Blackmail by Amelia Wilde

Blackmail is the first book in a new trilogy by Amelia Wilde featuring Bristol Anderson and Will LeBlanc—Emerson LeBlanc's youngest brother from Dark Reign. What began as a simple attraction between two characters from vastly different circumstances has turned into a complicated and heartbreaking affair. Will is a contradiction because his refusal to accept kindness, understanding, and love has made them the things he covets the most. He is prone to anger and believes himself to be a monster who is undeserving of everything. What makes Will's story so fascinating is that we're given a much clearer picture of what happened to the LeBlanc siblings when they were younger. Will's guilt and pain over what happened has a direct correlation to Emerson's internal struggles and panic attacks.

"You deserve somebody better, sweetheart. I'm not that guy. I'm a monster. You don't want me. I promise."

Bristol is the type of heroine I love the most—she is kind, innocent, understanding, and determined. In order to save her family, she was willing to do whatever was necessary for them even at the cost of her own body and heart. I hated the fact that she still cared for pathetic excuse of a father when he manipulated and lied to her. Her decision to embezzle from Will would give him the excuse he needed to finally engage and claim her as his for a brief moment in time. I actually loved their relationship, as twisted as it may be. These two burned up the pages and their love scenes were incredibly hot and dirty. I love the fact that Will fell for Bristol first because he was completely obsessed and could not stop thinking about her. Amelia Wilde simply excels at amping up the sexual tension and chemistry between her characters.

"This debt is getting more expensive. I made a mistake that's going to cost me a very high price… my body, my dignity, and maybe even my heart."

In the end, I absolutely can't recommend this book enough because it had just the right amount of angst, dirty sex, and a heart-wrenching romance coming from an Amelia Wilde book. I am highly anticipating the sequel, Extortion. Although Will believes himself to be a monster, he is anything but that. There was so much more to him and I can't wait to learn more about this man with such a fragile and broken heart. It was heartbreaking to learn that Will expected people to walk away from him at such a young age. Why would they stay for him? Bristol's kindness and understanding for him has threatened his world and is destroying the person he thought he was. I highly recommend this book to those who loves reading about the tortured and prickly hero who blackmails his sweet and selfless heroine but ends up falling for her even though he doesn't believe he deserves her.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★★

Release Blitz: Garnet Flats by Devney Perry

 Garnet Flats by Devney Perry is now live!

 Talia Eden loved Foster Madden for one year, two months and eleven days. It was on day 438 that her love died. The day he chose to marry her best friend. The day she vowed never to think of Foster again.

Until years later when he has the audacity to show up in her small hometown of Quincy, begging for her help.

The ink on his divorce papers is barely dry, yet he comes armed with apologies and promises. She knows it's all a ploy. Foster is the king of games and secrets. But he's got delusions the size of Montana if he thinks she'll help him train for a world championship fight.

Except Talia has forgotten exactly what made Foster famous. The man has dedicated his life to victory. He's steadfast. He's determined. And he won't stop fighting until he's won her heart.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3P0iU7F

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3kLusOk

Nook: https://bit.ly/3FoijrV

Kobo: https://bit.ly/37nv9u4

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3Opkle9

Audible: https://adbl.co/3aTFRtZ

Narrated by: Cindy Kay & Connor Crais

Goodreads: https://geni.us/3IdS0

Meet Devney

Devney is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in Washington with her husband and two sons. 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.

Connect with Devney

Website: www.devneyperry.com

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kncXnb

Amazon: https://geni.us/nAXkP

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/devneyperrybooks

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/324585607979213/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/devneyperry

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/devneyperry

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2v1Hr7t

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/devneyperry

Paying Her Dues by Dani Wyatt

Paying Her Dues by Dani Wyatt features a taboo/forbidden romance between a young virtuoso and her father's best friend who happens to also be her best friend's father. I found that there was a lot more story in this one due to the history between Jess and Mike. Since she grew up with him, her feelings started to develop and change over the years. The same can be said for Mike who always thought of her as his best friend's daughter but then he eventually saw her in a new light once she was of legal age. It was still forbidden and they had many hurdles along the way including Sam, the best friend, and Jess' overbearing and nit-picky mother Janet. Once their feelings were finally realized, all bets were off and Mike was determined to make Jess his.

"He has always been my anchor. My sane place, my safe place, my shelter from my crazy family. My safety and my strength."

In the end, I enjoyed this quick, spicy, and forbidden romance between two individuals who were always meant to be with each other. Jess did not have a hard life but she had an overprotective mother who sought to control her way of life and well-being. The only healthy relationship she had was with her best friend, Sam, who was Mike's son. It was certainly interesting to see how Sam came to terms with having Jess as his "step-mom." As for the love scenes, Dani Wyatt did not disappoint. It was incredibly erotic, sexy, forbidden, and I wanted more. This book can be read as a standalone and you do not need to read previous books in the series because they're not connected.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

Three Strikes by Dani Wyatt

Three Strikes is the latest installment in the Meant to Be series by Dani Wyatt and it features Cyrus, the darker and more aloof sibling between Tor and Sophia. In many ways though, he does me of Tor—especially when it comes to his obsessive tendencies and inability to take no for an answer. He was completely obsessed with just a single glance of Anna and wanted her to be his forever. As always, the sex scenes were incredibly erotic and dirty. I thought Tor and Chance was intense but Cyrus was adamant about making Anna his no matter what, even when she was arranged to be married to someone else because of her father's machinations.

"You were made for me, you know that don't you? Made. For. Me."

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this quick and spicy read of a much older hero and his heroine. Cyrus was surprisingly much darker than Tor because he sometimes dabbled in the illegal side of the spectrum. Anna wanted out of that life because her family was also in the same circles as Cyrus but meeting him changed everything for her. Despite being forced into an arranged marriage with a stranger who was out to kill her family, I loved how Anna wanted to give the one thing that was sacred of hers to Cyrus—her first time—before living a life without him. Thankfully, a happy ending awaits these two.

If you're into the age gap kink, you won't be disappointed by some of the dirty talk in this book because Cyrus thought of Anna as his precious little one since the very beginning.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

Cover Reveal: Two For the Show by Skye Warren

Skye Warren has revealed the cover for Two for the Show!

Releasing: August 23, 2022

Pregnant. Alone. And heartbroken. The only thing Eva Morelli knows for sure is that she wants this baby. She learned how to depend only on herself a long time ago.

The father, however? He made his position on marriage and children very clear.

Finn Hughes has fought his fate for years, but it’s finally catching up to him. Duty took away his choices. How can he hope for forever? He already knows how this ends.

There’s only one thing worse than having a family.

Losing them.

Welcome to the Midnight Dynasty... The warring Morelli and Constantine families have enough bad blood to fill an ocean, and their brand new stories will be told by your favorite dangerous romance authors. 

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3GxbHYP

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3t3GreA

Nook: https://bit.ly/38Tv0zf

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3lQDt9c

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3wWqB7Z

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3OLgrgm

Meet Skye

Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance such as the Endgame trilogy. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, sweet dogs, and evil cat.

Connect with Skye

Website: http://www.skyewarren.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5339130.Skye_Warren

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2BX2sUG

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyewarren/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569845016592572/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyewarrenbooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skye_warren

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/skye-warren

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/skyewarren/

Release Blitz: The Crash by Skye Warren & Amelia Wilde

The Crash by Skye Warren is now live!

Carter Morelli works alone, but his orders are clear. Pilot the small aircraft carrying the renowned geologist to a remote island. Except the plane malfunctions at a crucial moment.

June Porter wants to stay on solid land. She doesn't want to fly, but it's the only way to get to the dig site. Then her worst fears come true.

A heavy storm. A swift fall from the sky. And a heart stopping crash.

An emergency landing leaves them stranded.

A shadow moves through the trees. They aren't alone in the jungle.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PlaZRD

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TheCrash

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3nYp7Vg

Nook: https://bit.ly/3GjNt4t

Kobo: https://bit.ly/38DZCoh

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3sPnQCN

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/39Fx65G

Meet Skye

Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance such as the Endgame trilogy. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, sweet dogs, and evil cat.

Connect with Skye

Website: http://www.skyewarren.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5339130.Skye_Warren

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2BX2sUG

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyewarren/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569845016592572/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyewarrenbooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skye_warren

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/skye-warren

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/skyewarren/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skyewarrenbooks

Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/SkyeWarren

Meet Amelia

Amelia Wilde is a USA TODAY bestselling author of dangerous contemporary romance and loves it a little too much. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. She spends most of her time typing furiously on an iPad and appreciating the natural splendor of her home state from where she likes it best: inside.

Connect with Amelia

Website: https://awilderomance.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14671616.Amelia_Wilde

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Wilde/e/B01C38CNJ2

Facebook: facebook.com/awilderomance

Instagram: https://instagram.com/awilderomance

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ameliawildeauthoress?

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amelia-wilde

Release Blitz: A Curse of Blood & Stone by K.A. Tucker

 A Curse of Blood & Stone by K.A. Tucker is now live!

 From internationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker comes the second novel in her Fate and Flame series, an adult fantasy story that should be read in series order.

“I do not know how to love you and be a good king to my people.”

From jewelry thief to interloper to queen-in-waiting, Romeria flees Cirilea a traitor to all. But the yawning distance between her and Zander troubles her more than any king’s bounty on her head. While Zander may have escaped by her side, he seeks to regain his throne, and no immortal will ever welcome her as Islor’s queen. She fears it won’t be long before Zander abandons her as everyone else she’s ever loved has.

Zander sacrificed his crown to save Romeria’s life, yet he dreads what her existence means for the future of his realm. As Ybaris’s plan to destroy Islor unfurls, a more insidious threat, orchestrated by rival fates, lurks beneath the surface. He can offer his allies no honest explanation for why he protects the Ybarisan princess and takes counsel from Queen Neilina’s caster, leading those closest to doubt his wisdom—and his allegiance.

As their company aims for the Venhorn Mountains, steered by prophecy, Romeria is desperate to wield her newfound abilities to undo Princess Romeria’s treachery before the kingdom tears itself apart. But with the mortal rebellion swelling, bolstered by the gift of Ybaris’s poison, it may already be too late.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo!

Amazon: http://hyperurl.co/j4kbqr

Apple Books: http://hyperurl.co/cen7es

Nook: https://bit.ly/3Cmeelk

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3Aq6EWa

Audiobook: Releasing October 25th!

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3lw83o4 

Meet K.A. Tucker

K.A. Tucker writes captivating stories with an edge.

She is the internationally bestselling author of the Ten Tiny Breaths and Burying Water series, He Will Be My Ruin, Until It Fades, Keep Her Safe, The Simple Wild, Be the Girl, and Say You Still Love Me. Her books have been featured in national publications including USA Today, Globe & Mail, Suspense Magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Oprah Mag, and First for Women.

K.A. Tucker currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto.

Connect with Kathleen

Website: https://www.katuckerbooks.com/

Newsletter Sign up: http://bit.ly/2iYqxMT

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/36Ga0W8

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QPwJZs

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2MYEDhK

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1468548700062461/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katucker_/

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2FqzR8K

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2rZkYXP

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorkatucker/

Blog Tour: The Crash by Skye Warren and Amelia Wilde

THE CRASH by Skye Warren and Amelia Wilde

Release Date: July 12th

Genre/Tropes: Contemporary Romance/Forced Proximity/Threesome

AVAILABLE NOW FOR FREE

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PlaZRD

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TheCrash

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60673855-the-crash

PREORDER FORCE OF NATURE!!!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PlaZRD

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TheCrash

Blurb: Carter Morelli works alone, but his orders are clear. Pilot the small aircraft carrying the renowned geologist to a remote island. Except the plane malfunctions at a crucial moment.   June Porter wants to stay on solid land. She doesn't want to fly, but it's the only way to get to the dig site. Then her worst fears come true.   A heavy storm. A swift fall from the sky. And a heart stopping crash. An emergency landing leaves them stranded. A shadow moves through the trees. They aren't alone in the jungle.

About Skye: Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance. Her books have sold over one million copies. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, sweet dogs, and evil cat.

Connect w/Skye 

Website: http://www.skyewarren.com/books/

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyewarren

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/skye_warren

  Instagram: https://instagram.com/skyewarrenbooks/

  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SkyeWarrenBooks

  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/skyewarren/

  Newsletter Signup: http://bit.ly/SkyeWarrensVIPReaderList

  About Amelia: Amelia Wilde is a USA TODAY bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance and loves it a little too much. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. She spends most of her time typing furiously on an iPad and appreciating the natural splendor of her home state from where she likes it best: inside. 

  Connect w/Amelia:

Website: https://awilderomance.com/

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awilderomance

  Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/letsgetwilde

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/awilderomance

  Instagram: https://instagram.com/awilderomance

  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/awilderomance/

  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14671616.Amelia_Wilde

  Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QIKg4R

  Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amelia-wilde

  Newsletter Signup: https://www.subscribepage.com/ameliawilde

A Curse of Blood & Stone by K.A. Tucker

A Curse of Blood & Stone is the latest installment in the Fate & Flame series by K.A. Tucker and it immediately picks up where A Fate of Wrath & Flame left off. It has been some time since I last read the first book and I would highly recommend re-reading it because we are not provided with a recap of events or a list of important characters, something I would have really appreciated going in to this book. Romeria and Zander are now on the run after Atticus, Zander's brother, has accused him of betraying the kingdom. Atticus has also decided to usurp the throne—which prompted a series of events where Romeria must now find a key caster to help train her and Zander must find and reunite with his legion of warriors.

"I don't want you to feel trapped by your feelings for me. It's the last thing I would ever want."

This was a lot to take in, especially since the previous book mainly focused on the blossoming romance between Romeria and Zander whereas the sequel now focuses on the deteriorating political relations between Zander and his kingdom. I mourned for their relationship because it was seemingly impossible for Zander to love Romeria and be a good king to his people. Although the romance took a backseat in this book, Romeria goes through tremendous growth and character development as she is forced to reconcile with her growing powers, role in this new world, and her relationship with Zander. Some of my favorite side characters include the dependable Elisaf, snarky Jarek, sweet and kind Eden, and Pan who Romeria saved from mercenaries. I loved Romeria's self-righteousness and steely determination to protect all mortals.

"I will not risk her, not for all the crowns and all the kingdoms. There must be another way."

In the end, I enjoyed this book even though I thought it was more on the fantasy side than romance. Zander and Romeria had to go through some struggles to be together, especially since Zander was doubting whether his love for her was real. The last part of the book had major revelations that will absolutely have an impact on the future considering Romeria's role in the prophecy. If you like slow burn romance, you won't be disappointed by Zander and Romeria. I also loved that we get to read Zander's POV in addition to Romeria's because it provided a more thorough picture of what he truly felt for her despite everything that happened. Fans of K.A. Tucker will not want to miss out on this fantasy series since she is mostly known for writing contemporary romance.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

Cover Reveal: The Reckless Union by Monica Murphy

Monica Murphy has revealed the cover for The Reckless Union!

Releasing: August 16, 2022

 Our marriage may look like a fairytale, but outside forces threaten to tear us apart. Don't they realize that nothing will keep me apart from Charlotte? Not my family. Not hers either.

What started out as a relationship in name only has evolved into something much more. Something deeper. And when Charlotte is taken from me, I launch into action, determined to rescue her.

She's mine. Nothing is going to stop me from being with her.

Not a damn thing.

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z3nPiz

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3sY16Ax

Nook: https://bit.ly/3PKy9SH

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3yYQ6H3

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3wHT7IU

 Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3yZOyN1

Meet Monica

Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling romance author. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and have sold over two million copies worldwide. Both a traditionally published and independently published author, she writes young adult, new adult and contemporary romance. She's also known as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

A native Californian, she lives on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere with her husband, two kids, one dog, and four cats. When she's not writing, she's an assistant coach for her daughter's high school cheer team, which is a two season sport. Meaning, she's at practice with a bunch of teenage girls all the time. Or she's at a football game. Or a basketball game. Maybe someday, she'll even write about this experience.

Connect with Monica

Website: http://monicamurphyauthor.com

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/MonicaMurphyGR

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1YUl0Vm

Facebook: http://bit.ly/MonicaMurphyFB

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/monicamurphyreadergroup/

Instagram: http://bit.ly/MonicaMurphyIG

Twitter: http://bit.ly/MonicaMurphyTW

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2ZAthV1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/msmonicamurphy/

Verve Romance: https://ververomance.com/app/monicamurphy

The Crash by Skye Warren and Amelia Wilde

The Crash is the prequel to Force of Nature, which tells the story of Carter Morelli from the Midnight Dynasty world and his entanglement with June Porter. I have been looking forward to Carter's story ever since he was first mentioned and introduced in Tiernan Morelli's story in Dangerous Temptation. This secretive and mysterious Morelli is much more than meets the eye because he only shows the world and his family a part of himself—not who he truly is: A broken and morally gray individual who lives a secret life. I thought this was a fantastic introduction to his character and I absolutely can't wait to know more about him. June is an entirely new character but I loved how innocent and hopeful she is. Carter's attraction to June is immediate and visceral when they first meet. Although he finds her bubbly and hopeful nature irritating at first, Carter can't help but want to protect and claim her as his.

"I'm not good. I'm not safe, and I never have been. I've been poison since the day I was born."

In the end, this was a fantastic introduction to Carter Morelli and June Porter's upcoming story and I can't wait to see how everything will unfold in the main book. Both are stranded on a remote island and the only path to survival lies further in the jungle… but are they really alone? As they are being hunted by unknown forces, Carter is forced to protect June from danger—including himself. Fans of Amelia Wilde and Skye Warren will certainly not want to miss out on this new and upcoming story featuring Carter Morelli as he previously played a role in Tiernan's character development and Daphne's subsequent reunion with Emerson in her story. I am definitely intrigued by Carter's secret life and am looking forward to seeing how his relationship with June will develop even further. I recommend this book to those who like the forced proximity trope with a seemingly normal but possessive hero who lives a double life and a heroine who is the perfect match to his darkness—innocent, humble, and hopeful. Their attraction to each other is explosive with a potential to spark fires.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

Release Blitz: Queen of Hearts by Alta Hensley

Queen of Hearts by Alta Hensley is now live!

 No matter how far I run, Nick Hudson finds me.

I'm a pawn in a twisted game of power and revenge. And he's a masterful player.

He's going to hold me and hurt me, protect me and punish me. In a dangerous world of wealth, decadence, and sin, I have no choice but to sink into the arms of my enemy.

There's a price to be paid, though. I must surrender control to enter this new wonderland of seduction. And I must learn to find strength for the fight that's coming. Being a Morelli has never been so dangerous.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/37u5Ia9

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3Pa6QRe

Nook: https://bit.ly/394zjr2

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3yFHfKr

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3P8PBzF

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3M2ZoFG

Meet Alta

Alta Hensley is a USA TODAY bestselling author of hot, dark and dirty romance. She is also an Amazon Top 100 bestselling author. Being a multi-published author in the romance genre, Alta is known for her dark, gritty alpha heroes, sometimes sweet love stories, hot eroticism, and engaging tales of the constant struggle between dominance and submission.

She lives in a log cabin in the woods with her husband, two daughters, and an Australian Shepherd. When she isn't battling the bats, and watching the deer, she is writing about villains who always get their love story and happily ever after.

Connect with Alta

Website: www.altahensley.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alta-Hensley/e/B004G5A6LI

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltaHensleyAuthor/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/altashotdarkdirtyroom

Instagram: https://instagram.com/altahensley

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AltaHensley

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altahensley

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alta-hensley

Queen of Hearts by Alta Hensley

Queen of Hearts is the latest installment in the Wonderland trilogy by Alta Hensley and it exceeded my expectations in terms of character growth, romance, and steaminess. Nick and Lyriope had incredible sexual chemistry and I was not disappointed when they finally took the next step in their relationship. This book immediately picks up where King of Spades last left off, which means that Lyriope has decided to run away from Nick. What ensues is a game of cat and mouse as Nick obsessively stalks Lyriope to Italy and claims her once and for all. Although the plot of the story remains stagnant for much of the book, Nick and Lyriope experience tremendous development as characters and in their own relationship with each other—especially since feelings are now finally involved. In addition to their developing romance, the smut scenes between Nick and Lyriope were incredibly hot, dirty, and even heartbreaking at times. I loved every single scene.

"You belong to me, Lyriope. Not on paper. Not because of an agreement. You belong to me the same way I belong to you."

The story begins with the consequences of Lyriope's decision to run away as Nick is astonished and infuriated over her disappearance. He vows to find Lyriope and punish her for her actions. Lyriope eventually arrives in Italy as her cousin, Sasha Morelli, and immediately regrets her decision. She is afraid and knows that Nick will find her soon—and she is correct. I was honestly quite amused over how fast Nick was able to find Lyriope because she really didn't think this through at all. However, their reunion was everything I expected and more because what transpired between the two had me on the edge of my seat. Nick is just the right amount of cruel and sadistic for Lyriope as he attempts to make her "pay" for leaving him. Despite her innocence, Lyriope knows exactly what and who she wants because meeting Nick has allowed her to blossom not only emotionally but sexually as well.

"This isn't a love story I'm in. I feel like I'm suffocating, but I also have never felt so alive."

In the end, I simply devoured this book and cannot wait to read Ace of Diamonds because the book ends with a heartbreaking cliffhanger. Betrayal, revenge, and redemption will most likely be the main themes for the final book in the Wonderland trilogy as Nick desperately tries to reclaim Lyriope no matter the cost. Lyriope and Nick have finally acknowledged their feelings for each other but unfortunately, there was a major cost. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about Lyriope and Nick but this book changed everything for me. Furthermore, Lyriope went from this insecure and naive young woman to someone who is willing to finally take control of her destiny and lineage. Nick went from this mysterious and cruel character with the wicked smiles to be someone who had been merely surviving until he met Lyriope and she allowed him to feel once and for all. I recommend this book to those who like reading the dark billionaire romance trope with an anti-hero who considers himself the villain in this story and does everything in his power to keep his heroine.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★★