Category Archives: Author Spotlight

Review: BENEATH THE BURNING SEA by Amanda Bouchet


BENEATH THE BURNING SEA (The Kingmaker Chronicles Book 5) by Amanda Bouchet

Publication Date: May 27, 2025

Genre: Romantasy

Synopsis

SHE’LL BURN BRIGHT ENOUGH TO RIVAL GODS

Separated from everyone they know and love, sworn warriors (and warring allies) Bellanca and Carver are on a gods-given mission: travel to the famed realm of Atlantis, fight through every danger that awaits them, and find the Shard of Olympus in order to end Atlantis’s generations-long magical punishment—all in Zeus’s name.

Zeus needs an army if he has any hope of stopping Olympus’s bloody coup, and headstrong fire Magoi Bellanca knows it’s her duty to deliver one no matter the cost…to herself, to her own growing magic, or to the man she’s come to desire with all the flames in her heart.

He left everything behind in order to guard her back as she faces down her destiny, and Carver swears that together, they can overcome any obstacle. But finding the shard is no easy task, and it’s not long before Bellanca and Carver are dragged into the center of a deadly game of gods…one not even their combined hearts may be strong enough to survive.

Discover exciting bonus material, including maps, illustrations, and an expanded look at the world of Thalyria. Fans of Jennifer Armentrout, Scarlett St. Clair and Sarah J. Maas will burn for this spicy romantic fantasy.

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I devoured this book. I love a strong FMC and Bel kicked butt. I love how Carter was supportive and protective of her. They had great chemistry and I loved their story. The world building in this book was incredible. The author really drew me in. I recommend reading this series in order. BENEATH THE BURNING SEA is about one couple in The Kingmaker Chronicle Series but the series follows a storyline. I recommend it for fantasy romance lovers. Pick up a copy and take a trip to Atlantis.

*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

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About the Author

img_6082Award-winning author Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England and studied French at the undergraduate and graduate levels, first at Bowdoin College and then at Bowling Green State University. She moved to Paris, France in 2001 and has been there ever since. She met her husband while studying abroad, and the family now includes two bilingual children, who will soon be correcting her French.

 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

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Review: DETONATE: A Dark Mafia Romance by Luna Mason

DETONATE: A Dark Mafia Romance (Beneath the Mask Book 2) by Luna Mason 

Paperback Release Date: May 27, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Mafia Romance

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Under the bright lights of New York City, a dark romance simmers between a boxing trainer-turned-mafia hitman and the seemingly innocent young woman he can’t stay away from.

Grayson

Seven years ago, I left the special forces and my home after a tragic betrayal. I carefully constructed a new life in New York. A boxing trainer by day. A Mafia hitman by night. Free to live in the darkness to do what I was trained to do—to kill. But one kiss was all it took to bring it all down. The one woman who hated my guts scaled the walls I built around my black heart. I know how far I’m willing to go to fight for her. But can she truly love someone who could never give her the fairytale she deserves

Maddie

I was sick of being the family disappointment—the one who could never get a man to stick around. So, I kissed a lot of frogs to try and find my Prince. Instead, I fell for the villain. The last man on earth I thought I could ever love. He might call me sunshine, but I crave his darkness. I wasn’t meant for his world, but he took me anyway, and I never want to leave. Sometimes life doesn’t give you a choice. Even if loving me puts us both in danger.

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Cori 4 Stars

This was a hot enemies to lovers that kept me up all night. I love a good villain MMC and I fell in love with Grayson. I really enjoyed Maddie’s character as well. DETONATE had a good plot with several subplots going on. It had some action with lots of steamy romance. If you like a good mafia romance this is the book and series to pick up. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book.

*Review  copy provided by Kensington in exchange for an honest review. 

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Luna Mason is an Amazon top #20 bestselling dark romance author. If she isn’t writing, you’ll find her with her head in a spicy book.

Review: THE HIGHLANDER’S FALLEN ANGEL by Heather McCollum

THE HIGHLANDER’S FALLEN ANGEL (Brotherhood of Solway Moss Book 2) by Heather McCollum

Publication Date: April 29, 2025

Genre: Historical Romance

imageHe may be heaven-sent…but she might be an irresistible hellion-in-disguise in this deliciously compelling Highlander romance from USA Today bestselling author Heather McCollum.

Three months after escaping an English prison, Kenan Macdonald’s been taken captive. Again. Only this time, he’s been taken by a green-eyed slip of a lass. The crafty maiden snuck him a sleeping draught in hopes of convincing the Highland chief to help save her clan. This lovely creature could certainly be the devil…and oh, he is tempted.

Tierney MacNicol is desperate. She’s on the verge of being forced into marriage to a vicious brute who’s determined to take over the MacNicol clan. Her only hope of escape is to find another man to marry her— and fast. But convincing the brawny, towering chief of Clan Macdonald isn’t going to be easy. And her last, most desperate plan requires a near-unthinkable approach that sends her pulse skittering: seducing Kenan.

Tierney has a reputation for being rash, almost foolhardy. But with her clan on the brink of destruction, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect those she loves—and the secret she’s been hiding from Kenan. Even if it means an all-out war among the clans…

Each book in the Brotherhood of Solway Moss series is STANDALONE:
* The Highlander’s Wild Flame
* The Highlander’s Fallen Angel

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This was a really fun highlander romance. I really enjoyed the characters and I loved the plot. It had toe curling romance, some suspense and a great HEA. THE HIGHLANDER’S FALLEN ANGEL is the second book in the Brotherhood of Solway Moss series but you don’t have to read them in order. I’m going to go back and read the first book because I enjoyed this one. I’m adding Heather McCollum to my favorite historical romance writers list. Sometimes I just like a really good historical romance to curl up with and she delivered.

*Review  copy provided by Entangled in exchange for an honest review.

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Heather McCollum is an USA Today and Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author of 16th and 17th century Scottish romances. Brawny Highlanders and fiery heroines are her favorites!

The rugged beauty and rich history of Great Britain captivates Ms. McCollum each time she visits. The country’s history and landscape have been a backdrop for her stories since her very first book.

When she is not dreaming up adventures and conflict for brawny Highlanders and feisty heroines, she spends her time educating women on the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. She is a survivor and resides with her very own Highland hero and three spirited children in the wilds of suburbia on the mid-Atlantic coast.

More information about Ms. McCollum and her books can be found at http://www.HeatherMcCollum.com.

Review: BROKEN SOULS AND BONES by LJ Andrews

BROKEN SOULS AND BONES by LJ Andrews

Publication Date: April 29, 2025

Genre: Romantasy

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Together they’ll restore a divided kingdom—or burn it down—in this new romantasy from USA Today bestselling author and TikTok sensation LJ Andrews.

Lyra Bien intended to live a quiet life to avoid the attention of the magic-obsessed king in the fortress of Stonegate. Until Roark Ashwood—the prince’s silent guard and rumored killer for the crown—invades her village and uncovers the truth behind the silver scars in her eyes. To save her best friend from death, she’s forced to reveal her abilities, and is immediately claimed by the crown as the next melder.

To be the King’s melder is to be revered and feared in equal measures, but above all it is a slow death sentence. Lyra is determined to find a way to free herself and her friends from bondage. But first she must get more information from the silent, brooding sentry who first took her captive: Roark.

As Lyra gets closer to Roark, she soon learns he’s nothing like she assumed—and in fact everything she needs. The more they work as allies, the harder it becomes to ignore the growing passion between them. After a sinister truth is revealed, Roark and Lyra must choose to stand against all they know, or accept their dark destiny.

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This book is a completely unique Viking Romantasy with an enemies to lovers storyline. There is magic, danger, spicy romance and a great plot. I also loved the characters. The MMC uses a form of sign language to communicate. The story really drew me in and the ending left me reeling. BROKEN SOULS AND BONES had truly epic world building and I can’t wait for the next book. I highly recommend this new series for Romantasy lovers.

*Review copy provided by Berkley Romance in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle | Hardcover

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Stay up to date with all LJ Andrews releases by joining her mailing list here: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f1a4x1

LJ Andrews is a USA Today Bestselling author of fantasy romance. She could live in dark worlds with brutal romantic heroes all day. When she isn’t writing she’s keeping her four kids alive, spending time with her hot husband, or enjoying the mountains of Utah.

Feel free to contact LJ with thoughts, concerns, book musings at ljandrewsauthor@gmail.com.

Review: CRAVING MY RIVAL by P. Rayne

CRAVING MY RIVAL: A Novel (The Mafia Academy Series Book 4) by P. Rayne

Publication Date: April 15, 2025

Genre: Dark Mafia Contemporary Romance

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The final installment of The Mafia Academy Series—a dark enemies-to-lovers arranged marriage romance set at a mafia boarding school for the sons and daughters of the most powerful mafia lords… now with exclusive bonus content! 

Polina Aminoff

At the Sicuro Academy, the Russians and the Italians give each other a wide berth. We’re bitter enemies after all. So imagine my disbelief when my brother announces that I’m to wed Dante Accardi, next in line to run the Accardi Italian crime family. After the shock subsides, I’m determined to save myself. It’s not until my plan is in full swing that I realize there might be more to Dante than I thought. But those closest to me, those who were supposed to protect me have always hurt me. Now I must decide whether to trust him with my heart or if he’ll just be another person in my life who brings me to my knees.

Dante Accardi

Polina Aminoff is a Bratva brat and an ice princess that I don’t think even an easygoing guy like me can thaw. And I’ve never had an issue melting the panties off a woman before. I’m just as unhappy about our engagement as she is, but my father made it clear—it is my duty to the family. Once we’re forced together, another side of Polina shines and I start to think we could have a future together that doesn’t involve being bitter rivals. But she’s hiding something, I just don’t know what. Which leaves me wondering, can I ever really trust my enemy?

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Cori 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this one. I love a bad boy that falls hard and Dante falls. CRAVING MY RIVAL is part of a series but you don’t have to read the previous books. I’m going to go back and read them because I enjoyed this one though. CRAVING MY RIVAL is an enemies to lovers/ mafia romance with lots of chemistry and spice. I really liked the characters and the push and pull between them.  This is my first book by P. Rayne and I’ll be reading more. I recommend this book for mafia academy romance lovers. I want more!

*Review  copy provided by Avon Books in exchange for an honest review. 

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P. Rayne is the pen name for USA Today Bestselling Author duo, Piper Rayne. Under P. Rayne they write dark, dangerous and forbidden romance for Kindle Unlimited.

Review: MY DEMON HUNTER by Aurora Ascher

MY DEMON HUNTER (Hell Bent Book 2) by Aurora Ascher

Publication Date: March 25, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

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For fans of Jenna Levine and K.F. Breene, the steamy, laugh-out-loud paranormal romance about learning how to love—including the darkest parts of ourselves—complete with HEA, clothes-ripping-hot love scenes, and a crew of devilish demon brothers who are supposed to be the bad guys . . .

From the instant New York Times bestselling author of SANCTUARY OF THE SHADOW!

The hunter shall become the hunted . . . And the timid shall become the fierce.

Enslaved to an evil demon queen for millennia, Mishetsumephtai has only ever served one purpose. He is the Hunter, the one who drags the guilty back to Hell.  But finally tasting freedom on Earth has changed him, and for the first time, Mist questions his duty. The human femalewho smiles at him with no idea what a monster he is, draws him in, and he’ll do anything to possess her.

Lily Donovan thought the most dangerous thing about running to the corner store at night would be the aisles of junk food. She didn’t bargain on encountering chaos in the form of a man with unusual tattoos and beguiling amber eyes, stalking her through the ice cream section. Since the death of her parents, Lily has tried to forget what she is. But denial is not an option when she’s confronted with everything she’s been running from.

Neither Mist nor Lily can ignore the burning magnetism between them. But Mist’s reprieve from Hell was always temporary, and the punishment for disobedience will be worse than death. Yet he can’t relinquish the woman whose scent calls to him like nothing he’s hunted before.

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Cori 4 Stars

This book was so much fun. It featured a reluctant witch and sweet demon. I couldn’t put it down. I loved all the characters and can’t wait for more books featuring more of the demons. THE DEMON HUNTER was fun, spicy, and a great story. I’d recommend it for paranormal lovers that like a little humor with their romance. This book kept me entertained from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next book.

*Review  copy provided by Kensington in exchange for an honest review. 

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Aurora Ascher is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling fantasy & paranormal romance author. She loves misunderstood monsters, redeemable anti-heroes, and epic happily-ever-afters. A woman of many creative pursuits, Aurora is also a professional musician and visual artist. She currently resides in Montreal with her trusty espresso machine and her endlessly patient husband, whom she sometimes doesn’t see for hours until she emerges from her writing cave like a bear in springtime.

Review: CHARMING DEVIL (A Dark & Spicy Modern Dorian Grey) by Rebecca Kenney

CHARMING DEVIL (A Dark & Spicy Modern Dorian Grey) by Rebecca Kenney

Publication Date: February 11, 2024

Genre: Romantasy

SynopsisHe’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen…and the most dangerous. Eternally young and full of a brilliant passion that may ultimately be the end of me: my perfect Dorian Gray.

The painting that’s kept Dorian Gray flawless for over a century is beginning to fall apart, rotted by his life of reckless decadence. Desperate, he seeks out the only person who might be able to save him: a talented young painter descended from Dorian’s first love.

Baz may have the same magical gift as her ancestor, but she’s vowed never to paint anyone’s likeness again. Haunted by the memory of the terrible price her talent can exact, she swears she will not be swayed—not even by the seductive words dripping like venom from the lips of the most beautiful man she’s ever met.

Yet as Dorian tries to persuade Baz by any means possible, they become aware of a darker, deadlier magic awakening around them. Dangerous forces, long dormant, have been stirred by Baz’s presence…and are determined to have her no matter the cost. As tensions rise and desire flares ever-hotter, Baz and Dorian become trapped in a complex web of conflicting motives, messy emotions, and a growing, desperate passion that may well consume them both.

An addictive and truly original spicy New Adult retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray with a magical twist.

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Cori 5 StarsI couldn’t put this book down. I got wrapped up in the story and loved the characters. If you’ve read Dorian Grey this is a retelling with spice. It’s the second book in the Gilded Monsters series but you don’t have to read the first book before picking up this one. I haven’t read the first book but plan on picking it up next. I have it and the next release on my TBR. I also recommend the paperback copy of this one because it’s so pretty. It has sprayed edges.  I thoroughly enjoyed Rebecca Kenney’s writing style and she’s going on my must buy list. This book is one of my favorites this year.

*Review copy provided by the Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

KINDLE | PAPERBACK

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Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and retellings, including the Gilded Monsters series from Sourcebooks Casablanca. “Beautiful Villain” (Gilded Monsters #1) is a spicy Southern gothic retelling of The Great Gatsby with vampires, set near Asheville, NC. “Charming Devil” (Gilded Monsters #2) is a retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray, set in Charleston, SC. Books 3 and 4 of the series are Southern gothic retellings of Wuthering Heights and The Phantom of the Opera.

Rebecca’s most popular indie books include the Wicked Darlings series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the Merciless Dragons series (dragon shifters), the Dark Rulers series (standalone fantasy romance novels in a shared world), and the Beloved Villains series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy (The Vampires Will Save You), a demon romance duet, a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.

Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.

For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney

BRIDE OF THE SHADOW KING by Sylvia Mercedes

IMG_3180BRIDE OF THE SHADOW KING by Sylvia Mercedes

Publication Date: November 12, 2024

Genre: Romantasy

SynopsisIMG_3164The viral TikTok fantasy romance, now in a special print edition with exclusive bonus material!

An outcast princess makes a political marriage with a reluctant king to save both their kingdoms in this first book in the viral Bride of the Shadow King series.

Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. She’s told her gods-gift makes her a liability to the crown, and has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.

When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.

King Vor is not eager to take a human bride, but he is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.

So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?

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Cori 5 StarsThis book kept me up late. I couldn’t put it down. I got swept up in the world Sylvia Mercedes created. I really wanted to throw the book and reach in and shake the characters a few times but I love when the characters can create that much emotion in a story. The story is full of suspense, lots of drama, some spice and it ends with a powerful cliffhanger. The rest of the trilogy is available now though. It is being released in new paperback covers over the next few months. I recommend this book for fantasy romance lovers. I can’t wait to pick up the next book and to see what happens next.

*Review copy provided by the Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

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Sylvia Mercedes makes her home in the idyllic North Carolina countryside with her handsome husband, numerous small children, and a menagerie of rescue cats and dogs. When she’s not writing she’s . . . okay, let’s be honest. When she’s not writing, she’s running around after her littles, cleaning up glitter, trying to plan healthy-ish meals, and wondering where she left her phone. In between, she reads a steady diet of fantasy novels.

But mostly she’s writing.

Sylvia is the author of more than 20 popular Fantasy Romance novels, including the internationally bestselling BRIDE OF THE SHADOW KING trilogy. She is represented by Amanda Jain at BookEnds Literary Agency.

Website | Amazon

 

Review: A FIRE IN THE SKY: A Novel by Sophie Jordan


A FIRE IN THE SKY: A Novel by Sophie Jordan

Publication Date: September 24, 2024

Genre: Romantasy

Synopsis

IMG_2688New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan returns to the high-stakes, sweeping world of dragons, romance, and drama first evoked in her bestselling young adult Firelight series, in a brand-new epic adult romantasy series.

Dragons are extinct. Witches are outcast. Magic is dying.

But human lust for power is immortal.

Dragon fire no longer blisters the skies over Penterra, but inside the lavish palace, life is still perilous…especially for Tamsyn. Raised in the glittering court alongside the princesses, it’s her duty to be punished for their misdeeds. Treated as part of the royal family but also as the lowliest servant, Tamsyn fits nowhere. Her only friend is Stig, Captain of the Guard…though sometimes she thinks he wants more than friendship.

When Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands, descends on her home, Tamsyn’s world becomes even more dangerous. To save the pampered princesses from a fate worse than death, she is commanded to don a veil and marry the brutal warrior. She agrees to the deception even though it means leaving Stig, and the only life she’s ever known, behind.

The wedding night begins with unexpected passion—and ends in near violence when her trickery is exposed. Rather than start a war, Fell accepts Tamsyn as his bride…but can he accept the dark secrets she harbors—secrets buried so deep even she doesn’t know they exist? For Tamsyn is more than a royal whipping girl, more than the false wife of a man who now sees her as his enemy. And when those secrets emerge, they will ignite a flame bright enough to burn the entire kingdom to the bone.

Magic is not dead…it is only sleeping. And it will take one ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny to awaken it.

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I’m obsessed! I got so wrapped up in this story and the characters I didn’t get any sleep. I picked A FIRE IN THE SKY up because it has dragons and I like Sophie Jordan’s historical romance books. I wasn’t disappointed. The book had great world building I got swept up in and I’m going to be anxiously waiting for the next book. If you collect hardbacks this one is really pretty in person as well. I highly recommend this book for readers looking for a great Romantasy book. It’s one of my favorites this year. 

*Review copy provided by HaperCollins in exchange for an honest review.  

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Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

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About the author

Sophie Jordan grew up in the Texas hill country where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she’s the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of more than twenty novels. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she’s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with anything that has a happily ever after.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Review: THE WITCH QUEEN OF HALLOWEEN by Kresley Cole

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THE WITCH QUEEN OF HALLOWEEN (Immortals After Dark) by Kresley Cole

Publication Date: March 26, 2024

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

IMG_1955Take a spooky Halloween tour of the mysterious Lore in this stand-alone installment of the Immortals After Dark series by #1 New York Times best-seller Kresley Cole.

A demon soldier of fortune . . .
Rök Kours dives into a dangerous mission, only to cross swords with the one woman who bewitched him.

A cursed Wiccan mercenary . . .
Poppy Dyer has never let her uncontrollable magic interfere with her work, but she can barely withstand one demon’s charms.

Trapped in a terrifying lair.
If the two rivals can defeat Halloween’s worst nightmares to escape a haunted castle, can they overcome their pasts to claim a spellbinding future together?

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Cori 5 Stars

I was so excited to get my hands on a new Kresley Cole book! I love the Immortals After Dark series. This novella did not disappoint and I loved it. It was fun, action packed and had all the steamy romance Kresley Cole always delivers. This one is Poppy, a witch and Rök, a demon’s story. I think I’ve said it in another review but if I could be any fictional character it would be one of Kresley Cole’s witches or valkyries. They’re so much fun!  I highly recommend this series for paranormal lovers if you haven’t read it yet. It has it all. You don’t have to read it in order but there is a series plot so I recommend starting at the beginning. Some of them are on Kindle Unlimited. They’re addicting!

*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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imageKresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Gamemakers series, and five award-winning historical romances.

A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings. 

Her IAD books have been translated into twenty foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.

Cole lives in Florida with her family and “far too many animals.”

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