Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This fast paced book swept me off my feet because the action was so intense. Suspenseful was the romantic element that kept your heart pumping just as much as the action parts. I’m so enthralled with the characters that it all made this an exciting read! This is beautiful and very enjoyable.
I’ll admit – this is a new author to me. I was intrigued by the synopsis of the book and decided to dive right in to it. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the book immensely. There is mystery and drama – complex characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. It is a dark story of a detective who lost her husband to suicide and who works hard to maintain her sanity…while dealing with her workload and coworkers. The story leads you into the lives of a detective and the search for a suspected child killer. The emotions of losing a child can be felt in the words so vividly written and woven thru the story line by the author. I would recommend this book if you enjoy a good mystery – I could hardly put the book down. Now to go back and read the first book in the series.
Reviewed by @gdildine
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have loved the other books in this series, and was excited to read the third book, which explores a romance between Emiliana and Stefano. While I still thoroughly enjoyed the story, I felt like this book wasn’t quite as impressive as the previous two; I didn’t feel like it rushed through the story, necessarily, but it just didn’t feel quite as in-depth as the others in this series.
I was happy to read a little more into the background on Emiliana’s kidnapping and Stefano’s family. The two had to keep their distance, despite their affections for one another since childhood, because of Stefano’s abusive father who would do anything to keep Stefano under his control. Stolen romantic moments in passing was all they had managed to explore until the other mafia bosses decided to set up Frank, Stefano’s father, to see if he was the mole who had caused so many attacks on the five families. Thanks to changing circumstances, Emiliana was pulled into Stefano’s protection, and the romance blooms.
If you’ve read the other books, this one does a great job of filling in gaps in the other stories and pulling everything together, but as a standalone book, I didn’t find this story to be as compelling as the previous two. However, it is a great continuation of the series.
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author writes a beautiful story! The main character, Lexi, is so relatable! She’s living her every day life, and refuses to compromise her morals. That’s so hard to do, and the way she interacts with the other characters is so realistic. The relationships weaved between the characters and the complexity of the plot were truly amazing and I didn’t want to put this book down!
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh Stefano is definitely worth reading… this author never fails with any of her books, and also though this one was shorter, it did nothing short of tickle the itch her books can get! Never dissatisfied when she comes across my kindle!
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Alexandra “Lexi” Danvers is a no nonsense detective. She may struggle a little with authority, but the most important thing she can do is keep crime off the streets. So why is her department working so hard to get rid of her?
Xavier Knight is brought in to be her new partner check Detective Danvers fitness for duty after the tragedy she’s endured. But on day one, they’ve hit a big case and he’s determined to see it through.
Keeping quiet about their motives may get difficult when they start their own investigation into a potential child murder. An investigation that may cost them their jobs, but it could also cost them their lives.
Fall to Pieces was an exhilarating read and kept me wondering what might be next. This book touches on hard topics that may be hard for some readers so read with caution. These topics were very gently and kindly done to show that these situations happen, even if it’s hard to talk about. It paints a picture of grief, anger, and hope for change while being just suspenseful enough to not be thrown across the room.
I hope to see more about Lexi and Xavier and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a friends-to-lovers story. I really connected with Sophia and Enzo. Sophia is full of life, but also very strong and determined. Enzo, who has been in love with Sophia for years will do anything to protect her even if it means risking his own life. The storyline had me hooked from the beginning, and I can’t wait to read the next book.
”*°✫BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE✫°*” ”*°✫
Much to everyone’s delight Becky has returned for Book 3 in the Rebecca Steele series. The best has been saved for last as this is the most dramatic, most exciting book of the series. Becky is enjoying her life on the country music stage and has no way of knowing what the Universe has in store. She will need all her strength and resolve to manage to come out the other side. Once again she proves how her attitude and faith bring her happiness in the face of the utmost adverse conditions. You’ll be proud of her. Her old friends are back along with a couple new faces that make life interesting. Her daughter Cassie is a shining star in this book and you will love her. Enjoy this final book in the series.
Retired after many years of working for airlines, I can finally relax and write my stories.
This is my first series. Hopefully there will be more !
Author Interview With Joanne Patterson
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This novel is face paced and a page turner. I literally couldn’t put it down from the first word to the very last! Lexi is a bit of a hot headed detective who is known as a loose cannon since her husband took his own life. While this is a very dark, dangerous subject I feel this author really handled it with grace and truth.
Xavier is sent in to investigate Lexi but ends up finding out she really is a crack detective with a big heart! Their attraction is hot and fast, but with a child killer on the loose can they find him before he gets to them? This fast paced thriller, suspense, drama, romance novel is my pick for a great read you won’t be able to put down.
King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have loved this series and this book was just as good as the rest. I didn’t want this to be the end but at the same time I couldn’t wait to read it. This story is filled with action, suspense, danger, great characters, love, family and plenty of twists and turns. As soon as I started reading I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I became completely invested in Oz and Saha’s story, I hoped that even though they are both fiercely independent and strong people that they would let each other in. You can read this book as a standalone but I recommend you read all of them for more backstory and to get to know all the brothers better. This author did an excellent job pulling me into this story and I can’t wait to read what’s in store for us next. I highly recommend this book.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finally Stefano and Emiliana’s story…I have been looking forward to this one. I have seen snippets of these two and I can honestly say their romance lived up to the hype. Emiliana is fighting to get her life back together after being in a human trafficking situation. Dealing with PTSD, Emiliana gives us a realistic view of dealing with traumatic events. And the knight in shining armor is Stefano. It was a steamy romance that I loved!!
Strega – Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Picture this- a little villa in Italy where the center of town is a fountain. The smell of olive trees and many herbs float in the breeze. I can see myself at the fountain the day the news came forth from a crazy woman- pregnant. Who would believe such lies from her? Well, the truth has been told and the sisters who live on the outskirts of town and society are seeing to that pregnancy. The story takes a turn for the worst and the sisters are rushed off to America. I can relate to the sisters living on the outskirts of society as I too have never felt like I lived or belonged in mainstream. I use herbs, oils, and tonics to keep well and to heal others. I wear crystals in my clothes and worship all that Nature provides for us to use. I am a moon child and flow with the waxing and waning of the moon cycles.
Annie in our present day undergoes a journey of self-realization and lives up to her Italian roots. An amazing story of a family through the centuries and how they cope with their unusual background and personalities to become strong women. I absolutely loved this story! It was a great read and so easy to relate to the women that I found myself caught up in the story and the excitement. I journeyed with the sisters and experienced self-discovery with Annie. Definitely a must-read story for those who feel like they too live on the outskirts but have so much knowledge to share.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of my favorite series and authors so I expected nothing but the best and she absolutely delivered! I loved Emiliana and Stefano, they have moved to my favorite characters of the series. Each book is a standalone about different people but is worth reading from the first book! It was an emotional rollercoaster I did not want to get off of. All in all I will always recommend these to anyone who loves a good Mafia Romance!
King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“A desperate and cunning man is the most dangerous when he’s cornered.”
I have read a few books by this author in the past, and I always find it easy to connect with her characters. Lazarus and Sasha love to push each other buttons but you can’t fight the chemistry they have. Their story was full of intense suspense and a romance that will melt your kindle.
You might want to read the other books first, just to give you a little background information. Now that I know that all of Lazarus’s brothers are taken, I need to know their stories.
Reviewed by @jbruno26
View all my reviews
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Several years ago I read a book series about a male detective haunted by his past and trying to outrun his demons. I absolutely loved it. Something about Fall to Pieces brings me back to that series and it thrills me to know that the main character in this dangerous read is a female. In a genre that could be so overdone this storyline remained unique to me, and I really admire the author’s writing for that. While it sounds unoriginal to say, this book hooked me from page one as I patiently awaited for Lexi’s story to unravel. I have read so many great books in the recent past but this one really reminded me of my love for the romantic suspense genre and my need to dive deeper into it again. This is without a doubt a 5 star read in my eyes.
King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am sad to see this series end. I’m excited to see what’s next for this author.
This the 6th book in the story is the oldest of the King brothers. Lazarus’s one goal in life is to protect his family. From his own father! I could not believe this man, the one to take care of his wife and children. Instead he made them pay for being in his selfish way. This story got me so twisted. There was the father, the brothers and their families. All trying to find their part in this story. Lazarus must put an end to his family’s nightmare. Meanwhile his heart is beginning to open, while not the best time to. Lazarus might have found his soulmate, but can he protect one more person in his life? This was a fantastic series. Each one is better than the one before. There were so many suspenseful roller coaster rides. I was thrown into the depths of so many emotions. I recommend you read this series in order, even though they can be read as a standalone? I feel it’s a must to get familiar with the whole family. As the end pulls the series to a close. No spoilers will be found. Read the Series, you will be glad you did.
Review@Cinful
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A thrilling yet romantic five-star read. It’s a fast-paced story, with an engaging storyline, the characters will make you care about them, they suck you into the story. There is crime, but also chemistry, you will get pulled into Xavier and Lexi’s story, guessing the clues and following the leads. Lexi does get a little heavy at times, but as you get to know her you see the real her. This is a great story and an author I am excited to hear more from.
Review by @saraoxo
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A thrilling five-star read. This is number three in the Mafia Elite series and they each compliment and build the story, this author always writes a compelling story, and the details are sublime, the flow is great and honestly it just compounds into a fantastic story. Stefano he is such a great character, waiting his time and doing what he must, until he just cant do it any longer. Emiliana is great, but she did wear a little at times, but she did get me in the end. This is a great story and I will certainly be looking out for them in the future.
Review by @saraoxo
King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
King Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel Book 6) by India Kells
5 out of 5 Stars
In this series finale, the author is able to wrap up all loose ends and bring all the characters together. I enjoyed this series from beginning to end!
Lazarus King is the eldest of the bastard sons. Lazarus’ plan to find and end his father led him to find all 5 of the other brothers. Now as the danger is finally closing in with his father on the run, Lazarus has pushed everyone away, determined to finish their father on his own. The only person that stands in the way of that is Sasha Landry.
Sasha Landry came back to Chicago to rest. Sasha didn’t expect that coming back to the closest place she can call home would put her in the crosshairs of danger. Sasha has been off using her medical skills in some remote part of the world. She is back and decides to stay with a colleague from her time overseas. The last thing she expected was that her colleague turned out to be the mother of the one man Sasha can’t see to get out of her mind.
Together, Sasha and Lazarus must figure out the latest plan of his father while keeping the brother and their loved ones safe. Will Sasha’s resilience keep her safe? Can Lazarus let go enough to allow his brothers to help bring down the man that sired them?
The author does not disappoint in suspense or twists! There are lots of both to be had. Be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat until the end. The only bad thing about this book is that it is the end of the series and my time with these characters. I will always be a Dark Sparrow in my heart!
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are a fan of detective and romantic suspsense books then this one is for you. Throw a little pull at the heart strings and have some emotional, tear induced moments and you are all set. Fast paced read that you don’t want to put down. You start to fall in love with the main character a few chapters in, at first she comes off as smug and hard nosed but once you start to really get to know her story, your mind will be changed. Highly recommend this great read!
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author never disappoints me! I love the writing in this series so much. I enjoy getting to know the characters better and better throughout the books – including the ones we met in past books. I also really love the mafia trope in general so continuing this series was a no brainer for me!
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is completely different from what I normally read. Yes there is romance which is right up my alley but it seemed more of a mystery to me. The suspense is there but the focus seems to be on finding the person who did these acts. It is also about self discovery after loss. The characters in this book are great and have an amazing character development throughout the book. The story line is amazing and it will keep you turning the pages in order to figure out who did what and if they will actually be able to catch the person who did these things. The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because even though there is a love story in the book it seems to be more about the mystery/thrill of the story, I highly recommend reading this is suspense/mystery/thrill with a side of romance is your thing.
Reviewed by @bbohls
View all my reviews
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this series each and everyone. I love the bond the women share. I love that the women can find their soulmate and how they did as children. This book shows that no matter what you do in the dark will come out.
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I REALLY enjoyed this book! It was the first I’ve read by this author and I’m so glad I discovered them- because this was a mystery that I had to uncover. I don’t remember the last time I read a book so fast! The characters are absolutely brilliant and you can’t help but FEEL for them. This book will make you feel some serious emotions. The story constantly leaves you wanting more- I had to force myself to put it down so I get could some sleep lol. Check this out y’all. 💖 You won’t be disappointed!
King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have enjoyed the Dark Sparrow Novels, and this was no exception. I love the writing of this author. She pulls you in to the story and you don’t want to put it down until the story is finished. This is book six in the series, you could read as a standalone but for me I enjoyed the stories leading up to this one and getting all the back story.
Lazarus is the oldest brother of six and determined to finally take down his father, if he can find him. Sasha is a doctor whom Lazarus met in a previous book. Sasha is thrown back into his life when she shows up at his mother’s house. Lazarus has refused to admit that Sasha is the one person that can turn his world upside down. Admitting his attraction to her could mean she could be in danger too. He already has his brothers and their partners to protect, can he protect one more? More importantly, will Sasha let him protect her?
This book wrapped up this series very well, though I didn’t want it to end, this world is one I love to get lost in. Am excited to see where this author takes me next.
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really good read! I was invested from the beginning and the moment that Lexi got her gun out with the random dude in her bed. It was enthralling from the get go and so worth the read. There is a trigger warning for content in this book, in regards to rape, pedophilia, and suicide. There were a few (what I thought anyway) graphic scenes. But this book was so emotional and well written I didn’t want to put it down. This was just all around a great book. This is the first I’ve read from this author before and it won’t be my last!
King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Plot twists, great characters that grow on you and a storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seats is how I choose to describe King Bastard. While I’m not new to the series, the author did hold up to the reputation they made for themselves when putting pen to the proverbial paper and writing an enthralling story. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. If you are searching for a sign to start reading this series; this is it.
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Okay, so this is the third book in the series, and just like the other two- the author does not disappoint. A romance told with plenty of action- and even dives into the past a bit to give insight into the characters. This book does seem to have a bit more of a “forbidden lovers” tone to it, but it ties right in with the story, making the heart grow fonder for the love that’s told. As the Elites search for the rat in the family, the find themselves knee-deep in danger (but that’s normal.) I do recommend this book- either as a stand alone, or as part of the rest of the series!
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fall to Pieces is a story rooted in tragedy. This story takes you into the world of homicide detective Lexi Danvers, who’s focus lies on suspected child killer Authur Book. She is placed with a new partner Xavier Knight, who is secretly sent in from Internal Affairs, to determine is Lexi is fit for work or if her self destructive behavior after the loss of her husband is conflicting her ability to perform her duties as detective.
This story is tragic, sad, and cruel, but in a wonderful way. The reader is thrust into a scene of a murdered 8 year old boy. As I read this scene, my own 8 year old son was sitting beside me and I felt the emotions so vividly. The author does a fabulous job of relaying such devastation in a manner where you do want to continue into this journey and discover who can be so cruel to harm such an innocent victim. The character of Authur Book was just manipulative, evil and vile as the author displayed this throughout the story with Lexi and Xavier’s mission to catch him and stop his menace on young victims.
I definitely would recommend this book if you are willing to put your emotions on display and allow yourself to be thrust into such horrible, unimaginable situations that this book details. The author did a fabulous job of taking us on a journey that I hope and pray never to face in the real world.
Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The writing in this book is so good. The story really flows and reels you in from the first chapter. Not only was I on the edge of my seat for the romance, but I also wanted to know what happened with the murder. This author has an excellent way of telling the story. The elements in the book might be a little dark but it’s such a good read.
