Dark Prince's Mate by Anna Zaires and Charmaine Pauls

Dark Prince's Mate is the conclusion to Aruan and Elsie's story. This was an excellent sequel that not only captivated my attention—due to all of my burning questions, but Anna Zaires and Charmaine Paul also gave us some incredibly spicy and heartfelt scenes for their journey's end. I want to note that this book picks up immediately after Dark Prince’s Captive so I recommend reading that first before picking up this one. Although Aruan and Elsie still had their issues in the first half of the book, the way they were able to resolve it and come to terms with their growing feelings for each other made for a satisfying conclusion to their story. However, it was still frustrating to see Elsie continue to fight her feelings for Aruan but he was also at fault for being too uncompromising when it came to her safety. Their unwillingness to talk to each other made me want to shake them both. Thankfully, I was relieved when Aruan began to slowly change his ways and make concessions for Elsie's happiness.

“The man cradling me in his arms has a terrifying, godlike power, yet I’m not afraid of him. I see him for what he is: dangerous and beautiful, violent and imperfect. And mine. Above all, mine.”

In the end, Aruan made compromises that ultimately won him Elsie's heart. I thoroughly enjoyed their super steamy moments and seeing them "make up" after an argument. The love scenes were spicy and plentiful—which I appreciated because Aruan and Elsie's first time left them and readers disappointed. Prior to the completion of their bond, Aruan was extremely overprotective, overbearing, and stubborn. This clashed with Elsie's personality because she was independent, stubborn, and had modern sensibilities. Nevertheless, I was happy to see them finally talk and learn to love one another. The second half of the book was my favorite because we finally learn who the true mastermind of the kidnappings and attacks was. It made for an exciting turn of events, which also led Elsie to realize her feelings for Aruan and complete their mate bond. I highly recommend this duet to fans of Anna Zaires and Charmaine Pauls, especially if you like reading about the dark, brooding, and possessive hero and his feisty and highly independent heroine with plenty of spice as well.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dark Prince's Captive by Anna Zaires and Charmaine Pauls

Anna Zaires and Charmaine Pauls have written a fantastical and exciting new world full of action, romance, and danger that will certainly captivate your attention and leave you wanting more. I found the world of Zerra, a parallel world to Earth, completely fascinating and hope the authors will provide more background information about it in the next book. Due to the short nature of this book, it did feel more like an introduction to Elsie and Aruan's story and the world of Zerra. Our heroine, Elsie, starts off on the brink of death but ends up being transported to a completely new world that's similar but unlike her own. After getting kidnapped by these strange and terrifying creatures, she is saved by a mysterious and handsome man who calls himself her mate. Bewildered and scared, Elsie has to not only navigate her confusing new feelings for Aruan but also this magical world and her growing dormant powers. I loved that this had all of the tried and true tropes we all know and love in a romantasy but with the hint of darkness and traits of Charmaine and Anna's obsessive and possessive heroes. However, Aruan has a lot of groveling and explaining to do after the events of this book—to which I look forward to reading.

“I can feel the pull of her being. It’s like a dragon’s claw has hooked itself deep into my chest, but instead of pain, there’s an ache, equal parts sweet and terrible, an exquisite longing that permeates everything I am.”

In the end, this was an incredible start to a brand new series and entry into their romantasy era from Anna Zaires and Charmaine Pauls. I want to know more about Elsie's past and who exactly sent her to Earth to die. Her newfound powers also piqued my interest and I can't wait to see what she'll do with it. On the other hand, Aruan was a very intense, powerful, and dominant character. Although there were times where I felt like he was too high-handed when it came to Elsie, I appreciated that he was already completely obsessed and possessive of her. I'm hoping that the authors will further flesh out Aruan and Elsie's characters and build more on their relationship that currently consists more of lust than love right now. Their consummation was incredibly sexy but frustrating at the same time because of what happened after. Another point that I found interesting was Aruan as the prophesied crown prince who will destroy the world because of his mate. How did this prophecy even come about and what will this mean for Elsie? Is Aruan's mother the villain of this book or someone else? I'm also curious about Aruan's siblings—Gaia, especially Kian who left an impression on me, and Vitai—and hope they will getting their own books. I highly recommend reading Dark Prince's Mate immediately after because this one does end in a heartbreaking cliffhanger due to a miscommunication between Aruan and Elsie.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dragon King by Sara Fields

Sara Fields returns with a brand new dragon shifter romance between two unlikely individuals who were always fated to be with each other. This might be my favorite release from her to date because of the way she has written Kol and Hayleigh. It had the perfect blend of romance and spice that the author has always been known for through her work. Despite their rough start with each other, I loved seeing these two slowly start to care and fall in love with each other. In addition, I also enjoyed the push/pull relationship between these two because it further heightened their sexual chemistry and love scenes. It was incredibly erotic, dirty, angsty, and intense.

"A man like me was meant to rule, not to love. That was my destiny."

The story starts out with Hayleigh, who was an ordinary young woman until she discovers her family's secrets and is eventually kidnapped by Kol—who needs her to save his kingdom. What made this kidnapping even more intriguing is that Kol has done this to previous women in Hayleigh's bloodline and they have all been deeply traumatized by it. However, it soon becomes clear to Kol that Hayleigh is different and that there is something special about her to him. As they begin to spend more time with each other and he claims her innocence, Kol wants to keep her for himself and realizes that he is in love with Hayleigh. But, fate has other plans in store for them.

"I will give you everything if you only agree to be mine."

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed Kol and Hayleigh's incredibly steamy and romantic story as they discover and fell in love with each other. This book does have some elements that might be offensive to some readers but that did not detract from how much I liked this book. I was captivated by their love scenes and the danger that came with Kol's intensity and obsession. Fans of Sara Fields will absolutely be thrilled to read this book because it features a dominant and possessive hero who falls first and is deeply in love with his sweet and submissive heroine.

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

Rating: ★★★★★

When a Moth Loved a Bee by Pepper Winters

Pepper Winters has crafted a story that is incredibly haunting, beautifully romantic, and complex because it reveals everything and nothing all at once. Although we’re given certain clues and hints on what may have happened between the girl and her stranger, there is this inexplicable and instant connection that they cannot ignore despite their lost memories. Something or someone is trying to keep them apart—no matter what. What ensues is a tale of heartbreak and an attempt to uncover their memories to what may be a hopeless endeavor for these two star-crossed lovers. Dorra and Runa will have a long road ahead of them and there are forces that will attempt to tear them apart no matter what.

"I want to tell you that one day, we will be together… I want to tell you… I love you. That I loved you before I remembered you, and I'll love you through every life after this one."

While I would have liked for more spice between Dorra and Runa, the angst and emotion that they had for each other was powerful enough to keep me intrigue and invested. Instead, the author has created a slow burn romance with plenty of sexual tension and longing for our main characters. This book will absolutely tug at your heart and keep readers enthralled because of the devotion, possession, and love that the moth has for his bee. I do want to note that I read the updated version with 20% of the book edited out. In the end, When a Moth Loved Bee is a story between star-crossed lovers who were never supposed to fall in love and paid a heavy price for it. Even though Dorra and Runa may come from different worlds, their soul remembered each other and this new journey might very well be their redemption and reunion.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

A Lair So Royal by Zoey Ellis

A Lair So Royal is the final book in the Last Dragorai series and it features the serious, dominant, and unrelenting Khyros and his disobedient, resilient, and destined mate Azenyah. These two matched each other perfectly. Although I did not like how their relationship started because it was incredibly messy and complicated, this couple did grow on me over time. Khyros was the head of the Vattoro clan and much of the story so far revolved around him trying to locate his dragon who has been missing for centuries. Little did he know that fate and the Goddesses had plans for them all because of past mistakes and oversights from the dragorai race.

"You are mine. You will always be mine, no matter what you say or do. You will always be my priority. I will do whatever it takes to protect you."

Azenyah was an interesting character and very different from past heroines because she is a dragorai—the same race as Khyros. After being trapped for on an island with Khyros' dragon for hundreds of years, Azenyah is thrust into a world that she no longer knows. A warrior for a time long gone, she is Khyros' other half and equal but due to misunderstandings between the two, their first time together was violent and brutal. I had a hard time finishing this book at first but once things took a turn and secrets were revealed, I was determined to finish it all the way. While the romance between Khyros and Azenyah was more physical at first, I was able to feel more of their connection near the end when truths were finally revealed.

"I wouldn't change anything if it meant there was a chance I wouldn't have you."

In the end, I enjoyed this book despite my initial reaction to it and would recommend it to fans of Zoey Ellis and those who love fantasy romance with a lot of spice. Once the truth behind Khyros' missing dragon and why Azenyah was trapped on the same island was revealed, everything made sense. I felt heartbroken for everyone who died and fought in the war against the humans but it also left them a promising future to hold on to. The ending of the series was a pleasant surprise and brought much hope to the Vattoro clan. I hope that Zoey Ellis will continue this series in the future because I truly did enjoy all of the characters. The nose rubs will always be my favorite. I recommend this series to those who like the "enemies to romance" and "pre-destined soul mates" tropes with a dominant and arrogant hero who will stop at nothing to keep and claim his defiant and stubborn little warrior.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

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: ★★★★☆

A Lair So Fateful by Zoey Ellis

A Lair So Fateful by Zoey Ellis is the fourth book in the Last Dragorai series and it features Sethorn and Uraya. Both characters have been featured in previous books, specifically in A Lair So Loyal when Uraya saved Oshali from the Queen and Sethorn has been a reoccurring character in the series due to his status as a centuries old dragorai alpha of the Vattoro clan. While Uraya and Sethorn's book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the books in order because they all build on each other. The world is rich and full of nuance while the characters are equally special and interesting because of their personalities, backgrounds, and purposes. I had been anticipating Sethorn and Uraya's story ever since we were given a glimpse of their push/pull and "antagonistic" relationship in A Lair So Primal. We were never given a reason as to why they were always fighting and now we know why—it's related to their first meeting with each other.

"You're the challenge I always needed. I've been looking for you for centuries."

Although Uraya and Sethorn had a lot of issues, mostly due to her stubbornness and his arrogance, I thought they were interesting characters and excellent foils to each other. When they argued, it was always intense, exciting, and electric. There's no denying that these two have a lot of chemistry together and Zoey Ellis always excels at evoking the sexual tension between them as well. It certainly made for some spicy scenes. I especially loved the agreement scene when Uraya tried to make a deal with Sethorn and went toe-to-toe with him to get what she wanted. The subsequent scenes we got from that was incredibly erotic and dirty. Uraya was always pushing Sethorn to the edge and he was simply not used to her disobedience and unwillingness to worship him. On the other hand, Uraya was constantly annoyed by Sethorn because he was dominant, overbearing, and used to getting his way. It was quite entertaining to see their relationship play out.

"I set out to make you worship me and I quickly realized that you were making me worship you."

In the end, I really enjoyed Uraya and Sethorn's story because it had everything I wanted—a great cast of characters, twists and turns in the plot, a romance that was super steamy and angsty at times, and dragons. The story does take a super interesting turn with the discovery of Khyros' missing dragon, the oldest brother and head of the Vattoro clan. I absolutely can't wait to find out what will happen next in the story because Khyros will finally be reunited with his dragon and meet his mate! Fans of Zoey Ellis and Ruby Dixon's Fireblood Dragons series will not be disappointed by this series and book because it has all the makings of a fantastic fantasy romance with erotic and omegaverse elements. I highly recommend this book to those who like the "enemies to romance" and "soul mates" tropes with an alpha and arrogant hero who will stop at nothing to keep and claim his defiant and stubborn heroine.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Gilded Cage by Dani Wyatt

Gilded Cage is Dani Wyatt's take on high fantasy and erotic romance and it was incredibly steamy, angsty, and romantic. Calliope and Rian met and fell in love with each other but outside forces wanted to keep them apart. As a result, a curse was placed on them—forcing them to forever be separate and apart. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book because it adds further tension and drama to their relationship as they pine for each other. Like most of Dani Wyatt's books, the sex and chemistry between Calliope and Rian simply burned up the pages. I don't typically read interspecies relationships but I thought this was done incredibly well because I didn't mind the fact that Rian was part orc most of the time because of the curse. It made for some incredibly sexy scenes, especially when they were finally reunited.

“You are greedy for me, dirty songbird. It only makes me love you more, the way you want me as I want you.”

In the end, I simply adored this book because it was short, sweet, and dirty. Rian absolutely loves Calliope and if you're into stories where the hero is completely obsessed with his heroine, I highly recommend this book and the author's other stories because you will not be disappointed. I loved how there was also a "Beauty and the Beast" vibe to this story because Rian is cursed and forced to assume the appearance of an orc. In addition, the threat of war between Calliope and Rian's kingdoms was always present. The curse simply exacerbated it. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this book to those who love the love at first sight and 'enemies' to lovers tropes with a hero and heroine who were simply fated to be with each other.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

A Lair So Loyal by Zoey Ellis

A Lair So Loyal is the second book in The Last Dragorai series featuring Tyomar and Oshali. This book felt different from the first one because it features a ward-like relationship between the two main characters. Tyomar was previously featured in Nyro and I'mya's book and I remembered him as the mediator between the brothers and the one who gets along with everyone. In this installment, we get to see another side to Tyomar when he is with Oshali—the young girl he rescued so many years ago. I would recommend reading A Lair So Sinful because Zoey Ellis already did an excellent job establishing the world and its characters in that book. Tyomar and Oshali's story furthers that progression by introducing us to new tidbits and information about the rest of the dragorai brothers and their affect in this world.

"I want every part of you, inside and out. Everything you're willing to give and everything you're not. And I will have it, little cloak."

Oshali is an orphan who had been rescued by Tyomar. Since then, she has been the point contact between the Mheyu, an organization that documents the history of this world and are followers of the Goddesses, and the dragorai. As always, Zoey Ellis excels at capturing the dynamic chemistry and tension between Tyomar and Oshali. Some of their scenes were hilarious, sexy, and erotic. Both characters are stubborn and they often clash because of their strong personalities. Oshali has been in love with Tyomar since young but believes that he will one day abandon her after finding his mate. What she doesn't realize is that Tyomar only has eyes for her and has been biding his time. My favorite part about this book was seeing how their relationship developed from acquaintances to lovers over time.

"You are mine, Oshali. You have always been mine… There won't be anything for you to give to anyone because I will have already taken it. Your heart, your mind, your love, and your kiss."

In the end, I really enjoyed this book and will be excitedly waiting for Zendyor and Elora's book in A Lair So Primal! I've been wanting to read their story since Nyro and I'mya. He is the brother with the quick temper and we've been given hints as to why he has been so distracted lately. If I could summarize Tyomar and Oshali's book, I would say that it was a journey to find oneself and freedom but ending up with so much more. I loved Tyomar's possessiveness and obsession over Oshali as well as his frequent nose rubs. It's very characteristic of the brothers! I recommend this series to fantasy romance lovers who like a bit of spice in their books because the love scenes were fire.

Rating: ★★★★☆

A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker

A Fate of Wrath & Flame is the first book in a fantasy romance series by K.A. Tucker and it is a phenomenal and captivating one. Not only is there a slow burn romance between Romeria and Zander but there is magic, alternate universes, betrayal, gods & monsters, and destiny. This is not young adult. K.A. Tucker has built a world that is incredibly complex, special, and unique. The cast of characters are also multi-dimensional and layered with their own motivations and ambitions—including the antagonists. I was constantly questioning everything and everyone. Romeria is my favorite type of heroine: courageous, independent, curious, passionate, and innocent. Zander is her complete match and has all the qualities of a king: dutiful, loyal, compassionate, serious, and profound. Both characters have the potential to love deeply.

"I no longer feel the desire to look backward. I only want to look forward with you."

The story begins with a prologue that is intriguing and ultimately sets the stage for the events that will come. Romeria is a thief and she has the special ability to steal anything she sets her mind to. Unfortunately, this also gets her in trouble and she is now in debt to man named Korsakov. As she is studying her target, she meets a woman named Sofie who will irrevocably change her life. Without going into spoilers, Romeria is thrust into this new and parallel world of elementals, casters, fates, and immortals. She has inhabited the body of Princess Romeria from Ybaris who has seemingly come back to life after poisoning the king and queen of Islor. Zander, the previous Romeria's intended, now wants her dead.

"The old is now destined with the new, and there is no going back. There is only forward."

The story is intense, action-packed, magical, and full of passion. After being accused of things she did not do, Romeria now has to navigate this strange world while trying to earn the trust of those around her. Some of my favorite side characters include Elisaf, Corrin, Wendaline, and Annika. The chemistry between Zander and Romeria is palpable and electric. I looked forward to every scene they had together! At the heart of this story, there is a vendetta between the gods and I'm worried about what this will mean for Romeria and Zander now that their paths are intertwined. In the end, I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series. Fans of K.A. Tucker will absolutely devour this book because it is an exceptional one. If you love the enemies to lovers and fake marriage/betrothal trope, then I highly recommend this book!

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

Rating: ★★★★★

A Lair So Sinful by Zoey Ellis

A Lair So Sinful was my first book by Zoey Ellis and it certainly won't be my last. I enjoyed I'mya and Nyro's story so much. What happens when you combine dark romance with fantasy? You get the omegaverse. If you love stories featuring a possessive and dirty talking hero who is obsessed with his heroine, you'll get that here. Did I mention that he has a dragon? I found the world completely fascinating and I can't wait to read more about it. It has magic, intrigue, betrayal, and sex.

At first, I wasn't sure where the story was going because we are learning and experiencing everything for the first time, just like I'mya. The story starts off with her awakening in a cavern completely naked. She finds out that she is part of a group of women meant to satisfy the needs of the dragonair. I'mya has lost her memories and wants to escape her predicament. What she doesn't realize is that she is exactly where she's supposed to be. Her attempt at escaping leads her to her first encounter with the master of the lair, Nyro, and his dragon.

"Sliding his large hand to the back of her neck, he lowered his head to scent her, running his nose from her collarbone, along her neck, stopping just behind her ear."

I actually adore their relationship. I love how I'mya isn't afraid to talk back to Nyro and even calls him a coward for "torturing" her with magic. I found their courtship to be sexy, funny at times, and swoon-worthy. The nose touch and cuddles! There is a language barrier at first because Nyro considers his own much superior but I'mya is able to understand him whenever he uses magic. At the heart of this book, there is a twist in the plot that I didn't expect and we uncover it as I'mya starts to remember her memories and past life.

"Your scent has been torturing me since the moment I met you, and your beauty is uniquely agonizing."

In the end, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Zoey Ellis. Nyro is one of five brothers and Tyomar is next. I'm really excited to read Zendyor's book because he is most likely fated to be with Elora, I'mya's friend. She was the woman who accidentally trespassed into his territory before arriving at Nyro's. Anyway, if you love your stories a little bit dark, erotic, romantic, and magical, don't miss out on this book!

Rating: ★★★★☆