Wild Born by Nikolai Andrew

Wild Born is the first book in the Wolven Brotherhood series by Nikolai Andrew and it features two unlikely fated mates who were always meant to be together. If you're looking for a quick and dirty story with paranormal elements, then you will definitely get that here. The book begins with Callan falling completely obsessed and head over heels in lust with his fated heroine, Sestina. Unbeknownst to Sestina, her alluring and powerful scent drove him to the brink of madness. While their first meeting was unconventional, I liked that he scared her away because of his intensity at first but then she slowly warmed up to him after he saved her. They were certainly compatible with each other and had plenty of sexual chemistry. I certainly enjoyed the hot and steamy moments between the two.

"I love you more than life, and I will protect you with mine if I have to."

In the end, Callan and Sestina's story was an enjoyable read and beginning to the Wolven Brotherhood series. In addition to the romance and sexy scenes, I was also intrigued by the world-building in this book because Callan was considered a "wolven" and was part of a "pact," much similar to that of a werewolf. The inhabitants of this world were surprisingly fine with paranormal beings and even lived with them. Holly and Vargr will be next and they were briefly introduced as secondary characters in this book. I wonder if Roark, the leader of Callan's pact, will get his own story even though he lost his mate long ago. If you like your heroes possessive, dirty, and knows exactly who he wants—a sweet and innocent heroine by his side, then you won't be disappointed with Callan and Sestina's story.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

HEIR by Dani Wyatt and Nikolai Andrew

HEIR by Dani Wyatt and Nikolai Andrew was completely unexpected and incredibly hot. It had an engaging plot and romance between its two main characters, Vasile and Valeria. I was invested in their relationship since the beginning and the way it played out between them left me very satisfied by the end. Not only does this book features several tropes including "enemies to lovers" and "love at first sight" but there is also an arranged marriage between Valeria and Vasile's brother, Petre. Valeria is a princess in name only but due to her father's gambling addiction, she has been pawned off to Vasile's family as payment. What she never expected was to be immediately attracted to her intended's brother and to experience unexpected feelings for him. Vasile similarly falls head over heels in lust/love for Valeria and is unable to keep away. There was a forbidden aspect to their relationship, which made for a tense and exciting read.

Petre is not a good man and Valeria is unwilling to marry him because of his cruel and abhorrent nature of beating women. In order to run away from her fate, Valeria vows to seduce the older brother—Vasile, to escape from her predicament. However, not all goes as planned because Vasile wants to claim her completely as his. I really enjoyed this book and its two main characters. Vasile was a contradiction because he was a good man and but also dominant when it came to dealing with Valeria. I was surprised by him but his domineering nature made for some rather titillating moments between he and Valeria. I also liked Valeria because she made the best of her situation but had a mind of her own and spitfire personality. In the end, I thought Vasile and Valeria were a great match and I loved their sexy moments together. I highly recommend this!

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

Rating: ★★★★☆

Obsession by Dani Wyatt and Nikolai Andrew

Obsession by Dani Wyatt and Nikolai Andrew is the third book in the Royally Hot series and can be read as a standalone since the characters have no connection to the other stories released thus far. I really enjoyed the author's take on erotic historical romance because I was quite invested in the plot, character development, and romance. Anika and Maksim are "step-siblings" but the reality is that they are not. Her mother married his uncle so there is some connection or relation between them. Anika does call Maksim her "brother" and he his "sister" so there is that taboo/forbidden element to the story. The attraction and sexual chemistry between these two was always present and palpable throughout the book. Even though Maksim treated Anika harshly and cruelly in front of others, he was also in love with her at the same time. Similarly, Anika was intensely attracted to Maksim but hated him because of his disdain towards her. The theme of love and hate being two sides of the same coin can be applied to their relationship.

"I hated her as much as I loved her. She stripped me of all my control, of all my sanity."

In addition to the romance, the plot played a significant role in the development of their relationship as Anika's mother and Maksim's uncle sought to control and marry her off to a neighboring country with Maksim going crazy because of it. All this time, he was treating her coldly and cruelly to keep her safe but it was all in vain. With this in mind, Maksim decides to claim Anika as his. At the same time, Anika is resolved to escape her predicament no matter the cost. The push and pull between Maksim and Anika had to be my favorite aspect of this book. When they finally decided to consummate their relationship, it was dirty, erotic, and incredibly sexy. Maksim had a darker side to him and he was ready to unleash it on Anika.

"I feared him. I loved him. I despised him. I needed him."

In the end, I really enjoyed this book and am now curious about the other books in this series. This was previously published as Royal Obsession and although I remember reading that book, it seems like this re-release has added additional story content and an epilogue—which I really enjoyed and appreciated. If you are looking for a spicy historical romance with a dirty talking hero who is obsessed with his heroine, I highly recommend this book. The love and hate they had for each other made for some sizzling scenes as they came to terms with their feelings for one another.

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

Rating: ★★★★☆