Despite Mortal Sins by Anna Hawke

Synopsis:

Death may shatter a soul, but a Reaper picks up the pieces.

In the span of a single, bloody hour, Rukia’s world collapses. Outwitted by their enemies, their resulting brutality thrusts her into a role she never wanted. Devastated and mourning, she’s forced to come to terms with the changing face of Elemental society—and the man who is her fated mate.

As a Reaper, Isaiah embodies living death, holding the power to claim a soul with a single touch. After centuries of shielding himself for the sake of others, his defenses are breached by a woman vulnerable to his vicious abilities. When one tragedy spurs another, Isaiah must decide if Rukia’s love is worth risking her life.

Neither can fight against the feral desire that burns between them—nor the need for revenge against those who’ve wronged them. But demanding penance for the sins of their enemies risks an eternal cost, and the next day is never guaranteed.

As their lives crumble around them, everything will either fall into place—or into pieces.

My Review: 5 Stars!

Confession. I almost skipped over this one because Rukia and Isaiah kind of rubbed me the wrong way in the other books. While they were both extremely protective over their nations, their actions at times didn't endear me to them like all the other characters did.

Y'all. I am happy to admit how very wrong I was about these two! There is a reason why they are the way they are. From the outside looking in, you just don't see it. You have to immerse yourself into all things Rukia and Isaiah to understand them and where they're coming from.

Tragedy brought these two together and tragedy almost tore them apart. But Rukia is stubborn and refused to give up no matter what Isaiah did. I loved watching their relationship grow from enemies into something more. I loved seeing the growth both individually and as a couple. The chemistry between these two was jumping off the charts! All those swoony kisses and sweet moments had me letting out all the little dreamy sighs.

I honestly can't get enough of this series! It dawned on me while reading this book that there is only one book left that's been released and then I'll have to wait for the remaining books to come out. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself. How in the world am I going to top this series?! *sigh* The problems of a Book Dragon.

I am loving this world that Ms. Hawke has created. So many twists and turns. So much heartache and happiness. So much of everything. This series screams with all the feels and I can't wait to dive back in to see just what's going to happen next!

As for my casting, I saw different people for Rukia and Isaiah. But as I started reading their story, they changed in my head. I am loving these two so much more than the others. They just seem to fit for me.

From Tortured Fates by Anna Hawke

 

Synopsis:

No one is safe from the monster inside their head.

Abducted by an organization that’s pledged to eradicate all immortals, Lucius is robbed of more than just his freedom. Tortured and blinded, the volatile predator within him surfaces, bringing with it a wave of bloodlust. After an eternity of torment, he’s given up on being rescued—given up on staying sane.

Though she’s young, Circe’s unique tracking ability allows her to find the vampire elder when all hope had been lost. But finding him isn’t the hard part—it’s keeping him alive. As Circe heals his devastating wounds, her soul stirs, drawing them together with a fated mate bond she never saw coming.

His abductors stalk the shadows behind them, determined to recapture him. As Lucius begins to succumb to the poison in his veins, the starving predator within becomes more ravenous—and it’s her blood that calls to him.

After all, a starving vampire is a dangerous one.

My Review: 5 Stars

Oh my heart! Y'all. This book has wrecked me for the foreseeable future. I just can't with how much I loved this book! I know I'm not finished with the series yet but this is by far my favorite! I honestly don't see any other one topping it. 

Circe and Lucius will forever hold a special place in my heart. The traumatic turn their story took literally broke my heart into a million pieces. The depths of emotions this book evoked in me was palpable. So much heartache, anguish, and fear had me on the edge of my seat unable to put the book down. I found myself needing to see the light come back into their eyes, needing the love they both so desperately yearned for seep deep into their souls, needing to see them happy and whole. Their story was so heartachingly beautiful. I loved every single minute of it. If ever two people needed a happily ever after, it was Circe and Lucius.  

If you haven't guessed already, I am seriously loving this series. It feels like it's been forever since a series has completely captivated me. The world Ms. Hawke has created is unique and intriguing. From beginning to end, I feel like I have been transported to wherever her beloved characters are, living life right there by their sides. I can already tell this is a series that I will be reading over and over again. 

If you haven't read anything by Ms. Hawke yet, I highly recommend you give her books a try. She has officially been added to be favorite authors/auto-buy list. I have loved everything I have read of hers so far and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

I know I say this all the time when it comes to my casting but... I am seriously loving these two! *dreamy sigh*

Within Immortal Beasts by Anna Hawke

 

Synopsis:

There’s something wrong with the werewolves.

Turning rogue without rhyme or reason, immortal predators are stalking human prey. If the outbreak of violence continues, their hidden society risks exposure to humankind.

As the original werewolf, Aidan has a responsibility to stop the carnage. But as an alpha without a pack to ground him, his near-feral wolf borders on becoming the very thing he’s attempting to eradicate. Finding Lucy—his fated mate—working with their enemy might prove the tipping point.

A newly awakened Elemental, Lucy is thrust into the war between the immortals and an organization that wants them dead. When the ties to her past thwart the promise of her future, she must choose between her lingering loyalty to Citizens or the man she’s fallen for.

Neither can deny the fiery desire that burns between them, but will it be enough to save Aidan—and his wolves—from disaster?

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. Where in the world do I even begin with this one?! More and more information is coming in as the series progresses and it's making me not want to review at all. Reviewing takes too long and my mind goes blank when all I want to do is dive into the next book. Gah! The problems of a Book Dragon! 

Lucy and Aidan were perfectly matched. The Yin to the others Yang. They balanced each other out, were fiercely protective of each other, and were always there when they needed each other the most. So many sweet and tender moments between these two had me letting out all the little dreamy sighs. And don't even get me started on their swoony kisses! YOWZERS! Chemistry aplenty between these two! 

I'm not going to lie, I was a bit nervous reading this one. There were twists that literally gave me anxiety because I didn't know what was going to happen when certain pieces of information were given. Obviously I knew it was going to work out but the unknown until then was killing me. Add into that the suspense, the heartbreak, the swooniness, the love. The feels are strong in this one! All I can say is sit back, buckle up, and hold on tight. Y'all are in for another amazing adventure!

Ms. Hawke has hit another one out of the park! I'm seriously loving this unique world she has created. She's keeping me hooked and on my toes. Adulting this week has been hard. Who wants to work when you have books to read?! Not me. But, alas, adult I must. 

And you know my review wouldn't be complete without my casting. *dreamy sigh* I'm loving these two! 

Against Immortal Sins by Anna Hawke

Synopsis:

No matter how deeply it’s buried, the past always resurfaces.

Jaded forever by the viciousness of one vampire, Gideon’s trust in them is tenuous at best. While they—and the other immortals at the summit—promise peace, his priority remains his people: the Elementals. If the secret he harbors is unearthed, it would forever change the landscape of supernatural society.

When a plot against the vampires is uncovered with Gideon at its center, inviting Rona to the Elemental haven simultaneously solidifies their truce while risking everything.

Rona, a vampire councilwoman, is driven by one goal: to ensure vampires survive. If she fails to convince Gideon of their benevolence, their fragile truce will shatter. Yet, if she opens herself to the smoldering desire between them, it risks reviving the predator she buried long ago.

As danger lurks upon the horizon, Gideon and Rona must resist the rising passion between them, or it could threaten everything they’ve worked for. For if they fall too deeply for one another, they’ll stumble upon the bones of the past, and be forced to choose where their loyalties lie.

My Review: 5 Stars

Gah! You guys! If I wasn't already hooked on this series from book 1, I'd definitely be hooked now! So much so that I don't even want to write a review... I just want to dive into book 3. But alas, a review is a must for this amazing piece of the story!

We pick up 3 months later at a summit for the Immortals where more characters and nations are introduced. Gideon, an Elemental, is captivated by Rona, a vampire. His past experiences clouds his judgement of all vampires, and rightfully so, but he can't help but feel drawn to her.

Rona also has a past and secrets and refuses to put herself in any situation that may lead to history repeating itself. Falling for Gideon is a big no go for her. But Fate and the heart will always triumph over stubbornness.

Y'all. I absolutely adore Rona and Gideon! These two are seriously the best! I loved watching their relationship develop and seeing them learn to open their hearts for a chance at love. These two started out as enemies, but became the others fiercest protector. Swoony doesn't even begin to describe what these two have!

I am seriously loving this series! While each book in this series features a different couple (which I LOVE), there's an on going story from beginning to end. I highly suggest reading these books in order. You don't want to miss a moment of the adventures!

Ms. Hawke is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. She's giving me what I want, when I want it, and doesn't shy away from all those swoony kisses and sweet moments I love to see in books. I'm only on book 2 and I have already one-clicked the rest of this series! Now. If I could find a way to get out of adulting so I can binge this series, life would be perfect! 

And of course I can't forget my casting. I seriously love these two! What do you think? 

Beneath Fated Bonds by Anna Hawke

 

Synopsis:

Cold. Remote. Vengeful.

When she looked at him, Nova saw a man devoid of empathy. Kane, a known antagonist during the war, had instigated the bitter, centuries long conflict between their nations. As a rare female alpha, her blood ran cold with aggression, but the wolf beneath her skin was far more enticed by him than enraged.

Once her mortal enemy, the leader of the vampire council had approached the werewolves with offers of peace. On the very night their truce would’ve been secured, an attack on the vampire nation throws their treaty into question.

When Nova and Kane are forced to work together to eliminate a threat to the immortal societies, passion ignites in the most unlikely of places. As desire builds and the stakes rise, their fates intertwine, and they must overcome their animosity—and their trauma—to defeat the threat against their nations.

My Review: 5 Stars!

Have you ever just craved reading a specific genre, a specific trope but every search you do for it, you come up empty handed? That has been me whenever it comes to urban fantasy, werewolves, and vampire romance. 

Imagine my surprise when I stumbled across all three in one book. Y'all all my fingers and toes were crossed that this would be that book. And it was. 

From the very beginning I was sucked into the chaos, the danger, into a world where vampires and werewolves attempt to work together to find peace between their nations, all while trying to locate and defeat an unknown enemy. 

Nova and Kane quickly became favorites of mine. There was chemistry aplenty between these two. Between the sass, sarcasm, witty banter, the fight for dominance, and all the swoony kisses, you can't help but root for them. In true enemies-to-lovers style, all I can say is sit down, buckle up, and enjoy the rollercoaster ride called Nova and Kane. Y'all. I loved every single minute of it! 

Intrigued and invested in this series after only one book hasn't happened to me in a while. I love when I find a new to me author that can sweep me off my feet and give me that much needed break from reality. And Ms. Hawke did just that. I found myself reading late into the night, only stopping when my kindle kept hitting me in the face, and woke up extra early because I just had to know what happened next! I can't wait to see what adventures the rest of the series will take us on! 

As for my casting *dreamy sigh*. Y'all. I'm in love! What do you think? 

Death Wish by Rebecca Deel

 

Synopsis:

Computer programmer Simone Kent's life is finally on the right track. After escaping a traumatic past, she has a job with an elite security company, good friends, and a new assignment with a man who fascinates her. Simone's former life, however, won't stay buried. When an old enemy targets Simone, one man stands between her and certain death.

Fortress Security operative Jesse Phelps is tasked with protecting a sassy computer programmer during an undercover assignment. Although he's playing the role of her boyfriend, his growing feelings for Simone are all too real. After an attempt on their lives, the line between fantasy and reality blurs. Jesse vows to keep Simone safe from harm, no matter the cost to himself. This time, though, Jesse's medical skills and battle readiness might not be enough to save the woman he loves.

My Review: 5 Stars

I'm going to be straight up honest with you guys. I was terrified to start this book. Jesse has been my absolute favorite of the Texas Team since they were introduced way back when. The last several books by Ms. Deel have fallen flat for me and I was picturing this one going the same way. Y'all. I have never been happier to announce how wrong I was! 

What can I say about Jesse and Simone?! I adore these two! From the very beginning they were thrown together for a very dangerous undercover assignment. Jesse didn't want Simone anywhere near the operation, but he knew he couldn't keep her away. He would just have to work extra hard to protect her all the while winning her heart with sweet gestures and swoony kisses. Y'all. These two were absolutely perfect for each other. And it was refreshing to see them working together and watching their relationship develop without any outside interference from his meddling teammates and their wives. IYKYK.

I loved the action-packed, fast pace of this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat and had me reading late into the night. It's been awhile since a book has done that to me. I also loved seeing Sawyer again and getting a glimpse into Artemis. I'm intrigued.  

Death Wish felt more like her older books and reminded me just how much I love them! There are certain books that I reread regularly and this will be one that gets added into the mix. It was good to see that most of the issues that I've had with the newer books were pretty much non-existent, which was a huge relief. I was able to immerse myself in the story and just get lost in all things Jesse and Simone.

However, there were some discrepancies. Jake Davenport is not the medic for Wolf Pack, he's the medic for Phantom. Teagan states from the very beginning that she doesn't drink coffee, only hot chocolate and tea. But later in the book she just has to have coffee strong enough to peel paint. Why are beta readers/editors/proofreaders not catching these? Another thing that bugged me was names. Either names that are being repeated throughout the series (i.e. Sophie, Martin, Coleman), or names that have changed from one book to the next. With the billions of names out there, why are so many of them being repeated across all three series?

But those issues didn't stop me from loving this book! It's so different from what Ms. Deel has been releasing lately and I love that! I'm crossing my fingers that we'll get more of this kind of writing with Sawyer's book. I didn't realize how much I've missed it until I started reading this one. 

And of course I can't forget my casting. I love these two! What do you think?