Brothers series. Previously released as Love Over Logic.

My Review:

Ignite You is the first book in the Cole Brothers series by Diana A. Hicks. The book primarily focuses on Dom Moretti and Emilia Prado, each character with a tragic past and ties to the mafia and cartel. Having known each other since law school, both are unwittingly brought back together 5 years later and pulled right back into the pasts they are both running from. Emilia is trying to get revenge on her cousin’s husband and Dom is trying to escape his foster father. Neither one wanted to cross paths again, but Dom and Emilia do and it’s a slow-burn romance that catches the pages of this story on fire. I read books 1 through 4 prior to grabbing this book (book 0 in the series) and now I want to read them all again. We get a small glimpse of the Cole brothers and it’s enough to pull me back into their world.

Ignite You is full of twists and turns, double-crosses, heartaches, and danger. The relationship between Dom and Emilia is smoking hot, dangerous, and leads them down a path neither wanted to take. When you’re the daughter and son of a mafia or cartel, though, are you really ever free? I was shocked and in awe of the winding paths this story took. So much drama, emotion, and steam. The author injects so much emotion into her Cole Brothers stories and Ignite You runs the gamut.

I felt Emilia’s frustrations and her need for revenge, and her loss and sorrow. I felt Dom’s protectiveness, his love and desire for Emilia, and his hatred toward his prior life. The magic is there between Emilia and Dom, and the author unraveled their issues layer-by-layer. I was engaged in the story completely. The book is full of heart-pounding danger, along with the realization that some people just aren't who you thought they were and others are better than you could ever imagine.

The characters are realistic and imperfect. They are strong, heroic, and noble. They make mistakes, bad judgement calls, and put themselves in danger. Best of all, though, they love hard and true. The chemistry between Emilia and Dom is unmistakable. The sparks sizzle off their skin every time they are together, whether right next to each other, or across the room. The book flows along perfectly paced, had a wonderful plot, side stories, and secondary characters. I could not put Ignite You down.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating: