Gild by Raven Kennedy, Book 1 in the Plated Prisoner Series Review

Edge-of-Your-Seat Fantasy: A Review of Gild by Raven Kennedy

Hello Readers! Welcome back! 🌟

In honor of the release of Plated Prisoner, Book 6: Goldfinch by one of my favorite authors, Raven Kennedy, I thought it would be fun to dive into a review of the entire series, starting with Book 1, Gild. This series is a captivating retelling of the King Midas myth, but with a unique twist that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Our journey begins with Auren, the main character, who is King Midas’s most prized possession. Locked in a gilded cage and constantly guarded, Auren’s skin is the color of gold, a transformation King Midas boasts he achieved. While people are mesmerized by her golden appearance, the king’s "ladies" and his wife, the queen, harbor deep resentment and jealousy towards her. Auren’s loneliness is palpable, especially since even King Midas rarely visits her anymore.

The plot takes a dramatic turn when King Midas conquers another kingdom and insists on having Auren by his side. During their travels, they are ambushed by pirates, leading to a harrowing experience where Auren witnesses the torture of the king’s "ladies" and the slaughter of her soldiers. King Midas is desperate to rescue Auren, but the situation becomes even more dire when King Ravinger, also known as the feared King Rot, boards the ship with his own sinister intentions. The book ends on a nail-biting cliffhanger, leaving us wondering if Auren will survive this ordeal.

This book evoked a whirlwind of emotions for me. I felt deep sadness for Auryn, who yearned for friendship but was met with hatred and jealousy. The terror inflicted by the pirates was palpable, and I shed tears for the loss of some beloved characters. Raven Kennedy’s masterful world-building and ability to evoke strong emotions kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to see what would happen next.

I wish I could experience this book again for the first time. Raven Kennedy has truly crafted a mesmerizing tale that will leave you craving more. Stay tuned for my reviews of the subsequent books in the series!

Please note: There are parts of this book that contain themes which may be triggering to some readers.

Happy reading! 📚✨

Tell Me Lies: A Dark Bully Anthology

Review: Tell Me Lies: A Dark Bully Anthology

I recently had the pleasure of diving into an ARC of Tell Me Lies: A Dark Bully Anthology, a hefty collection of short stories spanning 842 pages and penned by 13 different authors. I devoured this book in just one day, and overall, it was a fantastic read!

Two standout stories for me were Love/Hate Games by Sofia Aves and Rage’s Claim by Winter Sloan. These stories were gripping and kept me hooked from start to finish.

However, I must mention that I wasn’t a fan of the first story, Pretty Little Deceiver by Lacee Hightower. No offense to the author, but I found it overly descriptive and repetitive, which almost made me put the book down. I believe this story would have been better placed somewhere in the middle of the anthology rather than at the beginning.

Additionally, there were several typos and punctuation errors throughout the book, which was a bit distracting. Despite these issues, I still gave the book a 4-star rating because the other stories were so compelling.

It’s important to note that this book does contain sexual content and some violence, so be aware of that going in.

One of the reasons I love anthologies is discovering new authors, and this book did not disappoint in that regard. I’ve definitely found new authors that I will be purchasing books from in the future.

If you’re into enemies-to-lovers stories, I would definitely recommend this anthology. While I wouldn’t classify it as dark romance, it has a lot of enjoyable “fluff” that makes it a great read.

Dolly by Measha Stone

Book Review: Dolly by Measha Stone

Welcome back, dear readers!

Before we dive into today’s review, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has taken the time to review my blog. Your feedback keeps me going, even when social media love is scarce. Reading and recommending books is my passion, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts with you all.

Book Overview

Title: Dolly
Author: Measha Stone
Genre: Dark Romance, Psychological Thriller
Trigger Warnings: This book contains very dark themes. Please review all trigger warnings before reading.

Review

As a member of a book club that enjoys a mix of dark romance, fantasy, and what we affectionately call “fluff,” my taste in books has evolved over time. Lately, I’ve been drawn to dark romance, especially the enemies-to-lovers trope. Dolly fits perfectly into this niche, offering a gripping dual POV narrative from the perspectives of Dolly and Ken.

Plot Summary:

Dolly and Ken are prisoners, subjected to unimaginable torment while viewers bid on their fate. Their resilience in the face of such horror is nothing short of miraculous. The story also introduces us to Brian, a police officer whose determination to save Dolly leads him down a perilous path. His journey is fraught with danger, and the cost of his mission is steep.

Character Analysis:

What captivated me most about this book were the characters’ unwavering spirits. Despite the relentless torture, Dolly and Ken refuse to give up. Ken’s promise to Dolly that they will escape and seek justice for their suffering is a beacon of hope in an otherwise dark narrative.

Themes and Content Warnings:

Dolly is filled with twists and turns, and some chapters are not for the faint of heart due to their graphic nature. The book sheds light on the grim realities of human trafficking and exposes the disturbing truth that some of the so-called “good guys” are complicit in these heinous acts for their own twisted desires and financial gain.

Final Thoughts:

Will Dolly and Ken escape their captors? Can Brian find Dolly before it’s too late? You’ll have to read the book to find out. Remember to check the trigger warnings before diving into this intense and thrilling read.

Red Rabbit by Devyn Rivers

Book Review: Red Rabbit:  A Dark and Twisty Tale of Survival and Secrets

If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this intense, dark thriller is the one. I was so captivated that I splurged $45 on a signed copy from the author, and it was worth every penny.

Plot Summary

The story begins with Kaelin, a strong and relatable protagonist, boarding a plane for a business trip. Her relationship with her fiancé, Adam, is rocky, and she plans to end their engagement once she returns. However, her flight crashes during a storm, leaving her stranded with a mysterious, handcuffed man named Graham, who was being escorted by a US Marshal.

Graham’s cryptic behavior and inappropriate comments keep Kaelin (and readers) guessing about his true intentions. Stranded in the wilderness, the tension between them escalates, leading to an unexpected romantic encounter. The plot thickens when Kaelin is captured by soldiers led by Cooper, an old acquaintance of Graham, and taken to a sinister place called the Warren.

Themes and Analysis

This book explores themes of survival, resilience, and the fight for freedom against all odds. Kaelin’s journey is one of incredible strength and determination, and her struggle to overcome trauma is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Graham, with his haunted past, becomes an unlikely ally in her fight for survival.

Final Thoughts

From the plane crash to the harrowing experiences at the Warren, this book keeps you on the edge of your seat with relentless twists and turns. It’s not just about escaping the wilderness; it’s about escaping the darkest corners of human cruelty. Will Kaelin and Graham find a way out and heal together? You’ll have to read to find out.

Recommendation

Trust me, once you start, you won’t be able to put it down! You can download Red Rabbit on Kindle Unlimited. Note that this book explores dark themes and includes several trigger warnings, so please review them before diving in.

GOD OF MALICE RINA KENT

Book Review:

God of Malice by Rina Kent

Introduction

Hey there, fellow book lovers! 📚 If you’re anything like me, you know the thrill of finding a book that you just can’t put down. Well, let me tell you, God of Malice by Rina Kent is one of those books. I am absolutely obsessed with this story and its enigmatic bad boy, Killian Carson. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s your thing), and let’s dive into this wild ride!

Plot Overview

The plot of God of Malice intricately weaves the lives of Killian Carson and Glyndon King. Glyndon, sweet, young, and naïve, finds herself in a dark place, contemplating suicide on a cliff when she first encounters Killian. Depressed and sad, Glyndon is initially repelled by Killian’s intense and unfeeling nature.

Killian, on the other hand, is drawn to Glyndon precisely because she sees him for the psychopath he is, thanks to her family’s notorious reputation. He relishes the fact that he can be his true, unfiltered self around her. However, this feeling is far from mutual at the beginning. Glyndon doesn’t want Killian’s attention, especially after their dramatic first meeting on the cliff.

As the story unfolds, Killian’s obsession with Glyndon grows, and he enjoys the cat-and-mouse game they play. Despite her fear, Glyndon stands up to Killian, adding a layer of tension and intrigue to their relationship. This dual POV narrative allows readers to delve deep into the minds of both characters, making their twisted, intense relationship all the more compelling.

Characters

Killian Carson: The male protagonist, Killian is the quintessential bad boy who thrives on control and manipulation. His obsession with Glyndon King is both intense and perplexing to him. Used to getting his way, Killian is drawn to Glyndon because she dares to say no to him, a rarity in his world.

Glyndon King: The female protagonist, Glyndon hails from the notorious King family, known for their intelligence and ruthlessness. She often feels overshadowed by her family’s expectations and fears she lacks the talents her mother and twin brothers possess. Glyndon’s first encounter with Killian is dramatic—he “saves” her as she contemplates jumping off a cliff. From there, a dangerous game of cat and mouse ensues, with Killian exerting control over many aspects of her life.

This dual POV narrative allows readers to delve deep into the minds of both Killian and Glyndon, making their twisted, intense relationship all the more compelling.

Supporting Characters

This book is enriched by a vibrant cast of supporting characters on both Glyndon and Killian’s sides:

1. Cecily: Known as the “Mama” of the group. Cecily is a comforting presence with her silver hair and witty t-shirts. She’s always ready with a clever remark and a protective hug.
2. Ava: Beautiful and outgoing, Ava loves the color pink and brings a lively energy to the group. She hates Eli King and refuses to say his name or acknowledge him.
3. Anika: She’s a newcomer at Royal Elite University, where she’s pursuing ballet. Anika is a Mafia Princess and Jeremy’s little sister.
4. Brandon and Landon: Glyndon’s twin brothers. Brandon is sweet and sensitive, sharing a close bond with Glyndon. Landon, on the other hand, is a borderline psychopath, much like Killian in his emotional detachment. He fiercely opposes Killian’s presence around his sister, going as far as wrecking Killian’s car and kidnapping him.
5. Creighton: Glyndon’s quiet cousin who loves to eat and participates in underground fight clubs. He’s often seen with Remy.
6. Remy: Loud, arrogant, and always looking out for Creighton, Remy enjoys giving the girls a hard time and dragging Creighton along on his adventures.
7. Eli King: Glyndon’s oldest cousin and Creighton’s older brother. Eli is a mysterious figure who isn’t around much. Ava despises him, and the rest of the group is intimidated by him.

On Killian’s side, we have:

1. Gareth: Killian’s brother, who often finds himself at the receiving end of Killian’s jealousy and harsh treatment. Their parents see Gareth as perfect, which only fuels Killian’s feelings of being defective.
2. Nikolai: Killian and Gareth’s cousin, who is tattooed, intimidating, and thrives on violence. He, along with Jeremy, is set to take over their parents’ roles in the Mafia.
3. Jeremy: The leader of Killian’s gang, known for his scary and violent reputation. He and Nikolai are poised to inherit their parents’ Mafia positions in the future. Jeremy is also Anika’s overbearing big brother. He also has a strong disliking to Cecily.

These characters add depth and complexity to the story, making the world of God of Malice even more engaging and dynamic.

What I Loved

The Characters: The characters in God of Malice are incredibly well-developed and captivating. Killian’s intensity and possessiveness make him a compelling and unforgettable character. Glyndon’s sweet and innocent nature, combined with her sense of humor and her bravery in standing up to Killian, even when she’s scared, adds a wonderful dynamic to the story.

The Writing Style: Rina Kent’s writing is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her ability to create vivid imagery and evoke strong emotions is unparalleled.

The Chemistry: The tension and chemistry between the characters are palpable. It’s the kind of romance that makes your heart race.

The Plot Twists: Just when you think you have it all figured out, Kent throws in a twist that leaves you gasping for breath.

These elements come together to create a book that is not only enjoyable but also deeply engaging.

Favorite Quotes

“Killian kisses the top of my head and before I can backpedal, he says the words that go straight to my heart. "I'll make sure you always choose me as much as I choose you.”

“If you give people what they want, they like you, adore you, even. All you have to do is conform to standards while slightly rising above normal, and repress your true nature.”

“Well, guys, I’ve been kind of kidnapped by what I’m sure is a serial killer in the making, but I forgot about that as we sat and watched fireflies.”

“I’ll fight every step of the way.” “By all means. It’d make the end result sweeter.” “I hate you.” “Let me search for the fucks I have to give.” He pretends to study his surroundings. “See? None.”

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, God of Malice is a must-read for anyone who loves a good bad boy romance with a twist of danger and intrigue. Rina Kent has outdone herself with this one, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you haven’t picked up a copy yet, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Glyndon King and Killian Carson and prepare to be hooked!

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)

Discussion

Have you read God of Malice? What did you think of Killian and Glyndon? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I love hearing from fellow readers!

You Beautiful Thing You by Saffron Kent

You Beautiful Thing You by Saffron Kent

Plot Summary: In “You Beautiful Thing You,” we follow Tempest, a young woman with a not-so-secret obsession with her older brother’s nemesis, Ledger. Her infatuation leads her down a path of awkward stalking and cringe-worthy advances. Ledger, initially uninterested, reveals his true colors during a moment of intimacy—he’s just trying to get under her brother’s skin. After a 13-month hiatus to cool off his anger issues, Ledger returns, only to find Tempest’s father blackmailing her into an engagement with a wealthy, gay businessman. Determined to have a child with Ledger, Tempest concocts a plan that Ledger quickly sees through.

My Honest Opinion: I was initially drawn to “You Beautiful Thing You” by its stunning special edition cover from Fabled. Unfortunately, the beauty was only skin-deep. The story had all the ingredients for a juicy drama but ended up feeling more like a soggy soap opera. Tempest and Ledger’s interactions often devolved into petty squabbles that reminded me of middle school drama, not the mature conflicts of thirty-somethings.

The writing was a rollercoaster of exaggerated descriptions and awkward phrasing, making the intense scenes more laughable than steamy. Picture trying to read a romance novel while your grandma narrates—yeah, that kind of uncomfortable. The tone was all over the place, veering from cheesy to downright inconsistent. If the characters had been teenagers, their antics might have made more sense. But as adults, their behavior was just baffling.

Finishing this book was a Herculean task. I had to take multiple breaks to recover from the second-hand embarrassment. In the end, “You Beautiful Thing You” was more of a beautiful mess. If you’re into cringe comedy, this might just be your next guilty pleasure. Otherwise, you might want to give it a pass.

Cringeworthy Quotes:

Especially where my belly button is.
Something tight and swollen.
Something that can be called an orgasm.
Only this isn’t mild like the orgasms that I’ve given myself in the past. Or ordinary.
This is something else. A thunderstorm. A hurricane. A bright flash of falling stars.”.

The book states “Accidental Pregnancy Trope”. There was nothing accidental about the pregnancy.

Tell Me Lies Book Review- This Contains Spoilers

Book Review: Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering

As the new season of Tell Me Lies keeps popping up on my feed, I decided to revisit the source material. Spoiler alert: I absolutely hated this book.

Lucy: A Masterclass in Frustration

Lucy, our protagonist, is a masterclass in frustration. Watching her repeatedly sabotage her life because of Stephen was like watching a slow-motion train wreck. Every time Lucy would start to move on, Stephen would come back into her life, make her feel special, use her, and then ignore her until he got bored.

Stephen: The So-Called Love Interest

Stephen, the so-called love interest, is a pig who cheats and manipulates every woman he encounters. He even gives them nicknames like “Princess Diana,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” to make them feel special. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work. Stephen isn’t attractive, doesn’t have anything going for him, and is the epitome of a narcissistic manipulator. He cares about no one but himself, making him the least charming “charming rogue” I’ve ever encountered in literature.

A Hate-Love Relationship with the Book

I hated reading this book, but I also couldn’t put it down. I had to finish it. The silver lining? The ending, where Lucy finally realizes her worth and shoots Stephen down for the last time, was immensely satisfying.

Final Thoughts

In summary, if you’re looking for a book that will make you want to throw it across the room, Tell Me Lies is the one for you.

Madness By Shantel Tessier

 Madness by Shantel Tessier: A Dark and Gripping Romance

This Weekend’s Read: “Madness” by Shantel Tessier

This weekend, I delved into “Madness” by Shantel Tessier, and I must say, it was a thrilling experience. Initially, I was hesitant to pick up this book, especially after my lukewarm feelings towards “Carnage,” which didn’t quite resonate with me due to its MFM/RH themes. However, “Madness” turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

Plot Overview

The story revolves around Annabelle and Haidyn, two complex characters whose interactions are filled with suspense and sexual tension. Annabelle is assigned to be Haidyn’s therapist by a mysterious group known as the Lords, but she has no idea why. Haidyn, on the other hand, is a challenging and intimidating figure who often says inappropriate things to unsettle Annabelle. The dynamic between them shifts dramatically when Haidyn discovers that Annabelle isn’t who she claims to be, leading him to make her his own.

What Sets “Madness” Apart

What sets “Madness” apart is its intense and over-the-top portrayal of male possessiveness and jealousy, wrapped in a dark romance narrative. The book keeps you on the edge of your seat with its unpredictable twists and turns, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.

Recommendation

If you’re looking for a book that combines suspense, mystery, and a dark, possessive romance, “Madness” by Shantel Tessier is definitely worth a read. I highly recommend reading this in order with the other books in the series.

Trigger Warnings

Madness contains intense and dark themes. I strongly recommend researching and checking trigger warnings before diving into this book! It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted!


Have you read “Madness” or any other books by Shantel Tessier? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!