Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you love a good mafia romance you would absolutely love Sinful Vow. Luca and Aly are quite the duo. They both have their own past that comes to haunt them, but together they can get through anything. This is an unpredictable enemies to lovers story with fierce banter, rival mafia families and steamy romance! A little dark and dirty 😉 What is not to love <3
The Bear at Midnight by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
While this is the fourth installment in this series it is just as incredible as the previous three. This investigative, intriguing, historical crime series has grabbed my attention from the beginning and I simply can’t put them down. This author really knows how to pull her readers in and keep them guessing until the very end. While this book could be read as a stand alone they are all so incredible that I recommend reading all of them so you can get the most from her wonderful characters and beautifully woven plots. Her characters are perfect, her plot Is woven almost like an intricate spider web and she’ll leave you with your head spinning trying to figure out this complex murder mystery. So if your looking for a great book to pick up this weekend, then pick this one up today.
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Aly meets Luca when she is 16 years old, and he is already a killer in the Italian Mafia. Romeo and Juliet are referenced and it’s accurate in saying that their two families hate each other, and blood will be spilt. We get to see Aly grow up and make choices that no woman should ever have to make. Family or Love? She’s not the only one that has to make that choice by the time the book is finished. A few twists of fate, bad decisions and some unpredictable moments had me turning pages eagerly to see what comes next.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have to say that this one might be my favorite out of the series to date. It follows the fast pace of the first two books in the series. While it is the third book in the series, you can easily read it as a standalone. Stefano and Emiliana….The chemistry was hot as hell. I genuinely enjoyed watching their story play out.
Reviewed by @awesomelyamber
✧ ♧
♧ ☬ COMING SOON ☬ ♧ ♧ ✧ GOODREADS – Journeys Through AllCreation by James Talisman | Goodreads
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At seventeen, Van knows her life is somewhat charmed, rarely feeling the deep bite of injustice, but this is ridiculous.
The Jaychund Games—a vital part of senior exams—should’ve been an effortless victory. Instead, the last-minute addition of an off-islander tripped her up.
So, losing her temper? Completely justifiable.
Her ex-boyfriend and her best friend are flirting right under her nose, while she hasn’t heard from her crush, Ferox, the Balish crown prince, in ages.
And now Van’s leading her team on a mission deep into Balish-occupied territory—enemy territory—to check the third seal with her powers on the fritz.
Then she breaks one tiny Balish rule, and as punishment, she’s tossed headlong into another round of games. See? Totally unfair.
Old enemies, a deadly virus, royal intrigues, cloaked assassins—and the sudden realization that someone has sent her there for an entirely different reason—threaten to send her life plan up in flames. If she fails, only the Creator knows if Van and her team will get out of this mess alive.
Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in this series but follows a different couple than book 1.
These 2, I loved reading about them. They really kept me hanging on every word I was reading. And then I had actual tears flowing down my face as i just felt their pain and loss.
This author did a really great job writing about a very hard topic and doing it justice.
I cannot wait to read more from this series.
Tomb for an Eagle by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
While this is a brand new author to me this is one of the most fascinating books that I have read this year. But this thrilling new mystery series isn’t any normal series its all based around vikings, how exciting does that sound? While the plot was facinating, the characters where phenomenal, I did find myself occasionally mixing up the characters as so many of them had similar names. But overall this writer did an incredible job. Our main character comes back after a long disappearance only to suddenly find himself surrounded by murders. But what happens when he suffers wounds while trying to solve these murders? Will he survive and figure out who is behind all of these murders? You’ll have to read this mystery to find out for yourself.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My favorite half dragon shifter is back! I was not disappointed when I started in on this third book. One I got it I didn’t sleep until I had finished it! Twists and tuns and cliffhangers oh my! This fast paced paranormal thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. I was right there with Dahlia trying to solve the mysteries that kept happening in Sentinel City! I was rooting for the entire time. The writing is well done and the story leaves you wanting more. I’m excited to see what happens to Dahlia in the final book although I’m sad to see it ending soon. Thank you author for such a wonderful series!
The Bear at Midnight by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders Book 4) by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Allyson Ware
I said this before about the first book in this series, but the author does an immaculate job of world-building and character development. There is a coziness to these novels that I cannot shake (as much as I want to). Regardless of the plot being a murder mystery, anyway.
Mysteries are difficult to find surprise in, at least in my personal experience. But, this novel surprised me a few different times. I won’t spoil the surprises here, but you will find them I assure you. If you are a murder mystery fan, this series will not disappoint you.
Review by @aware
Theodore’s Ring: BWWM Action Adventure Romance by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lydia in this story was captivating. She was a no nonsense kind of woman. She didn’t care who got in her way, she was going to do her best to save her new boyfriend much to her ex’s dismay. The entire time he does not stop trying to get her back, but she doesn’t stray. She always keeps Cam in her minds eye. Many trials are put in her way to keep her from saving Cam, but she doesn’t let that stop her. I enjoyed reading about Lydia’s adventures. Her story keeps you on the edge of your seat and rooting for her the entire way. The ending was not what I expected, but I still enjoyed it!
Wild Hare’s Daughter by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
For me this was an unexpectedly enjoyable read. I hadn’t really been tol taken in by the description but, having read previous books by this author, decided to give it a go and I’m glad I did. I found the story to be well thought out and interested. The characters were diverse and intriguing to read about. They all had their own part within the story.
I enjoyed the fact that even thought it is a dystopian novel the prevalent theme felt to me like family. It gave the book a different feel from others I have read of this genre. Overall I thought the book was enjoyable from start to finish and well worth the time.
Tomb for an Eagle by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tomb for an Eagle (Orkneyinga Murders Book 1) by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Allyson Ware
One of my first thoughts about this book was that it is cozy. Yes, there is a dead body found in a gully, but the way the author writes makes me want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea on a rainy day and read.
This novel has a few different perspectives, which I have come to love from this author. The characters are explained in great detail, along with the world the author has created. You really understand what is happening and the only questions you are asking are the typical questions in a murder mystery. This author really does not leave much to the imagination when it comes to details and I definitely appreciate that. If you have not read this book and love mysteries, this is definitely a novel for you.
Review by Allyson Ware
Exiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The past holds an intrigue for most of us who desire to learn where we came from and trace our traits back throughout history. This is a wonderful, engaging story of rediscovering your roots and our perceptions of past ancestors which may not be entirely accurate.
This book starts off with a devastating loss for Lizbeth as her husband passes away after a tragic accident. The secrets that Dan kept from his wife start trickling out and Lizbeth tries to run to escape pitying glances and the gossip mongers in their small town in the pacific northwest. Lizbeth ends up heading back to Folly Island on the South Carolina Coast which is where she spent her formative years before marriage. As she is trying to put her life back together from the betrayal and rebuild her relationship with her sons Lizbeth rediscovers her love for history and starts doing some research on her own ancestral history. Particularly what happened to Robert and Laurette Gordon who seemed to disappear without hide nor hair of them.
Lizbeth, before moving to South Carolina, applied for an international counselor/teaching opportunity trying to open new doors that she put off when she got married but always wanted to do. She gets the call, interview and subsequent job opportunity in Rio which she immediately jumps into putting plans in motion. In Rio is where she discovers her missing heritage when she meets a teacher at the school that shares the Gordon surname. This unravels a whole different side to the Gordon family and leaves Lizbeth chasing down family members hoping to rebuild connections from the past. The more she uncovers the more she realizes that the past is nothing like she imagined from the stories told through the generations.Can she make amends with long lost family members and overcome her own impressions of long passed ancestors? For those that love history and genealogy this is a captivating must read book.
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Incredible mafia story
Strong alpha male lead, equally strong female lead and lots of action on between. The author did a fantastic job of building the suspense and letting things play out naturally within the story. The anticipation at times was killing me. Luca and Aly’s relationship was like a rumbling volcano. The writing and world building is brilliant. Highly recommend.
The Bear at Midnight by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders Book 4) by Lexie Conyngham. This is the 4th book in the series and I recommend reading them in order to get the best experience. This is a historical mystery that will keep you guessing all the way through. When the local handyman is murdered his family is only worried about who gets the business and his possessions. Sigrid and Ketil are working as hard as they can to find out who the murderer is before more bodies begin to pile up. This author’s writing is so beautiful and moving I feel as if I am in the book in Scotland with the Vikings. Sigrid and Ketil must work around the clock because more murders are happening and they don’t want any more murders on their watch. In the midst of all of the murders, feelings are flowing around between Sigrid and Ketil, it’s obvious they are a match made in Heaven but they haven’t figured it out yet. This book could be read as a standalone but is much better reading them all.
Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Imperfectly Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 2) by Anise Storm
4 Stars
This is book two in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. It was drilled into Else’s head since she was a child that she had to be everything for her husband. She had to be perfect or else he would look elsewhere. She grows up and marries one of the Titans of Manhattan. Anti is sexy, powerful and one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Her career as a real estate agent is going well. Her life is perfect until tragedy hits. By being recently married, can their marriage survive taking a serious hit? They say live conquers all but can they have their happily ever after?
You will travel on an emotional roller coaster as this book will play with your emotions. The author does an excellent job of portraying the heartache that this couple goes through. The story can definitely be a trigger for some readers. Although my heart broke for Else, I was frustrated with her. If she would have just talked to her husband, she could have saved herself so much anguish. This was an amazing story in a fantastic series.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
View all my reviews
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have only recently started reading dark mafia books, man have I been missing out! This series sucks you in and doesn’t let go. My heart loved this couple, Luca and Aly, and I was rooting for them the whole time. The idea of rivaling mafia families with forbidden love, takes me back to Romeo and Juliet, just with a happier ending. Aly’s father arranges a marriage that is suitable for Aly, but Luca and Aly are having none of it. Will their love start a war between the two families are be able to bring their rivalry to an end?
Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This isn’t the first book I have read by this author; I have enjoyed every book I have read by her and this was no exception. There are trigger warnings, miscarriage, depression, drug dependency.
Anton and Elsa have an amazing long-distance relationship, when Anton having known that Elsa was the one for him since he first laid eyes on her, asks her to marry him. Anton and Elsa seem like the perfect couple. Like all couples’ rough times hit them, can they survive the hits that just keep coming? Can Elsa bring herself back from the darkness she has fallen into? This story hit very close to home having gone through some of these issues myself. I rooted for them while crying for their pain. I was engaged to the very last page and am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Wild Hare’s Daughter by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wild Hare’s Daughter (Wild Hares) by Laura Koerber. This is a great dystopian read. Its about a girl named Amy who is searching for her father. She’s almost positive she’s figured out who he is because the town she lives in is not that big. Timing could not be better to find him because Amy has discovered that she can fly. What in the world is going on? Amy is just like any other kid juggling parents, school, friends and add that extra thing, magic. Amy is learning that life is more than black and white and that not everyone in your life you can count on. It takes place in small town Wisconsin and its during a militia type government. Realizing that magic is real and others have the gift makes Amy realize things are very different. Can Amy find her father and find out what is happening in her small town? This can be read as a standalone.
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was my first mafia book. It has a lot of violence in it, which isn’t really my thing. With that being said, I stayed interested til the very end and will go on to read the others in this series.
Tomb for an Eagle by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a one-of-a kind book. I have never read a historical mystery set in the time of the Vikings. The plot was orginal. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat wanting to keep reading to see what would happen next. The characters were unique and engaging. I found their personalities something that kept me into the story. this was a fantastic story and I loved it. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series. Highly recommend.
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Luca and Aly fall in love at an early age and have a long, troubled history. Can they be together. They are each the prodigy of one of the biggest mafia families in Texas. What an exciting and full of adventure book this was. Starting with Luca’s first encounters as a young boy up to Aly’s marriage in adulthood, we see them go through some mighty big challenges. Facing some uptight families with guns, they are both stubborn, pig-headed and seem to have death wishes but they do get through those challenges. Well-written and smooth flowing, it was easy to stay engaged and pick your loves and hates in the supporting characters. The plot was fantastic. I love this series. You should give it a shot. Worth the read. Highly recommend.
The Bear at Midnight by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mystery books are not my usual cup of tea, but when I picked up the first book in this series I was sucked in. This is the fourth book in the series and it is just as gripping as the first three. Though it is part of the Orkneyinga murders it can be read as a stand alone. I would recommend reading the other books in the series. The story is well written with characters that you want to continue to read about. Who is the murder? It could be anyone who has a motive, which could everyone. The author keeps you guessing as to the answer to who done it. Once you start you will not want to put the book down! A wonderful read that I would highly recommend.
The Bear at Midnight by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ketril and his buddy are at it again. Rivalries, death of a woman and it’s mighty close to home. Again, this is an excellent book. A historical mystery set in the time of the Vikings, it has lots of action, wonderful characters and a plot that will keep you engaged and wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it.
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book. Luca and Ally have this burning chemistry whenever they are together. Both from rival mafia families and the cause of an upcoming war between the two. I couldn’t put the book down. I was obsessed with Luca and how he always watched Aly from afar and helped whenever she needed him. He actually wanted her and not as an arrangement or property. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy McKinley was a new author for me and she did not disappoint! She hooks you from the beginning and never lets go. This is an incredible mafia romance filled with intrigue, spice, and twists and turns you won’t want to miss. She had me invested in Max and Liliana from the beginning. I love her character development of them individually and together. I’d have to say that Liliana is by far one of my favorite female characters. She is a strong, beautifully independent badass who can definitely handle herself!
I also love how McKinley alternates between Max and Liliana so that the readers are able to see both characters inner thoughts and workings. You aren’t left guessing how either character feels about any situation. She does a great job of moving the plot forward without adding a bunch of extra floof! I cannot wait to read book 2!
Exiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Exiled South
When I decided to try this book I wasn’t sure what to expect. This is not an author I’m familiar with but I was intrigued for sure.
Once I started reading I was so glad I I decided to read this book. I really enjoyed reading about Lizbeth finding not only family but also herself during the journey through her grief.
Lizbeth like a lot of women threw herself into being a wife and mother and lost who she was and what she wanted. She was given a second chance to rediscover all of that and more and I hope I can figure it out without losing my husband.
Everyone needs a Charlotte in their life, doesn’t matter if it’s a close friend or family member but we all need one.
I cannot recommend this book enough. I think it’s worth the time.
Sinful Vow by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a treat to read for me! I do highly love my passionate books as well as Mafia books. This one was a true engagement from the start, the spice and temptation it brought on, was more than amazing. It was a perfect blend. More like a dessert where you take one bite, and you know you want more.
Something I really enjoyed about this one, I loved the characters yes. They made the story, with out a doubt. The darkness in this book, between the events, as well as the characters really, and I mean really, made me get sucked into this gem of a novel. It was a good read, but not all lollipops and daises between the characters. There was the darkness I would say within a lot of the characters that had to be expelled out of them at different times. And to me that made the characters very relatable and real!
Also the chemistry between Aly and Luca was the spiciness I love and enjoy with all my heart. The moments they shared together, my kindle was needing a fan on it I swear. You really felt the lust and the passion between them. Knowing the darkness within each other, it did not stop the suspense of the feelings of when ever they were near. What I loved about that, was it was not just about that, there was so much more. Even though they did not want to show it to the world, it was there. Through the reading the characters development was perfectly done. I will be reading more of this series with no doubt!
I loved the writing style of this amazing author, and how they suck you in and hold you there as you live on every word, and wonder with anticipation what will happen next! A must read author and certainly a must read book! Highly recommend up Don’t pass this book up, you wouldn’t pass up dessert would you?