Night's Bliss by Mary Hughes Book Review

 

Title: Night's Bliss (The Ancients #3)
Author: Mary Hughes
Publish Date: November 15th, 2021
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy for review!

I could never trust a vampire. Ever. It wasn’t enough that vampires killed my parents and left me for dead. Nope, they also left me with this searing fear of every one of their kind.

But when someone I care about grows sick from poison, I have no choice but to infiltrate a Romanian castle filled with pissy, evil vampires in search of the antidote. And my only saving grace is that for some reason, I can do things other humans can’t. Unfortunately, I also seem to be the perfect bait for the Vampire King, Kai Elias.

More than seven feet of dark, wicked charisma, ancient eyes, and a body that holds more power and raw, animal sexuality than I can resist. But there’s something about Elias that looks painfully, terrifyingly familiar. Now I am in over my head and my heart. And my only choice is to trust this dark, charismatic creature…or die.

Penelope's Review

I know I'm in the minority for this one, and I'm sorry for that! But I just didn't love this book. I can totally see why some people would absolutely love it, but it just didn't end up being for me. So to start off, even though it's listed as the third in a series, it can be read as a standalone (it's one of those series that focuses on a new couple in each book) so no issues there. But when I first started reading it, I actually thought maybe I was wrong and this was part of an ongoing series based on these characters (Elias and Rey). I was just so confused about what was going on. It didn't take me too long to piece things together, so it wasn't that much of an issue but I hate getting off to a bad start with a book. 

In terms of the storyline itself, it did have some interesting twists and surprises, and I loved that Elias was able to go through a million scenarios in his head before acting upon a plan. It was neat to read through all the different ways certain plans of action could go wrong. Hughes' take on vampires was really unique - it was very interesting to read about them "calling on their vampire" or "bringing their vampire to the front" as opposed to them just... being vampires all the time you know? Really unique, and I loved that creativity. 

Another thing that kind of bugged me is that Rey and Elias had like... entire conversations in a single glance? I don't know, maybe it was meant to portray how connected they were? But to me, it just came off as super unrealistic. There were quite a few times where I was like, wait really? She/he said ALL that with their eyes lol? I know eyes are the window to the soul and all, but I think this took it to a bit of an extreme. Maybe I'm just being picky, I don't know. It was just one of those things that once I noticed, I couldn't forget.

Overall, I think this book has a super unique take on vampires, and a really interesting storyline. Just a few things that kind of bugged me and my personal preferences are what led to my rating. I absolutely think you should give this a try if you are a paranormal romance fan - it may be right up your alley!

Rating: 3/5 Devils!

Legendary by Stephanie Garber Book Review

 

Title: Legendary (Caraval #2)
Author: Stephanie Garber
Publish Date: May 29th, 2018
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Source: Purchased my own copy!

A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.

After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister, Scarlett, from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.

The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice, but now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever...

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . the games have only just begun.

Penelope's Review

The magic continues in the second installment of the Carval series! This book is told from Tella's point of view, rather than Scarlet's and I wasn't sure how it would come across. But I ended up really enjoying her as a main character! The writing style in this book is also quite different from the first - perhaps because Tella sees the world differently than Scarlet or perhaps it's just that Garber has grown as a writer. Either way, I really liked the writing style here. 

In this book, the girls have remained with the Caraval cast on their way to the next destination - but Tella has a secret that has her entering the competition once again. We see alot of familiar faces in this book - I really loved Julian in the last book so I was happy to see his appearances in this one. And Dante also comes back, more as a main character than in Caraval. And then we have some new faces as well like Jacks (Loved him. So. Much.). While I didn't love Dante in the previous book, he definitely grew on me in this one. 

I liked that we still got to see a bit of Scarlet and Julian's story, but Tella was just as great as a main character. She's super brave and knows what she wants. She's willing to take risks for those she loves and is more of a "do now, think later" kind of girl which I love. We also get to see a bit more of the relationship between the sisters and I am living for it! I love love love how close Scarlet and Tella are, while still living their own lives. 

This books was just more - more magic, more drama, more surprises, more love! It really was a great read and I look forward to the finale - aptly named Finale ;) 

Rating: 4.5/5 Devils!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organize yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

Hi! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and Black Friday weekend! I'm up in Canada so no Thanksgiving for me, but I did reap the benefits of Black Friday! I got three new boxed sets and crossed a few other books off my list! I'll do a Stacking the Shelves post this week to show you what I got! 

In other news, I have received an invitation to interview for one of the medical schools I applied to in England! Yay! Thankfully the interview is online haha! But it's not until February so lots of time to prepare (and stress!).

Hope everyone has a fantastic week!

What I Read Last Week:

What I Am Currently Reading:

What I Am Reading Next:

HIT by Mallory Hart Blog Tour!

Hi everyone! I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the HIT by Mallory Hart Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About the Book:

Title: HIT (Mafia Born Book 1)

Author: Mallory Hart

Pub. Date: November 30, 2021

Publisher: Mallory Hart Romance

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!

GIUSEPPINA

I was never supposed to meet him, but one fateful night had him saving my life.

Now he thinks he owns me. I’m his to keep.

He’s ruthless, cold, and a killer, but something draws me to him anyway.

I know what he’s capable of. I know he was meant to kill me. And I know one wrong slip may make him change his mind about sparing my life.

But I want to test him, push him, be a part of his world.

I know I should be afraid. I know I should run. But something about Darragh has taken me over, and I don’t know how long I can resist . . .

______

A hitman.
A princess.
A forbidden romance.

All her life, Giuseppina Delarosa knew two things: what her father and brother did after dark was a secret, and her life was never her own. As the sole daughter of Don Delarosa’s clan, it was well known a marriage would secure the future of the family. But when she learns she’s to be wed to an infamous ally, Giuseppina has other plans.

Darragh O’Callaghan is good at exactly two things: not caring about anyone, and killing his enemies. The only Irish mafia in the city needs good enforcers to keep their borders, and Darragh does his job well. So he can’t understand why he screws it all up when a hit is placed on the Delarosa gang’s prime jewel: Giuseppina Delarosa.

One rainy night.
One decision not to kill.
One moment that changes everything.

Hit is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, dark mafia romance. It is book one in the Mafia Born Duet.

EXCERPT: 

 “I don’t want to marry you,” I said. “Take that out of the deal and I’ll choose option two.”

He smiled at me. “I’m not here to bargain, love.”

“All this just to end the blood feud? Be honest with yourself, you don’t want to be stuck with me either. Or have I somehow charmed you?”

He crossed his arms. “I don’t like you, Giuseppina. You’re temperamental, never know when to shut your mouth, you tried to hand me over to the feds and you’ve put a target on my back. You’re rude, way more violent than any woman should ever be and you’ll make a horrible wife.”

I breathed out through my nose. “Wow, a very convincing argument you’re making.”

“But no marriage in our world is ever made for love. And all those qualities may be the only thing that keeps either of us alive. We can end the fighting between our families. Your brother, Andrea? He’ll be safe. You’ll never have to worry if his next walk through Hell’s Kitchen will be his last. I could kill the Delarosa’s with Rocci gone, but that would be a waste. The Russians just raised their flag in Brooklyn and the Chicago Outfit creeps closer every day. The fighting will never end. It’s just a matter of who I’m killing.”

I let those words sink in.

“The happy life with a white picket fence was never an option for you. I’ve given you two. Run, or stay. It’s your choice.”

He walked around the counter and squeezed my shoulder. I flinched against his touch.

“Think about it.”

 

About Mallory Hart:

Mallory Hart is the writer of steamy stories to make you swoon. When not writing, she can be found with a glass of red wine, blasting music and dancing in her underwear or reading books that make you blush. For updates on new releases, visit her website and subscribe to the newsletter.

Her first full-length work, Hit, releases 11/30/2021 and can be pre-ordered on Amazon.

Sign up for Mallory’s mailing list!

 

Website  | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon  

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a signed finished copy of HIT, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/15/2021	Rockstar Book Tours	Kickoff Post
11/16/2021	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
11/17/2021	tmbacorbett.com	Excerpt
11/18/2021	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
11/19/2021	The Momma Spot	Excerpt

Week Two:

11/22/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
11/23/2021	The Girl Who Reads	Review
11/24/2021	@talkwordytomeee	Review
11/25/2021	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review
11/26/2021	Writer of Wrongs	Excerpt
11/27/2021	The Reading Devil	Excerpt

Week Three:

11/28/2021	Karen Dee's Book Reviews	Review
11/29/2021	_Bookbound_	Review
11/30/2021	Triquetra Reviews	Review
12/1/2021	Emilyreadsspice	Review
12/2/2021	@coffeebooksandmascara	Review
12/3/2021	The Phantom Paragrapher	Excerpt

Week Four:

12/6/2021	@curlygrannylovestoread	Review
12/7/2021	Simply Daniel Radcliffe	Review
12/8/2021	More Books Please blog	Review
12/9/2021	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt
12/10/2021	Coffee and Wander Book Reviews	Review

Highland Champion by Cynthia Breeding Book Review

Title: Highland Champion (Children of the Mist #3)
Author: Cynthia Breeding
Publish Date: November 15th, 2021
Publisher: Entangled Amara
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy for review!

Lorelei Caldwell is elated about her first season in London. For the next few months, she and her best friend can indulge in balls, flirting, and enjoying the delights of London society without any family interference. This season is for adventure, not marriage. But her adventures are short-lived after the arrival of her friend’s brawny, dark-haired Highlander brother, Alasdair MacGregor, who insists on standing as chaperone.

Officially, Alasdair is in London to reclaim lands that rightfully belong to his clan. Unofficially, he’s here to figure out how best to win Lorelei’s hand in marriage. But London proves to be full of complications… especially when she begins matchmaking him with someone else.

Except Lorelai’s plans have backfired and she is finding herself craving Alasdair’s attentions. Her longing for freedom could come at a high price, unless Alasdair can salvage her reputation...without destroying her independent heart.

Penelope's Review

This is the second book I have read by Cynthia Breeding and I am still a fan of her work! I was excited to see that Lorelei was getting a story, and I'm really enjoying getting to know each MacGregor brother!

In Highland Champion, Lorelei goes to London for the Season with the MacGregor sister Fiona, and Alasdair goes along as well to settle some land disputes now that the clan name has been restored. We know from previous books that there has already been one stolen kiss between the two, so I was very excited to see how the relationship between them played out given their history.

This was a slow burn romance, and aside from their own thoughts about each other, I found that there wasn't a lot of physical interaction between the two. One thing I will say is that I really wanted more - but the storyline and twists and turns is what really kept my interest here, so I didn't end up minding as much. I found that Fiona and her suitors actually seemed to play almost as big a role as Lorelei and Alasdair's which was interesting. I don't often read a book where a supporting character takes such a front stage role but I absolutely adored Fiona and I loved trying to work out the intentions of Gavin and Erik so this was honestly more of a help to the book than a hindrance in my opinion.

While I enjoyed reading the whole book, I have to say that things picked up quite a bit at the end and became very exciting! I still have some questions - mainly about Lady Melissa and Lord Westwood and what exactly the history is there but perhaps we will find out in a future book? Overall, I think this was a good read, with lots of nice little historical details scattered throughout. I look forward to continuing the series!

Rating: 4/5 Devils!