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Book Review: Fate of A Faux by Meagan Brandy and Amo Jones

Oct 8, 2023

Fate of A Faux (Lord of Rathe #2) by Meagan Brandy and Amo Jones

Pages: 334
Publish date: October 6th, 2023
Publisher: –
ISBN: 9798863209869
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

The King of Darkness is dead.
It’s time for a new one to rise…London Crow isn’t who I thought she was.
She’s worse. My hate for her knows no bounds.
My need for her has no end. But it’s my inability to have her that might just end us all, as the fates refuse to be ignored.Now, there’s a darkness sweeping the streets of Rathe, threatening to destroy the Kingdom we know and love, and it’s all because of her.The mate I can’t have.
The bond I can’t let go.There is only one way to restore balance, and it begins and ends with her.The problem? I broke the girl into a thousand tiny pieces without a second thought. Earning her forgiveness won’t be easy, but that’s fine.

If she won’t give it freely, I will take it.
One mistake at a time.

Fate of A Faux:

I received an earc of Fate of Faux by Meagan Brandy and Amo Jones from Wildfire Marketing. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings.

This is a dark fantasy that includes darker elements, please check trigger warnings. I have left some below.

I’ve been looking forward to reading Fate of Faux ever since I finished the first book, which left everyone hanging. It’s one of those cliffhangers that made me want to start reading the next book immediately. And I knew going into this one was going to be full-on right away. And we were thrown right into it all.

This series isn’t going to be for everyone. But I like that it’s different. We are straddling two worlds that are very different. One without magic, and one that is ruled by it. This dark fantasy is filled with so many layers that you don’t know where to look first.

London is still a character that I just enjoy reading about, she is strong and determined. And while her whole world is falling apart, she stays strong. She still pushes herself and fights for what she is worth. I liked seeing London grow into herself here. Grow into who she is. Who she is destined to be.

Photo by Marko Blažević on Unsplash

Knight is a harsh male protagonist. He is hateful and will do anything for his people and his family. Even if he hurts himself and the people that he loves. We get to see some vulnerability here from Knight and I liked seeing this different side to him. He can be this bully, this leader. But he also has his weaknesses. And it was nice to see those.

This is a hate-to-love romance hands down and I mean there is blood drawn. But they are fated mates. They are meant to be together. But they have also hurt each other quite a bit. And while I wish we worked through a little of this before the end. It’s not a deal breaker but I would have loved this fleshed out a little more. And while they still have things to work out. The chemistry between these two is without a doubt hot and steamy.

So, the world of Fate of Faux is harsh and tough. And I’m not going to lie, I was confused at times. I do think that I would have liked a little more worldbuilding. I just felt at times I didn’t know enough, or it wasn’t explained how I needed it to be. We learn more about the world as the book went on and I like how it was trickled in. Everything wasn’t given all at once but more slowly weaved through the story. I feel like we have only starched the surface of this world as the series goes on, we are going to know so much more.

Photo by Alessia Cocconi on Unsplash

I said this in my review of Fate of Royal, I couldn’t tell who wrote each part. Everyone had their own voice, and it was done effortlessly. If I didn’t know this was written by two authors, I would not be able to tell. I do feel at times I wanted more from the writing. I am not even sure what it was exactly what I wanted just a little more.

So, I am not going to lie, the first half of this book was about a 3-star for me, but the second half? I loved and I didn’t want to put the book down. It grabbed me in a way that the first half didn’t. It was high stakes, fast-paced and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. There were times in the first part that really did confuse me. And I understand why now. But I had to re-read bits a few times. I’m not sure if it was how I was reading it. But I just wasn’t getting it. And then everything started falling into place and everything made more sense. I didn’t love being a little confused.

While I was a little confused, I can tell you it was for the best reason. This part was so well done. I was confused, but when I realised what happened, I was so taken aback. Because it worked.

While there were times when I was a little confused. I really enjoyed reading Fate of Faux by Meagan Brandy and Amo Jones. It has so many things that I enjoy, and I can’t wait to read more of this series. It’s got fated mates, hate to love, and a strong fmc. Add to that a love interest, and everyone trying to kill everyone, and it’s a bumpy but fantastic ride.

Photo by Stormseeker on Unsplash

Even though Fate of Faux brings London and Knight’s story as protagonists to an end, It’s only the beginning of this world. This dark fantasy has many twists and turns that you don’t know what to believe or who to trust. It’s sexy and smart and will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you are looking for a new addicting series, then this one is for you. Also, there are so many crumbs in this book for the next part of this series! I am so excited.

Overall, I really enjoyed Fate of Faux by Meaghan Brandy and Amo Jones. It was addicting, steamy and dark. It has those fantasy elements that I love, it’s dark and keeps you on the edge of your seat. London and Knight are bound for each other, they are made for one another. And while there is a lot in their way, there is so much to fight. They fight for each other and against one another.

And there we go! Have you read Fate of Faux by Meagan Brandy and Amo Jones? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading this series? What is a dark fantasy romance that you love? Let’s chat!

Tropes and Themes: Dark Fantasy, Hate-To-Love/Love-to-Hate, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Possessive MMC, Dark Magic, ‘I really want to kill you, but you make me complete.’

⚠️ Trigger Warnings Include; dark elements, death, violence, on-page self-harm and suicide intentions, bullying and grief.

An Arranged Marriage, Sports Romance and a Babymoon

Aug 10, 2023

It’s mini romance review time. I haven’t done one of these in a little while so thought it was time to share thoughts on some of the books I have read recently. I’ve been reading a range of books, but today I’m sharing my thoughts on The Unwanted Marriage by Catharina Maura, – a steamy billionaire arranged marriage. Babymoon or Bust by Ava Hunter, – a one-night stand turned surprise pregnancy romance. And Waiting to Score (Pierson U, #1) by Elouise Tynan, a fake-dating sports romance.

I really liked all three of these books and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you. Check out my reviews now.
The Unwanted Marriage (The Windsors, #3) by Catharina Maura

Pages: 374
Publish date: June 2, 2023
Publisher: –
ASIN: B0C5M6YGTM
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

I’ve been waiting to read this one for some time and I finally got around to it. I was looking forward to Dion’s and Faye’s story, we’ve been seeing little hints of them in the previous books.
And we finally got their story. And it was so good.

Both Faye and Dion have known that one day they were going to marry one another, and when the time does come they aren’t ready. Dion has tried to put his distance between them, but now he can’t and it’s about to get interesting.

I loved Dion and Faye together so much. There is so much history, so much angst. There is so much hurt. And as the novel goes on we see these two break down everything between them. I adored seeing these two fall for one another. It was slow going, but also so hot and heavy. There is a lot to unpack between these two. Both about themselves and with each other too.

I loved seeing both Dion and Faye find themselves and each other throughout the book. Faye has been controlled most of her life, and this is the first time she is free of that. But she also doesn’t what to do with herself either.

The only one that I did struggle with, was the time in the book. There were times when things moved really fast, and then there were massive time jumps and I could not figure out what the time jump was.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book as a whole. It’s hot and heavy but emotional to the core. Dion and Faye are made for each other we really get to see it throughout the book. While it isn’t smooth sailing, they get to see each other in a whole new light and it just hits right. If you are looking for a hot and sexy arranged marriage, with a sprinkle of emotional hurt, then this book is for you.

Babymoon or Bust by Ava Hunter

Pages: 406
Publish date: June 1, 2023
Publisher: –
ISBN: 9781737474364
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

I’ve had my eye on this one for a while now, and I just felt like an accidental pregnancy book and this absolutely hit the spot. I didn’t expect to like this one as much as I did, but I loved it. This is a heartwarming, hot and heavy romance with some parts that might make you emotional. But overall it’s a feel-good read that put a massive smile on my face.

After a one-night stand with a grumpy bearded man, Tessie Truelove thought she would never see him again. She didn’t know his name let alone where he was from. Even when she discovers she is pregnant, she doesn’t know where to find him. But life likes to through some curveballs and when Tessie appears on TV, Solomon Wilder finds out that his one-night stand is now heavily pregnant. And what better way to talk about what’s next than crush Tessie’s babymoon?

I loved these two together! Seriously from the start, the reader is able to see the tension, the heat, and the angst. And as the book goes on, we get to see them get to know each other and fall in love with one another. They have both been through some heartbreak in their lives, and that pain is hard to recover from. But we get to see them both slowly heal.

They have a lot of things in their way, but they slowly move through them together and it’s great to see. While the miscommunication trope is used a little in this one, it’s not a big thing. Because otherwise, they do speak to each other about what’s going on. Sometimes it’s not right away, but it doesn’t carry a heavy burden on the story.

Overall, if you are looking for a smutty but fluffy accidental pregnancy with an emotional punch then this one is going to be for you. It might make you cry, but it will also put a massive smile on your face. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author and maybe more in this world.

Waiting to Score (Pierson U, #1) by Elouise Tynan

Pages: 234
Publish date: December 7, 2021
Publisher: Ardently Romance
ISBN: 9780645376814
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

This is another one that has been on my tbr for a little while now, and I felt like a sports romance to lift my mood. And this was a perfect choice. It’s got fake dating, set in college and a basketball romance. Yes, please.

I didn’t know what I was going to think about this one before I started it. But right away I knew it was going to be a fun read. From the start I liked the banter between all the characters, the romance was already heating up and things were starting to get interesting.

When Monty jumps West in the quad and asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend for a moment, she never thought it would go any further. But a persistent ex makes things a little more interesting between Monty and West and what starts as faking-dating, well it turns into something much more.

I really enjoyed the slow burn, but also the intensity of these two. He falls first for sure and I loved it. He thought he didn’t want more than something fake, but Monty intrigues him and he can’t get her out of his head. For Monty, she didn’t expect to fall for the basketball player. But as they spend time together, she starts to see him and their relationship in a different light.

It’s quite a fast-paced novel, and there were times when I did get lost in how much time has passed, but I quickly got back into it.

There were a few darker elements in this one too, but I wasn’t expecting but I didn’t hate it. It explores the lengths that some people will go to. And it’s not always great.

Overall, Waiting to Score is a great sports novel. The romance is sexy and I love faking dating. Monty and West are fantastic together, they have a great group of friends. And I’m super excited to read their stories. If you are looking for a quick read that is mostly light, but with a few darker elements then this might be the book for you.

And there we go. Those are my thoughts on some of the books that I have recently read. Have you read any of these? What did you think of them? Are you planning on reading any of them? What are you wanting to read next? Let’s chat!

Book Review: The Anti-Hero by Sara Cate

Jul 16, 2023

The Anti-Hero (The Goode Brothers #1) by Sara Cate

Pages: 380
Publish date: July 14, 2023
Publisher: –
ASIN: B0C28VD15F
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

I’ve been good long enough. As the eldest son of Austin’s most prominent preacher, I’ve lived my life on the virtuous side. No scandals. Flawless image. Clean reputation. That’s the way it must be if I’m going to take his place someday. But everything changes when I find out my father is a VIP member of a local kink club. A liar. A cheater. A hypocrite.

Now, I’m done being righteous. And when the club owner’s jaded girlfriend comes to me with a proposal, I can’t resist. Sage is nothing like the women I’ve dated before. Pink hair, tattoos, piercings. I know it’ll burn my father’s reputation to the ground when she and I are seen together. But our fake dating scheme isn’t enough. We need videos— dirty videos.

The more we film these scenes, the more I like it. She wants me to degrade her, hurt her, violate her. And God help me, I want it too. But it’s hardly fake anymore, and before long I don’t recognize the Goode man I used to be.

The Anti-Hero:

Thank you to Sara Cate and The Author Agency for an earc of The Anti-Hero. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

Please check trigger and content warnings before hopping into The Anti-Hero by Sara Cate.

I was nervous going into The Anti-Hero by Sara Cate. I have loved some Sara Cate and then didn’t really feel some others. But this one caught my eye, and you know what? As soon as I started it, I didn’t want to put it down. It’s jumped to the top of my Sara Cate list.

What do you do when two people are thrown together and both their lives are turned on their heads? You make sex tapes and pop them online for everyone to see, ruining your and your family’s reputation. Adam Goode has grown up in the church. He doesn’t know much else. But when everything he once knew, isn’t what he believed, he feels lost.

Adam wanted to be so much like this father. He wanted him to respect him, to be proud of him. But he isn’t the man that Adam thought he was. He is the opposite. And he not only hurt his family, but he hurt Adam in a way that he doesn’t know how to recover from. Then he runs into Sage and she is the opposite of everything he thought he wanted in a partner. Both are hurt by those they thought loved them, and a plan is put into place to ruin everything.

Photo by Diego Lozano on Unsplash

Let me start with how much I loved Adam Goode. There was something right from the start that just worked with him. He has gone through a lot of trauma and he doesn’t even realise it. Adam has to find himself again after everything happens with his father and that takes a toll on him. It was heartbreaking but also beautiful seeing him find himself again. He has been so closed off most of his life, he has lived it in such a certain way. His growth was kinda amazing and I haven’t seen it much with male characters before.

Sage is such a fantastic female protagonist. I knew from the start that I was going to like her, but I didn’t know how much. I don’t even know exactly why I liked her so much. She just captured me. Her character growth like Adam is really well done. The reader is able to see her change throughout the story. Before the book even starts Sage has gone through some stuff and it’s already shaped her. But meeting Adam, and learning to love him, takes her on a journey. Sage is strong and capable and she says all the right of stuff! Some of her lines hit!

There was a lot of healing in The Anti-Hero. It has a lot of emotional abuse that both Adam and Sage experience and it’s tough going. There is a lot of gaslighting and this takes a toll on both our characters. As I said both Adam and Sage have some fantastic character growth and it really is explored through all the heartbreak and events they go through. Adam has to navigate a new life, and Sage has to figure out what she wants. There are a lot of scenes between Adam and his father that are very hard to read. His father hurts him in so many different ways, but I think the emotional side is the big one. I liked that we get to see both our main characters vulnerable. It added so much depth and power to the book.

Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash

I loved the revenge aspect of The Anti-Hero. While it’s been done before. The impact that it had was much greater. Adam didn’t want to ruin his whole family. But he felt that it was the only way for anyone. to listen to them. For Sage, I felt that is more about freedom for her than it being revenge on her ex. Honestly, he just left and there wasn’t a whole lot to do with him, except for one scene. But gosh this revenge was hot! I wished we got to see a little bit more of them filming and the viral aspect of it all. But that wasn’t a massive deal for it.

And of course, what starts as a revenge pact, turns into something more. The reader does get to see them two fall in love. While at times it did feel a little insta-lovey, it took them both a while to admit their feelings. But I felt that fit in with the book. They both had a lot to sort through emotionally and if they just jumped into a relationship, it would have not let them grow. I liked how they both pushed each other. Pushed each other to love the other, be better people. And to simply believe in themselves. There is a small use of the miscommunication trope. It’s not a massive deal, more like ‘I don’t believe I am good enough for you.’

In true Sara Cate fashion, this book is sexy and hot. I mean they are making dirty videos for revenge and oohh it was good. There is a few content warnings here so just double-check before you delve into this book, especially in relation to the smutty scenes.

Photo by Aleksandr Popov on Unsplash

I am also super excited to read the rest of the brother’s stories. We know a little bit about them, we know the titles and a few words about them. But I am so ready. I already know that they are going to be as heartbreaking and smutty as this one.

Overall, The Anti-Hero is a challenging read. But it’s also beautiful, heartwarming and smutty as hell. It explores the power our families could have over us. And sometimes we need to step away to find ourselves. This story explores what someone does with their family and their faith betrayed them. How they pick up those pieces and put themselves back together in a different way. The Anti-Hero also explores the romance between Adam and Sage and how they push each other to be even better. If you are looking got a very sexy and smutty book that also has a depth of characters and a plot that keeps you wanting more, then The Anti-Hero by Sara Cate might be for you.

Have you read any books from Sara Cate? Which is your favourite? Are you planning on reading The Anti-Hero? What has been a book that you have loved so far this already? Let’s chat!