“The only thing I want, is you. Can I have you, please?”
- MCs: Roman & Nina - Tropes: Age-Gap, Grumpy/Sunshine, Forced Marriage, Disability-Rep - TWs: Graphic Violence— Torture, Death
Ooh, okay. This book is not perfect, no. But did it hold my attention? ✊ ABSOLUTELY! The story tended to be abrupt at times, doesn’t go into depth, but my gaaawd was it the gateway to what is an unbelievably addicting mafia series. I’ve always thought the first book is the introduction to the world-building, the cast of characters you’ll be seeing in future books, and sets the tone for the overall series— and this book definitely does that. It intrigued me to no end.
Roman and Nina are opposites but there was no denying together they provided stability and symmetry that neither were expecting, yet heavily needed. Their togetherness may have come by chance, and developed hard and fast, but their emotions felt genuine, which made me all the invested in seeing their story unfold.
I love the dynamics with its characters, and the balance of romance and dark mafia elements combined. I’m excited to know that there’s room for growth and expansion. As each can be read as standalone book, this series is interconnected through its characters and the different mafia factions.
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
Ooh this world has plenty of potential. The premise was what My Rating: 3.75 stars!
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
Ooh this world has plenty of potential. The premise was what initially had me curious to read this book, and now that I have, all I can say is it has kept me intrigued throughout.
Although this was marketed as Mafia Romance, I don’t think the mafia elements were as dominant as it could’ve been. Whilst there is some introduction to the world-building, it’s character-driven with the romance aspect very much on the foreground.
The writing style did however hook me in from the very first chapter, along with the characters themselves. Anastasia is a bubbly heroine and her personality leapt off the pages instantaneously. Damon may be part of the underworld, but he doesn’t necessarily ooze it. He’s somewhat of a closed-off character and the secrecy surrounding his backstory for most of the story made for an interesting hero in him.
If you enjoy reading romances with BDSM elements, then you might take an interest in this one. The level is mild but there are some kinky elements included. It is however heavy on the intimacy as a good portion of the book consists of sexual content. It’s definitely intended for readers 18+ only.
I would’ve loved if the story was more in-depth with substantial developments. I felt the relationship between Anastasia and Damon progressed too abruptly especially considering the storytelling is steady-paced. I wasn’t completely convinced that their feelings for one another had evolved into anything deeper as the relationship was lust-fueled.
Myers is a new-to-me author and I was introduced to her work through this book. It’s a standalone romance, as is the other books in the series, but after having read this one, I do have to echo the author’s recommendation in starting the series from the beginning. The world-building is still in its early developments and has potential to expand and become multi-layered. But the details leading up to the cast of characters’ current situation within the underworld is vague. Reading the first book would explain their circumstances.
As an avid fan of mafia romance books, I do think it is mafia-lite, but it does still contained some action and suspense. If you like the enemies-to-lovers romance trope, this does however have a cute, secret romance between these two of opposing mob families.
I thought it was an decent read finding some parts more enjoyable than others. It’s told from dual POVs and I liked seeing their contrasting characters through their perspectives. The dynamic between the MCs was an entertaining highlight. Their banter was absolutely smile-inducing. There were also certain secondary characters that caught my eye and will keep a lookout to see if they do end up with books of their own.
But all in all, Blood and Bourbon is a promising series. It’s one to watch out for as more characters are introduced and the world develops further.
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
I’m calling it— Brayden is my favourite MMC from the Evil DeMy Rating: 4–4.5 stars!
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
I’m calling it— Brayden is my favourite MMC from the Evil Dead MC second generation! He went from someone who, I’m embarrassed to admit wasn’t even on my radar, to someone who ended up having my undivided attention.
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
Ooh-wee, is it hot in here, or what?! ♨ This book just aboutMy Rating: 4–4.5 stars!
** ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. **
Ooh-wee, is it hot in here, or what?! ♨ This book just about had me fanning my face, there was so much blush-inducing scenes. From the sexual tension, to the sexual banter, to the sexual encounters. It’s full steam ahead!
Right off the bat, I loved that the premise kept Harley’s love interest a total secret until you cracked open the book and discover it first-hand. Already, I was itching to find out who the lucky groom would be. And let me tell you… he SO does not disappoint.
What happens in Vegas… doesn’t always stay in Vegas! Ha. Love it.
It’s the fourth standalone in the Evil Dead MC second gen series, and it was such a fun romance. Although it’s set within an MC backdrop, it’s definitely a lot lighter than the OG series. If you’re not fussed with a little “third act” action and suspense, and an abrupt romance rollercoaster before the HEA either, then you’ll enjoy this romance read through and through.
Although it includes plenty of sexual content, the spice is fairly mid-level. It has a New-Adult to Adult Romance feel due to the youthful, playful atmosphere. It does however contain sensitive subject matters that may be triggering for some readers such as, violence, kidnapping, and death (off page). Intended for readers of age.
It’s not very plot-heavy. Totally character driven developments, mixed with a range of emotions from the MCs as they navigate through their new-found marital status. What it lacked in a weighty story, the cast of characters more than made up for. I adore the history amongst the brotherhood, and the friendships amongst the second gen characters felt genuine and relatable, especially between the ever-growing girl squad. But whether it’s biker banter, or a gab sesh between Harley and her friends, the characters injected tons of fun and humour into the book that I could never tire of.
If you’re an avid fan of James’ MC romances, specifically the Evil Dead MC series, I think you’ll easily spot much of the same writing inserted from those books in this new series— e.g. certain lines and romantic developments between the characters. To me, it’s almost become a signature of an MC book by James. It still evokes a smile and a swoon from me whenever I come across one.
It’s easy reading you can start and finish in one sitting. It left me happy-sighing in contentment for Harley, and slightly giddy knowing which couple will be up next in the series. *whispers* Eeep. I’m excited for it! ...more
Rina | booksofthemuggleborn
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