Review: Stricken (The Lost Sovereign Book 5) by Anna Hawke

SYNOPSIS
Stripped of his magic. Dying behind enemy lines. Forced to trust a woman with secrets of her own.

For centuries, Asher has fought rogues and protected the innocent, knowing that his magic demands a terrible price. His most recent mission is one he doesn't intend to survive: he will either end the madness or become the very thing he hunts.

Estelle has spent centuries resisting the tyrant’s rule, concealing her involvement from allies and enemies alike. When Asher is injured on a mission, she risks everything to save his life—including the secret that could bring ruin to the rebellion.

Hunted through enemy territory, they have no choice but to trust each other. With every mile, they draw closer—and begin to want more than either of them expected.

Some secrets are worth dying for. Others are worth surviving.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve really been looking forward to Asher’s story and, I’ve gotta say, Stricken did not disappoint. It’s my favorite of the series so far! It was raw and heartbreaking and incredibly compelling. I had a very hard time putting it down. I loved it so much!

I really liked Asher and Estelle. Asher had me very worried throughout the whole book, though. He was so close to going rogue and had essentially given up on everything and was putting himself in dangerous situations. My heart broke for him. Estelle was such a great counterbalance for him. Brave and loyal. A bright spot in the darkness.

I can’t say enough good things about this book or this series. If you’re a fan of closed-door paranormal romance, you’ll love it! With the way this book ended, the next book can’t come out soon enough! I can’t wait!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: Splintered Life (Shattered World Book 2) by W.R. Gingell

SYNOPSIS
The world isn’t the same as it was yesterday. In fact, Viv is no longer sure that she is the same as she was yesterday. She can do something she never knew was possible—and Luca tried to kill her, just like Jasper said he would if she let him get too close.

At the teahouse, it’s business as usual, however: tentacles in the top floor, an invasion of not-quite-real-but-nevertheless-terrifying spiders...and a new murderer to catch, of course. Someone is trying to make sure a Greek-Australian couple never makes it to the altar, and it's not just perfume they're sneaking into the bride's room.

But Luca isn’t talking to Viv; not since she stopped him from escaping. That shouldn’t be surprising—and the last thing Viv should be doing is trying to talk to him more than she has to—but there’s another murderer on the loose, and they’re going to need Luca’s help to catch him.

Life was already hard, but now Viv has to somehow stop the wilder side of that life from spilling over into her normal life. Her human life. But if the two halves begin to split apart, which should she try to hold onto?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I started reading this book immediately after finishing the first one. I can't get enough of these characters, the story, and the worlds. I enjoyed this story just as much as the first one.

It picks up right after the events of the previous book. I was hooked! I loved the cozy mystery vibes and enjoyed seeing Viv come into her own as she grappled with the new otherworldly aspects of her life. Luca is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters I've read about in recent memory. Yes, he's unhinged, but I can't get enough of him.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys twisty urban fantasy. Be sure to start at the beginning because this does not stand alone. I can't wait to start book three!

FIVE STARS

Review: Muse & Malice (Echoes of Olympus) by Anna Hawke

SYNOPSIS
No one worships the God of the Dead.

Feared by mortals and mistrusted by his own family, Hades has ruled the Underworld alone for millennia. When a prophecy ties the fate of the pantheon to a mortal woman, he has no choice but to bring her into his realm—and keep her close.

Persephone enters the Underworld with a secret purpose: steal Hades’ keyring and reclaim the son she lost. She expects a cold and merciless god. Instead, she finds a man worth protecting. If Persephone’s deception is exposed, it may destroy more than their fragile bond.

It may bring down the gods.

Echoes of Olympus is a non-explicit shared world of dark fantasy and paranormal romance reimagining classic Greek myths through shadow and desire. Each story follows different myths, different couples, and a different descent into danger—where gods and mortals collide.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a fantastic conclusion to this series! I loved it so much! This story was very fast-paced and had me completely invested from beginning to end.

I was surprised by just how much I ended up liking Hades. He was completely different than I expected, which I loved! I felt for Persephone right off the bat. She was grieving her son and would do anything to get him back, even take on the god of the Underworld. I was so curious to see how that would turn out!

This was my favorite of the series. I’m sad it’s over, but what a wonderful trilogy! I can’t say enough good things about it and highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Splintered Life (Shattered World Book 2) by W.R. Gingell

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Splintered Life (Shattered World Book 2) by W.R. Gingell. I'm enjoying this series so much! This second installment is just as good as the first! 

SYNOPSIS

The world isn’t the same as it was yesterday. In fact, Viv is no longer sure that she is the same as she was yesterday. She can do something she never knew was possible—and Luca tried to kill her, just like Jasper said he would if she let him get too close.

At the teahouse, it’s business as usual, however: tentacles in the top floor, an invasion of not-quite-real-but-nevertheless-terrifying spiders...and a new murderer to catch, of course. Someone is trying to make sure a Greek-Australian couple never makes it to the altar, and it's not just perfume they're sneaking into the bride's room.

But Luca isn’t talking to Viv; not since she stopped him from escaping. That shouldn’t be surprising—and the last thing Viv should be doing is trying to talk to him more than she has to—but there’s another murderer on the loose, and they’re going to need Luca’s help to catch him.

Life was already hard, but now Viv has to somehow stop the wilder side of that life from spilling over into her normal life. Her human life. But if the two halves begin to split apart, which should she try to hold onto?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

There was a tideline in the lunch room. Viv saw it, hazily. She might, she thought, have been able to see it better if the room wasn't sideways. She followed the tideline with her eyes, aware of the scent of salt and seaweed, and was mildly curious that she didn't seem to find either the scent or the tideline odd.

Friday 56

Maybe she should have expected to see that the bins had already been put away when she arrived home, but somehow, Viv hadn't. A searing moment of utter exasperation burnt through her chest, leaving her cold and dizzy and angry in its wake.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Splintered Mind (Shattered World Book 1) by W.R. Gingell

SYNOPSIS

Viv just wants work—any work. Well, not quite any work. But she’s desperate enough to accept a job offer as personal assistant to Jasper Renner—the rich and mysterious owner of the Renner Tea House—even though odd things happen whenever he’s around.

She expects to deal with rich, entitled Melbournians and a full business schedule. Instead, Viv finds herself following Jasper into a strange new world where a murderous madman has been incarcerated in a secret floor at the old Kew Asylum that may or may not exist in the human world as she knows it.

Reality is just as worryingly soft at the old tea house itself, which hides a few too many not-quite-human secrets. In one of the downstairs rooms, there’s a little girl who has been a little girl for a suspiciously long time; in the uppermost floor, there are a few windows that show a view that doesn’t exist in Melbourne. And then there are the giant cephalopod tentacles that appear from nowhere and disappear again, seemingly at will…

Now Viv isn’t sure if she’s going mad, or if the world itself has gone mad and the lunatic in Kew Asylum is the only sane person she knows.

This Australian Urban Fantasy is heavy on gothica, dark cosy/cozy, and crikeycore. There are a lot of murders, a lot more u's than you might expect, and some waking nightmares that may affect those with parasomnia.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved this book! It's another delightfully weird and wonderful read from author W.R. Gingell. It was so great being back in the world of Between and Behind with new characters and a new setting.

In the beginning of the story, Viv was clueless about the paranormal aspects of the world around her, so it was really interesting seeing her discover it. Jasper and Luca were very interesting and mysterious characters for very different reasons. I was eager to learn more about them.

This was exactly the kind of book I needed at the time. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys twisty urban fantasy. It might be helpful to have read some of Gingell's other Between and Behind books, but it does stand alone. There's no language or spice, but there is quite a bit of violence. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm diving right into the next book!

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Splintered Mind (Shattered World Book 1) by W.R. Gingell

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Splintered Mind (Shattered World Book 1) by W.R. Gingell. This is such a fun start to the series! I loved this wonderfully weird urban fantasy. 

SYNOPSIS

Viv just wants work—any work. Well, not quite any work. But she’s desperate enough to accept a job offer as personal assistant to Jasper Renner—the rich and mysterious owner of the Renner Tea House—even though odd things happen whenever he’s around.

She expects to deal with rich, entitled Melbournians and a full business schedule. Instead, Viv finds herself following Jasper into a strange new world where a murderous madman has been incarcerated in a secret floor at the old Kew Asylum that may or may not exist in the human world as she knows it.

Reality is just as worryingly soft at the old tea house itself, which hides a few too many not-quite-human secrets. In one of the downstairs rooms, there’s a little girl who has been a little girl for a suspiciously long time; in the uppermost floor, there are a few windows that show a view that doesn’t exist in Melbourne. And then there are the giant cephalopod tentacles that appear from nowhere and disappear again, seemingly at will…

Now Viv isn’t sure if she’s going mad, or if the world itself has gone mad and the lunatic in Kew Asylum is the only sane person she knows.

This Australian Urban Fantasy is heavy on gothica, dark cosy/cozy, and crikeycore. There are a lot of murders, a lot more u's than you might expect, and some waking nightmares that may affect those with parasomnia.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Viv first saw the purple plaid trousers at the tram stop.

Friday 56

Viv wouldn't have followed him outside - she wanted to find Jasper, not the great outdoors - but she saw just in time that they were about to enter a garden, the walls of which were high and brick and covered with living foliage.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Roses and Rage: Echoes of Olympus by Anna Hawke

SYNOPSIS
Betrayed by Zeus. Stripped of his godhood. At the mercy of a woman who fled his rule.

Ares, God of War, has fallen. Cursed to live as a mortal, he seeks shelter with the woman he once loved as attacks against the divine rise. With war looming on the horizon, he vows to eliminate those who threaten the pantheon—and the gods who’ve scorned him.

A cunning demigoddess, Zoya balances temple management, single motherhood, and undercover operations for the ruling pantheon. When her patron god shows up human at her door, she risks everything to keep him safe. If Zeus discovers the powerful magic she commands, her life is forfeit.

When a prophecy binds them together, the flame between them reignites. Will Ares and Zoya succumb to the wicked chaos that threatens everything they cherish—or will their love survive the imminent supernatural war?

Echoes of Olympus is a non-explicit shared world of dark fantasy and paranormal romance reimagining classic Greek myths through shadow and desire. Each story follows different myths, different couples, and a different descent into danger—where gods and mortals collide.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Y’all! This book was so good! I loved it so much! It was just as compelling as the first book, Sunshine & Sin.

I really enjoyed reading about Ares. It was really interesting seeing him adjust to life as a mortal. It wasn’t an easy adjustment, but he handled it better than I thought he would. And I loved seeing the transformation in him as he got used to the idea.

I liked Zoya right off the bat. She was fierce and protective and a great mother. Her daughter Rei was adorable. I loved seeing the sweeter side of Ares come out when he was with the little girl.

I loved the second chance romance aspect of this book. There was quite a bit of history and strong feelings between Ares and Zoya, which had me rooting so hard for them.

I really enjoyed this book and highly, highly recommend it! I can’t wait for the next one!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: Fangs, Fate, & Mondays (The AzRIO Files Book 1) by Hayley Reese Chow

SYNOPSIS
In Azalea Springs, a family curse just means more paperwork.

After her best friend was murdered, Dessa Blue McKinney swore she’d never return to the paranormal town of Azalea Springs. But after she walks in on her fiancé cheating with her business partner, she has nowhere else to go but home. Desperate for a distraction, she agrees to fill in at her uncle’s Paranormal Intermediary Office until she decides what to do with her life. But when the new intern is the handsome golden boy of the most notorious family in town and her dead friend’s sister goes missing, old secrets bubble to the surface, and the past may not be so willing to let her go.


Meanwhile, perpetual screw-up, Jamison Kane, is reeling from his role as the primary suspect in a triple homicide and the brand-new bearer of a family curse. When Dessa’s uncle offers him an internship to search for a cure, he reluctantly agrees—and totally not because Dessa was his high school crush. The job description? Keep the werewolves and vampires from tearing each other’s throats out, solve the missing persons case, and don’t fall in love with Dessa McKinney.

It definitely sounds like a Monday, but at least in this office, the coffee really is magical.

Fangs, Fate, and Mondays is a fantastical paranormal mystery that feels like a magical version of The Office meets Supernatural meets Veronica Mars, with a romance that is authentically slow burn!

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a really fun urban fantasy. It was my first time reading anything by this author, but it won’t be my last. I’m really looking forward to reading more of her books. While this was a little slow in the beginning, it wasn’t long before things picked up and I became completely invested in the story. I didn’t want it to end!

I loved the paranormal town of Azalea Springs. It was really cool seeing all the different supernatural creatures live and work together. And speaking of work, I loved the AzRIO office. What a cool concept!

I really liked Dessa and Jamison. They were former classmates and had a bit of a rough reintroduction, but I enjoyed seeing them work together, learn to trust one another, and become friends (with the possibility for more later on down the line, maybe).

I enjoyed learning about the paranormal world alongside Jamison. I was very curious about his curse. I’m hoping that will be explored more in future books.

I can’t say enough good things about Fangs, Fate, & Mondays. I highly, highly recommend it and can’t wait for the next installment!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Sunshine and Sin: Echoes of Olympus by Anna Hawke

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Sunshine and Sin: Echoes of Olympus by Anna Hawke. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this no-spice reimagining of Greek myth. I loved it and am looking forward to more in this series. 

SYNOPSIS

A cursed human. A cynical god. A bewildering prophecy that binds them together.

Apollo loathes the life he’s forced to lead. After an Oracle ties the sun god to a human who doesn’t recognize him, he must grapple with a dangerous mission and a woman who challenges him at every turn. As dark forces attack his throne, Apollo will either claim victory with Cyrene at his side or find devastating defeat.

Cursed by Zeus, Cyrene has struggled to make ends meet. When she accepts help from a man cast in mystery, an unexpected passion begins to burn between them. Despite their connection, she realizes that truth isn’t always what it seems—and the gods have wronged her before.

With every attack against the pantheon, more lives are lost. If Apollo and Cyrene can’t uncover the danger that lurks in the shadows, it may devour them whole.

Echoes of Olympus is a non-explicit shared world of dark fantasy and paranormal romance reimagining classic Greek myths through shadow and desire. Each story follows different myths, different couples, and a different descent into danger—where gods and mortals collide.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Apollo was the most beautiful god.

Friday 56

"If you intend to hurt me, I'll bury you in an unmarked grave."

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Fangs, Fate, & Mondays (The AzRIO Files Book 1) by Hayley Reese Chow

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Fangs, Fate, & Mondays (The AzRIO Files Book 1) by Hayley Reese Chow releasing May 26.

SYNOPSIS
In Azalea Springs, a family curse just means more paperwork.

After her best friend was murdered, Dessa Blue McKinney swore she’d never return to the paranormal town of Azalea Springs. But after she walks in on her fiancé cheating with her business partner, she has nowhere else to go but home. Desperate for a distraction, she agrees to fill in at her uncle’s Paranormal Intermediary Office until she decides what to do with her life. But when the new intern is the handsome golden boy of the most notorious family in town and her dead friend’s sister goes missing, old secrets bubble to the surface, and the past may not be so willing to let her go.


Meanwhile, perpetual screw-up, Jamison Kane, is reeling from his role as the primary suspect in a triple homicide and the brand-new bearer of a family curse. When Dessa’s uncle offers him an internship to search for a cure, he reluctantly agrees—and totally not because Dessa was his high school crush. The job description? Keep the werewolves and vampires from tearing each other’s throats out, solve the missing persons case, and don’t fall in love with Dessa McKinney.

It definitely sounds like a Monday, but at least in this office, the coffee really is magical.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Savaged (The Lost Sovereign Book 4) by Anna Hawke

SYNOPSIS

Fated to be his mate. Coerced to murder him.

Lark spent her life unwanted—until her tyrant father decides to make her an unwilling assassin. Bound by his magic and sent into enemy territory, she expects death. Instead, she finds herself at the mercy of the man she’s been ordered to kill. The powerful leader proves she’s safe with him, but he’ll never truly be safe with her.

Roman leads the rebellion against the ruler destroying their society. When the tyrant’s daughter appears at his border, turning her away could cost him critical intelligence. The secretive woman intrigues him, but keeping her could cost him everything. Her presence is a liability to his people—and a temptation he can’t ignore.

Even if Lark can break the compulsion that binds her, the true battle is yet to come. Will their desire deepen into a love that survives their traumatic past—or dooms their future?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I was so excited to dive into this book! I’ve loved the previous installments in the series, and I loved this one just as much. I feel like I become more invested in this storyworld and the characters with each new book.

I really liked Roman and Lark. He’s leading a rebellion against Julian, Lark’s father. And it just so happens that her father has sent her to kill Roman. Talk about twisty! I was so curious to see how that would play out!

I really felt for Lark and the way her father treated her and for what he was coercing her to do. But I loved seeing her blossom away from his influence.

This book was full of suspense and mounting danger. I was completely engrossed and didn’t want to set it down. There were many times when I wondered how everything was going to work out in the end. Things seemed pretty dire in spots! If you’re a fan of urban fantasy, don’t hesitate to start this series. It’s fantastic! I can’t wait for the next book!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: Scarred (The Lost Sovereign Book 3) by Anna Hawke

About the Book
An immortal woman masquerading as a human. A powerful man who can’t afford to trust her. A corrupt ruler determined to destroy them both.

Naomi is gifted with a rare power vital to their species’ survival. Hiding among the mortals has allowed her to evade detection from the brutal men who hunt her. A chance encounter draws the attention of Zayn: the ruthless, honorable prime building a rebellion against the oppressors of their world.

Defending his legion from any danger has always been Zayn’s priority, no matter the toll it takes on him. With her real identity a mystery, Naomi’s presence in his territory risks everything. He only knows that she fears the men he’s sworn to defeat. Nothing has prepared him for the battle he must wage to win her heart—and protect her from those who would seek to exploit it.

With the rebellion hanging by a thread and a tyrant tightening his grip, they must decide whether their fated bond can withstand the looming supernatural war—or if it will shatter under the strain.

Author's Note
Scarred is a dual perspective paranormal romance with urban fantasy elements. As part of the Lost Sovereign series, it can be read as a standalone, but we recommend that they be read in order. While the romance within sizzles, this series is fade to black/closed door.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I loved this book so much! The gripping opening line pulled me right into this fast-paced story. I was glued to the pages! It's my favorite book of the series! Each book gets better and better, which is saying a lot because they’ve all been top-notch.

I really liked Zayn and Naomi. The chemistry between them was off the charts! Zayn had a strong personality. (That could be a lot at times.) But I liked seeing his softer side. And I loved seeing the bond between him and his siblings. Naomi had been through a lot, which is an understatement. I loved seeing her inner strength and her character growth. I was so proud of her!

If you’re a fan of closed-door paranormal romance, you’ll love this series! I can’t recommend it highly enough. While this could be read as a standalone, I’d still recommend starting with book one.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Scarred (The Lost Sovereign Book 3) by Anna Hawke

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

Happy New Year! This week I'm featuring Scarred (The Lost Sovereign Book 3) by Anna Hawke. I'm just about finished with this ARC and am loving it so much! 

About the Book

An immortal woman masquerading as a human. A powerful man who can’t afford to trust her. A corrupt ruler determined to destroy them both.

Naomi is gifted with a rare power vital to their species’ survival. Hiding among the mortals has allowed her to evade detection from the brutal men who hunt her. A chance encounter draws the attention of Zayn: the ruthless, honorable prime building a rebellion against the oppressors of their world.

Defending his legion from any danger has always been Zayn’s priority, no matter the toll it takes on him. With her real identity a mystery, Naomi’s presence in his territory risks everything. He only knows that she fears the men he’s sworn to defeat. Nothing has prepared him for the battle he must wage to win her heart—and protect her from those who would seek to exploit it.

With the rebellion hanging by a thread and a tyrant tightening his grip, they must decide whether their fated bond can withstand the looming supernatural war—or if it will shatter under the strain.

Author's Note
Scarred is a dual perspective paranormal romance with urban fantasy elements. As part of the Lost Sovereign series, it can be read as a standalone, but we recommend that they be read in order. While the romance within sizzles, this series is fade to black/closed door.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

A scream tore through the hallway.

Friday 56

As soon as the words left her lips, Zayne's face was wiped clean of emotion. 

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Suffered (The Lost Sovereign Book 2) by Anna Hawke

About the Book

Locked in a supernatural prison. Forbidden to see each other’s faces.

Sola is stolen from her life, stripped of her magic, and forced to be the object of a madman’s obsession. After a century behind bars, her world is a cycle of pain and abuse—until a kindhearted stranger is thrown in the cell beside hers. Escape no longer feels impossible, but hope had betrayed her before.

Jailed for the wrong reasons, Quinn’s centuries of loyal service end in torment and chains. A healer with secrets of his own, he never expected to find light in the darkness—or to fall for the fierce, broken woman at his side.

Together, they have one chance at freedom, but survival outside the prison walls may prove even more dangerous than what awaited them within.

Author's Note

Suffered is a dual perspective paranormal romance with urban fantasy elements. As part of the Lost Sovereign series, it can be read as a standalone, but we recommend that they be read in order. While the romance within sizzles, this series is fade to black/closed door.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I’m loving this series! I didn’t think it was possible, but this book was even better than the first. It picks up right where Shattered left off, so be sure to read it first. This is not a standalone.

Sola had been through some seriously terrible things, and while it still affected her (how could it not?), she was resilient and strong. I really admired her kind strength. It was nice getting to know Quinn better. I loved his optimism even in the midst of dire circumstances. He never lost hope, which was inspiring.

This book deals with some hard subjects, but there was also light, laughter, and hope, which I really appreciated.

If you’re a fan of closed-door paranormal romance, you’ll love this series! I highly, highly recommend it and am very eager for book three!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Suffered (The Lost Sovereign Book 2) by Anna Hawke

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Suffered (The Lost Sovereign Book 2) by Anna Hawke. I just started reading it and am loving it so far!

About the Book

Locked in a supernatural prison. Forbidden to see each other’s faces.

Sola is stolen from her life, stripped of her magic, and forced to be the object of a madman’s obsession. After a century behind bars, her world is a cycle of pain and abuse—until a kindhearted stranger is thrown in the cell beside hers. Escape no longer feels impossible, but hope had betrayed her before.

Jailed for the wrong reasons, Quinn’s centuries of loyal service end in torment and chains. A healer with secrets of his own, he never expected to find light in the darkness—or to fall for the fierce, broken woman at his side.

Together, they have one chance at freedom, but survival outside the prison walls may prove even more dangerous than what awaited them within.

Author's Note

Suffered is a dual perspective paranormal romance with urban fantasy elements. As part of the Lost Sovereign series, it can be read as a standalone, but we recommend that they be read in order. While the romance within sizzles, this series is fade to black/closed door.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Death was a heartbeat away.

Friday 56

Quinn’s joyful companionship felt like long-awaited rain on arid land.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Into A Cursed Hollow: Legend Of The Headless Rider by Anna Hawke

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Into A Cursed Hollow: Legend Of The Headless Rider by Anna Hawke. I haven't had a chance to start reading this yet, but I'm hoping to soon. It sounds so good! 

About the Book

It was a ridiculous fairytale.

The Legend of the Headless Rider has been around for centuries, haunting the small town of Sleepy Hollow. Physical proof of the phantom has been in short supply—until a beheading proves that it is very much a living legend.

Mariana, a vampire Ambassador with the World Immortal Federation, is sent to investigate the murder. Determined to prove it’s a copycat, she sinks her metaphorical fangs into the unwitting population. What she discovers is that the legend is far from a fable—and exposing the one behind it could put her at the wrong end of a cavalry sabre.

Author’s Note
Into A Cursed Hollow is a dark urban fantasy retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. While the romance sizzles, it is closed door/fade to black. This novella can be read standalone.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

A ghost on horseback haunted the town of Sleepy Hollow

Friday 56

Mari had sat here too long. She should have been gone by now.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Shattered (The Lost Sovereign Book 1) by Anna Hawke

About the Book
Six legions. Two immortals. One secret that could kill them both.

Centuries ago, the immortal world shattered. The Queen was murdered, the royal bloodline lost, and the six ruling legions have been slowly crumbling ever since. Without the Queen, their magic corrupts—and their people with it.

Jade has spent her life fighting for control—of herself, her business, and the world around her. When the ruthless CEO who engineered her downfall is revealed to be an immortal from a rival legion—and her fated mate—everything she built threatens to come undone.

Niko has one goal: slay the First Legion’s leader and avenge the past. Destroying Julian’s corporate interests should have been simple—until he discovers his sworn enemy’s fiercest defender is also the woman fate marked as his. Torn between duty and desire, Niko must decide whether his thirst for revenge is stronger than the soul-deep bond he was born to claim.

Bound by passion but divided by loyalty, Jade and Niko are enemies by birth ... and something far more dangerous by fate.

Author's Note

Shattered is a dual perspective paranormal romance with urban fantasy elements. As part of the Lost Sovereign series, it can be read as a standalone, but we recommend that they be read in order. While the romance within sizzles, this series is fade to black/closed door.

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

Y'all! This book was so good! I loved it! I was hooked from the first sentence to the last and couldn't read fast enough!

I'm a big fan of urban fantasy. If I had to pick a favorite genre, that would probably be it. Shattered is urban fantasy at its finest! The worldbuilding was great. It felt unique, yet familiar. And I thought the magic system was fascinating!

I really appreciated the fact that this featured a closed-door romance with no strong swearing. That's not always easy to find in this genre, so I was very happy about that.

I loved both Niko and Jade. While there was an enemies vibe between them in the beginning, I loved watching that dynamic shift. Their banter and chemistry was off the charts. To say sparks were flying is an understatement.

I highly, highly recommend this book! It's the first one I've read by this author, but it certainly won't be my last. I'm very eager for the next book in the series and am excited to check out the author's backlist!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Splintered Mind (Shattered World #1) by W.R. Gingell

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Splintered Mind (Shattered World #1) by W.R. Gingell releasing October 5.

About the Book

Viv just wants work—any work. Well, not quite any work. But she’s desperate enough to accept a job offer as personal assistant to Jasper Renner—the rich and mysterious owner of the Renner Tea House—even though odd things happen whenever he’s around.

She expects to deal with rich, entitled Melbournians and a full business schedule. Instead, Viv finds herself following Jasper into a strange new world where a murderous madman has been incarcerated in a secret floor at the old Kew Asylum that may or may not exist in the human world as she knows it.

Reality is just as worryingly soft at the old tea house itself, which hides a few too many not-quite-human secrets. In one of the downstairs rooms, there’s a little girl who has been a little girl for a suspiciously long time; in the uppermost floor, there are a few windows that show a view that doesn’t exist in Melbourne. And then there are the giant cephalopod tentacles that appear from nowhere and disappear again, seemingly at will…

Now Viv isn’t sure if she’s going mad, or if the world itself has gone mad and the lunatic in Kew Asylum is the only sane person she knows.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: No Man Left Behind (The Worlds Behind #5) by W.R. Gingell

About the Book

Revenge. Restoration. Romance. A few deadly wishes.

The Glass Elder wants wishes. Three, to be exact. Athelas wants a way in, and those wishes may well be that way—but giving the Elder what he wants means putting Camellia in harm’s way. It also means that YeoWoo will have to choose between trusting Athelas one last time, and taking a bite at suddenly hot revenge that could swiftly go cold if she misses her chance.

Now that revenge is within reach of her teeth, will YeoWoo manage to tear out one last, bloody heart? Can Athelas put aside his own ends for long enough to protect all those dearest to him from threats outside—and from himself?

Can a family that began in blood survive one too many wishes and a far-too-wily Elder, or will the world as they know it fall apart into the chaos of wishes-gone-wrong?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I'm sad to see this series end, but what a perfect conclusion! I’ve loved getting to know Athelas better and seeing different sides to him. And I’ve especially loved seeing the growth he's experienced. His road to redemption has been rocky at times, but what a remarkable journey it’s been!

This is one of the best “endings” I’ve ever read. Goodness, it was so emotional, but absolute perfection. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it again. Needless to say, I loved it!

This is not a standalone. I’d recommend starting with the City Between series since they’re so interconnected. If you’re a fan of twisty urban fantasy, you’ll be hooked!

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: No Man Left Behind (The Worlds Behind #5) by W.R. Gingell

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring No Man Left Behind (The Worlds Behind #5) by W.R. Gingell. This is the last book in the series and oh my goodness! What an ending! 

About the Book

Revenge. Restoration. Romance. A few deadly wishes.

The Glass Elder wants wishes. Three, to be exact. Athelas wants a way in, and those wishes may well be that way—but giving the Elder what he wants means putting Camellia in harm’s way. It also means that YeoWoo will have to choose between trusting Athelas one last time, and taking a bite at suddenly hot revenge that could swiftly go cold if she misses her chance.

Now that revenge is within reach of her teeth, will YeoWoo manage to tear out one last, bloody heart? Can Athelas put aside his own ends for long enough to protect all those dearest to him from threats outside—and from himself?

Can a family that began in blood survive one too many wishes and a far-too-wily Elder, or will the world as they know it fall apart into the chaos of wishes-gone-wrong?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

"You are certainly an agent of chaos," Athelas said, quite calmly.

Friday 56

"Can you deal with thirty enforcers?" she asked. "Because I can see them, now. They're coming along the second road from Jaegung office, and they look like a mob."

What have you been reading lately?