Category Archives: Cori’s Reviews

Review: ALEXIARES by N.J. Walters


ALEXIARES (Blackwell Brothers’ Redemption Book 2) by N.J. Walters

Publication Date: November 10, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

From New York Times bestselling author N.J. Walters comes the tale of Death’s second son…in this energetic, paranormal small-town romance that’s deadly irresistible!

Some find redemption. Others land in it.

One moment, Alexiares Blackwell was reaping yet another human soul and gunning through New York City on his Harley. The next, he’s dropped into the path of an oncoming car in the small town of Redemption.

It turns out his dear old dad—the Grim Reaper himself—has decided that Alex needs a crash course in humanity. Literally. Now he’s stuck in a nowhere town with nothing but his motorcycle and some serious parent issues.

But no one messes with Death. Not even his sons.

Stripped of his powers, Alex is trying to figure out what his father wants from him—all while attempting to resist his increasingly complicated attraction to inn owner Cilla Wainwright. Alex can’t risk anything that resembles feelings…not even when she surprises him with a kiss that unravels him in ways he still can’t figure out.

Because Alex has a job to do.

And it’s starting to look a lot like the next soul he’s supposed to reap…is hers.

Each book in the Blackwell Brothers Redemption series is STANDALONE:
* Samael
* Alexiares

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I’m really enjoying this series. The Blackwell Brothers Redemption series a unique twist on paranormal reaper love stories. It’s about a trio of brothers and this one is the middle brother’s story. Alex and Cilla run into each other and there are instant sparks. There’s spice, danger and suspense. I highly recommend this book for paranormal romance lovers looking for a new series to dive into. I’m hooked and can’t wait for the next book. 

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

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About the Author

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review: SAVE ME, SAVE YOU & SAVE US by Mona Kasten


SAVE ME (Maxton Hall Book 1) by Mona Kasten

Publication Date: July 1, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ New Adult 

The first book in the international bestselling Maxton Hall series—now an Amazon Prime streaming series—in English for the first time.

They come from different worlds, and yet they are meant for each other.

Money, glamour, luxury, power—Ruby Bell couldn’t be less interested in these things if she tried. After being awarded a scholarship to one of England’s most prestigious and expensive private schools, Maxton Hall, all she wants is to keep her head down, work hard, and get accepted to Oxford. She keeps her distance from everyone, especially the arrogant, rich, and extremely handsome James Beaufort, ringleader of the school’s party boys.

When Ruby discovers a scandalous secret about the Beauforts, she is suddenly on James’s radar. It only gets worse when James is forced to work with her to plan the school’s annual gala. Yet the more time they spend together, the more they realize they share much more than they thought.

Falling for James Beaufort was never part of her plan, yet Ruby can’t help but let her feelings sweep her away. But James must make a decision for himself: will he choose what’s expected of him, or what he feels for her?

Amazon, Prime Video, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

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SAVE YOU (Maxton Hall Book 2) by Mona Kasten

Publication Date: September 2, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ New Adult

The second book in the international bestselling Maxton Hall series—now an Amazon Prime streaming series—in English for the first time.

After all the hurt between them, will they be able to find their way back to each other?

Ruby Bell thought that she and James Beaufort had something special. She’s never had such strong feelings for someone. And after his betrayal, she’s also never felt this much hurt. Ruby just wants her old life back before she knew anyone at Maxton Hall, before she knew James. She used to be able to rely on her studies to keep her focused, but school is no longer a refuge—not when she sees James everywhere. But she has to stay on track, especially with university looming over them and the uncertainty of what the future holds.

Despite everything, Ruby wants to support James as he struggles with his father’s expectations of him taking over the family business. But she makes one thing very clear: she is not willing to forgive him or give him a second chance. As love and hate compete for Ruby’s heart, James will try everything he can to win her back.

Amazon, Prime Video, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

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SAVE US (Maxton Hall Book 3) by Mona Kasten

Publication Date: November 4, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ New Adult

The third and final book in the international bestselling Maxton Hall series—now a Prime Video streaming series—in English for the first time.

Can they save themselves? Or will they destroy each other?

Ruby is in shock: Her worst nightmare has come true, and now Oxford and all her dreams that finally seemed within reach are at risk. Worst of all, everything points to James as the one responsible, even after everything they’ve been through together. Ruby thought that she had met the real James—the one who has his own dreams, the one who makes her laugh and makes her heart beat faster with a single glance.

However, after an explosive fight between the two, they discover a terrible truth. Together, Ruby fights to graduate, as James tries to clear her name at school. But that means once again James must challenge his father and his expectations for him. And despite everything, James still threatens to break under the obligations to his family. Ruby and James must ask themselves if the worlds they live in are perhaps too different after all, or if they can finally find a way back to each other.

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I watched the TV series of Maxton Hall on Amazon Prime before seeing these books become available in English. I really enjoyed the books. It’ll be fun to see the next two seasons on Amazon Prime when they’re available as well. This series is a combo of young adult and new adult romance. It starts in high school and goes to college. I really enjoyed the characters, the plot and romance. It’s a trilogy you’ll want to read back to back. The last book releases in November. They cured my reading slump. 

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback 

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About the Author

Mona Kasten studied library and information management before devoting herself entirely to writing. She lives in Hamburg with her family and cats as well as an infinite number of books, loves caffeine in any form, long walks in the woods and days when she can only write.

 

Review: REALM OF THIEVES by Karina Halle


REALM OF THIEVES (Thieves of Dragemor Book 1) by Karina Halle

Publication Date: June 10, 2025

Genre: Romantasy

Two thieves vie for dominance in the illegal dragon egg trade, putting both their lives and their hearts on the line in this scorching romantasy from New York Timesbestselling author Karina Halle.

For Brynla Aihr, crime and survival have always gone hand in hand. Ever since she escaped the fanatical dragon-worshipping cult that controls her homeland, she’s had to carve out a life doing the unthinkable: stealing dragon eggs. Egg theft is illegal and, in most cases, fatal. To breach a dragon’s nest means a harrowing journey through the ancient wards spelled to keep the monstrous beasts confined. Dragons can’t get out and only those with a death wish can get in.

Despite the risks, dragon eggs are highly coveted for their magic. An illegal trade flourishes under competing criminal empires, and Brynla’s loyalty has always been to the highest bidder. Until she finds herself kidnapped and blackmailed by Lord Andor, a formidable lieutenant of House Kolbeck, and thrust into the dangerous political games of rivaling dynasties.

Brynla and Andor clash at every turn, sparking heat in ways Brynla’s never felt before. But in a world that’s prophesized to return to the dragons, and rife with betrayal and secrets at every turn…how close to the flames is she willing to stand?

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I binge read this one straight through. REALM OF THIEVES had a really unique take on dragons and great world building. It also had great chemistry between the characters, lots of action and steamy romance. I really got swept up in this new Romantasy series Karina Halle created. I think it will be one of my favorites this year. Go grab a copy. 

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback 

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About the Author

Karina Halle is a screenwriter, former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of Realm of Thieves, Grave Matter, & Blood Orange, as well as 80 other romances across all sub-genres, ranging from spicy rom coms to gothic horror and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever you’re into, she’s probably written an HEA for it. When she’s not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their sailboat Norfinn.

 

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: REBEL IN THE DEEP by Katee Robert

REBEL IN THE DEEP (Crimson Sails Book 3) by Katee Robert

Publication Date: May 20, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

The rebellion’s fight turns into a battle of the heart in this pulse-pounding conclusion to the Crimson Sails trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert.

Nox has been steadfastly working for the rebellion for years. They don’t ask for much in return, except for one crucial condition: their ex, the noble Bastian, stays as far away from them as possible. To say things ended poorly between them is an understatement . . . and it’s the only relationship Nox has never quite recovered from.

But now the rules have changed. Siobhan, the rebel leader, has emerged from hiding to tell Nox that Bastian’s been taken captive and the secrets he holds tight are in danger of being revealed. The fate of the entire rebellion now rests on Nox and Siobhan’s ability to rescue Bastian from a Cŵn Annwn ship.

Saving Bastian is only the start of their hardships, as the trio is tracked by ferocious pirates across Threshold. And Nox’s complicated relationships and entanglements with Bastian and Siobhan put not only their life at risk but their heart on the line.

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I love Katee Robert’s books because she always delivers a great HEA and the final book in The Crimson Series Trilogy delivered. It had all the spice, chemistry, great characters and a great plot. It’s set on the high seas with monsters so there is lots of action and adventure as well. Ultimately it was a great love story between three people. I loved the writing and the story and highly recommend the trilogy for paranormal romance lovers. I devoured it.

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

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Buy Links

KINDLE | PAPERBACK

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Katee Robert (she/they) is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of spicy romance. Entertainment Weekly calls their writing “unspeakably hot.” Their books have sold over two million copies. They live in the Pacific Northwest with their husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review: SHIELD OF SPARROWS by Devney Perry


SHIELD OF SPARROWS by Devney Perry

Publication Date: May 6, 2025

Genre: Romantasy

Now in development as a feature film with Amazon MGM Studios, with John Wick screenwriter Derek Kolstad attached to write the script!

Shield of Sparrows is a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros—where enemies become lovers, monsters stalk a cursed realm, and a forgotten princess finds the strength to tear off her crown and become the warrior she was never meant to be.

The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel.

I’ve spent my life kneeling—to their will and to my father’s. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king.

I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood.

But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.

Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him—bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know.

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not—a queen, a spy, a sacrifice.

But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated?

And what if—for the first time—I reached for it?

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This book left me with a major book hangover. It’s a slow burn romantasy. You don’t get to the spice until later in the book. It’s explosive when it comes though. SHIELD OF SPARROWS had epic world building that really drew me into the story. I also loved the plot and characters. It’s a truly unique story with lots of twists and I can’t wait for the next book. Go grab a copy and devour it. 

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

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About the Author

Devney is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. Born and raised in Montana, she loves writing books set in her treasured home state. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her family. Writing one book, let alone many, was not something she ever expected to do. But now that she’s discovered her true passion for writing romance, she has no plans to ever stop.

 

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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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: SAMAEL by N.J. Walters


SAMAEL (Blackwell Brothers’ Redemption #1) by N.J. Walters

Publication Date: April 21, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

Love her. Protect her. Reap her soul.

Samael Blackwell is the son of Death—and he’s officially out of chances. After centuries of reaping souls with zero regard for the rules, his father sends him to the dead-end town of Redemption. With only a few hundred bucks and the clothes on his back, Sam has one last shot to prove he can do the job right: reap with compassion, or lose everything.

It should’ve been easy. Find the soul. Finish the job. Walk away.

Then he meets Adrianne Sharp.

She’s strong, guarded, and hiding from a past that refuses to stay buried. The connection between them is instant—and impossible. Because Adrianne isn’t just anyone. She’s his assignment.

And her soul’s on the clock.

To win back his old life, all Sam has to do is watch her die. But what if the cost of redemption…is her?

He was sent to end her story. But she just might rewrite his.

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I really loved this one. N.J. Walter’s SAMAEL is a unique twist on a reaper paranormal love story with lots of spice, danger and great characters. I felt very emotionally connected to Adrianne and Sam.  It hooked me and I can’t wait for books for Sam’s brothers next. SAMAEL is not connected to any of her other series and this is the first book to start off this series.  I highly recommend this book for paranormal romance lovers looking for an original storyline. I love N.J. Walters’ books. 

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

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About the Author

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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.