The second and final book in the Debt of Passion duet by CoraLee June continues with Hunter and Roe’s story. After the cliff-hanger in A Lovely Obsession, I jumped right into this book and finished it in almost one sitting. Man oh man, this one is angsty AF. I enjoyed this was much more than the first book! Or rather, it’s much more up my alley. I love angsty, second chance romances. I eat that shit up.

Ironically, the story flips and Roe pretty much becomes the stalker this time around. Gotta love a girl who knows what she wants ya know? Oh Hunter, what made you think you two would be able to forget each other?? You can’t outrun that kind of connection. 

I cried, I laughed, I had anxiety. So many emotions were felt in this book! I was also proud. Roe really comes into her own and isn’t running away from relationships like she’s always had. She’s running toward them. She’s fighting for them. It’ll be a cold day in Hell before she gives up on Hunter. 

This book was much more climactic than the first book. The story line was more intense and the plot twists were even crazier. If you haven’t finished the series yet, get going on this one! It’s easily one of my top 10 reads of 2022.

A Lovely Confession Tropes

• Romantic Suspense
• Second Chance
• Mafia Themes
• Angsty

A Lovely Confession Spice Level

/5

A Lovely Confession Quotes

A Lovely Confession Blurb

Sometimes, I wondered if he was real. 
Our time together was short, but it left a lasting impression on me. 
I’m older now. Wiser, too. 

Five years have passed, and I still can’t get him off my mind. 
Hunter was cruel, angry, and protective. 
I learned his secrets and he fled. 

The day he left, I vowed to find him. 
I guess now I have an obsession of my own: 

Track down Hunter Hammond and make him mine.

What an incredible conclusion to Roe and Hunter’s story! I loved this book and the emotional roller coaster that came with it. And I love CoraLee’s writing. She’s definitely an auto-buy author for me now! If you like romantic suspense with some damn good spice sprinkled in and a good dash of angst and yearning, this duet is for you. Let me know in the comments if you’ve read these books!

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I haven’t read many other stalker romances, well the only one I’ve ever read before was the Cat and Mouse Duet by H.D. Carlton…iykyk , so I wasn’t too sure if this is a trope I necessarily liked yet. I’ll tell ya, if they’re done as well as A Lovely Obsession by CoraLee June, I can jump on the stalker train.

Hunter’s obsession with Roe stems from both of their intertwined tragic childhoods and a promise to always keep her safe as part of a “debt” owed. Unknowingly to Roe, Hunter has been a part of her life for a long, long while. 

Because of her childhood, Roe only participates in surface-level relationships and numerous meaningless flings. She keeps everyone at an arms distance and makes reckless decisions much to Hunter’s dismay throughout the years.

Since the moment they finally meet, the tension is thickkkkkkkkk. This continues to grow as their encounters increase in frequency and they start testing each other for their own amusement. The banter and chemistry is so good! We definitely have an enemies to lovers situation here. 

Let’s also add in the fact that Hunter is also an assassin/hitman for the mafia, and I’m sorry, his hotness meter skyrocketed. This book was the perfect blend of some of my favorite tropes.

However, I do wish there was more of a climax in the plot. The build up was so good but I felt like we needed a bit more action. It kind of fell flat at the end. The ending does end with a cliffhanger and I don’t think I’ve ever downloaded a second book so quickly. I’m so invested in Hunter and Roe! 

Oh, I can’t end this without saying something about the poetry in this book. It is beautiful! Coralee, you are so talented. I can’t wait to read more of your books!

A Lovely Obsession Tropes

• Stalker Romance
• Tragic Past
• Hitman/Assassin
• Mafia Themes

A Lovely Obsession Spice Level

/5

A Lovely Obsession Quotes

A Lovely Obsession Blurb

My guardian angel is a devil in disguise. 
He hates me. He protects me. 

He watches me. 

My stalker is obsessed with keeping me safe. He calls me his prettiest debt. 

An assassin in the notorious Bullet gang, he uses his empire to control my life. Everything I know is a lie. 

What started as a debt turned into something more. What started as regret turned into obsession. 

Ambition is his muse and I am his conscience. Our past may bind us together, but his enemies will tear us apart. 

My guardian angel is a devil in disguise. 
He hates me. He protects me. 

And I think I love him.

I’m so excited to jump into book two in this duet and see what in the world is going to happen with Hunter and Roe. That cliffhanger hurt. I have no idea where this next book will go! Love a good morally grey and obsessive MMC’s? Enjoy romantic suspense? This duet is for you!

A Lovely Obsession by CoraLee June Book Review

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Carissa Broadbent can do no wrong!! She writes it, I will devour it. I just love the worlds she comes up with. They’re all so unique and captivating. This second book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series was everything I didn’t know I needed and more. I’ve loved every second of Oraya and Raihn’s story. I’m sad to see it end, but we’ve been promised glimpses of them as she writes the rest of the series!

The balance of action, political scheming, spice, and overall plot, is just A++ in this book. There was just enough politics to hold my intrigue but not too much to where I was skimming or didn’t understand. The action was so good, I was hungrily eating up the fight scenes. And the tension. Omg the tension. The push and pull between Oraya and Raihn was done so well! Their banter as always, was top notch. I just love these two!

There were so many plot twists and revelations that I did not see coming. My jaw definitely dropped a couple of times and my brain was like . And then sometimes it was like especially when we finally find out Oraya’s true identity. Oh my heart. The last 20% of this book is very intense and although Oraya and Raihn’s story is over, it leaves enough intrigue and questions to set us up for the next couple of books in the series. Although they will focus on a different couple, I am so ready for them! There’s still more to unwrap and I’m dying to know what happens next.

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King Tropes

• Enemies to Lovers
• Forced Proximity
• Lies and Betrayal
• Hidden Identity

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King Spice Level

/5

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King Quotes

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King Blurb

Love is a sacrifice at the altar of power.

In the wake of the Kejari, everything Oraya once thought to be true has been destroyed. A prisoner in her own kingdom, grieving the only family she ever had, and reeling from a gutting betrayal, she no longer even knows the truth of her own blood. She’s left only with one certainty: she cannot trust anyone, least of all Raihn.

The House of Night, too, is surrounded by enemies. Raihn’s own nobles are none too eager to accept a Turned king, especially one who was once a slave. And the House of Blood digs their claws into the kingdom, threatening to tear it apart from the inside.

When Raihn offers Oraya a secret alliance, taking the deal is her only chance at reclaiming her kingdom–and gaining her vengeance against the lover who betrayed her. But to do so, she’ll need to harness a devastating ancient power, intertwined with her father’s greatest secrets.

But with enemies closing in on all sides, nothing is as it seems. As she unravels her past and faces her future, Oraya finds herself forced to choose between the bloody reality of seizing power – and the devastating love that could be her downfall.

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent is the second book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series and cannot be read as a standalone. The Serpent and the Wings of Night must be read first and you can find my review for that book here!

I hope you enjoy Oraya and Raihn’s story as much as I have. Happy reading!

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent Book Review

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Let me just start off by saying it took me an embarrassingly amount of time to realize this author also wrote The War of Lost Hearts trilogy. It all came full circle as to why I was sucked into this book so quickly. Just like her previous books, Carissa Broadbent is so so talented at world building without it dragging on and on, the magic system is unique, and the spice is the perfect amount to accompany an epic fantasy plot.

I loved the main characters Oraya and Raihn and they’re doomed from the start romance. Oraya’s transformation from a lifetime of being prey in a vampire world to a bad ass that can take on the predators was such an amazing journey to read. 

The character development is so well done I even enjoyed the minor characters in this book. While these characters are sometimes forgettable, Carissa depicts them in such a way that I found myself looking forward to learning more about them as we continue to the series.

If you like a good enemies to lovers trope, magical competitions, vampires, politics and epic fantasies, this book is 100% for you! And when you fall in love like I know you will, go on to read The War of Lost Hearts trilogy. It’s one of my top reads of 2022!

The Serpent and the Wings of Night Tropes

• Enemies to Lovers
• Magical Competition
• Forced Proximity
• Slow Burn

The Serpent and the Wings of Night Spice Level

/5

Favorite Quotes

The Serpent and the Wings of Night Blurb

Human or vampire, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart.

The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.

But winning won’t be easy amongst the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival.

Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father’s crown… and her greatest competition. Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him.

But there’s no room for compassion in the Kejari. War for the House of Night brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home. And Raihn may understand her more than anyone – but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love.

I hope you enjoyed! Let me know in the comments if you’ve read this series yet!

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent Book Review

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What can I say, I’m a sucker for a happy ending and this second book in Micalea Smeltzer’s Wildflower Duet, The Resurrection of Wildflowers, gives us just that. This was a swoon-worthy wrap-up to Thayer and Salem’s story and a good second chance romance book. I’m personally a fan of the time-jump/reunite trope. I mean you’re essentially getting the slow burn twice! How can you not enjoy that??

Anywho, while I enjoyed the ending, there is one blaring beacon of pure annoyance in this book. Salem hides their daughter from Thayer for five whole freaking years. This pissed me off. Yes, Thayer was in a bad place at the end of the first book but that doesn’t justify hiding a full-blown human being from someone. Ugh, I wouldn’t be able to forgive that one.

Also, what happened to Thayer and his rugged, grumpy self?? I feel like this whole book was of him groveling and professing his love for Salem over and over and over again. I missed his personality from the first book. Gimmie a little bit of grumpy Thayer!

Has there been any talks about Caleb getting his own book? I need to research this. Caleb is a good guy and he deserves all the love in the world. I would pick that book up in a heartbeat!

While this duology wasn’t my favorite, it’s decent. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll probably throw your kindle across the room, but overall, you’ll enjoy the story.

The Resurrection of Wildflowers Tropes

• Second Chance
• Secret Child
• Small Town
• Age Gap

The Resurrection of Wildflowers Spice Level

/5

Favorite Quotes

The Resurrection of Wildflowers Blurb

It took me a while to learn that sometimes no matter how much, or how hard you love someone, or something, you have to let them go. You can’t save a sinking ship.

Sometimes, you have someone else you have to be strong for, who needs you more.

You make a choice.

A devastating one.

And you hope, maybe one day, they’ll come back to you.

Have you read the Wildflower Duet by Micalea Smeltzer yet? What were your thoughts?

The Resurrection of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer Book Review

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Dining at the chef’s counter at Senia Restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii, was definitely one of the highlights of our trip back in January. My fiancé and I have birthdays two days apart, so I took on the challenge of finding some of the best restaurants in Honolulu for our festivities. I’m not going to lie, I think I hit the jackpot choosing Senia for my birthday dinner! From the moment we sat down at the chef’s counter, we immediately felt welcomed. It was a very comfortable environment and we all (including our dining neighbors) became very good friends for the next three and a half hours.

The tasting menu outline was typical of what you would find in California, however, the Hawaiian influence on each dish really made this dinner stand out. The flavors of Hawaii make my tastebuds very, very happy. And yes, we have fresh fish galore living in Southern California, but there’s just something about fresh fish from Hawaii. It’s on another level.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a birthday card signed by everyone in the kitchen and the sommelier didn’t waste any time offering us a celebratory glass of champagne. Yes, please! It’s always a great start to any restaurant experience when your celebrations are acknowledged. I like to feel special, ok??

Unfortunately, Chef (and owner) Anthony Rush was out of town during our tasting, but between the sommelier and the manager, we had excellent conversation and service. They both did a great job filling in, however it obviously would have been nice to see Chef Anthony in action.

The food overall was very enjoyable. The standouts for me were the premier white sturgeon caviar with sunkchoke and the foie gras with honey, chestnut, and cranberry. I am very aware I’m a basic bitch. I could have easily eaten two more of each of these dishes. As for the wine pairing, it couldn’t have been more spot-on. I enjoyed every single glass of wine that was served and that’s pretty rare for me. After our meal, I decided to “revisit” the Lionel Faury “Les Ribaudes”, Saint-Joseph Blanc, FR 2022 as a nightcap. I mean, what could go wrong ordering yet another glass of wine after a full pairing and port? Unfortunately, as history will show, it is predicted I will never learn my lesson on that one.

Senia Honolulu Photos

If you’re looking for fine dining in Honolulu, Hawaii, look no further than Senia. The relaxed yet attentive atmosphere, the classic dishes with a Hawaiian twist, and the killer wine list made for a very fun and delicious birthday dinner. If you want to get a seat at the chef’s counter like we did, I highly recommend making reservations as soon as they release as these seats get booked quickly. Check out their website for more reservation information.

Review of Senia Restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii

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I devoured The Confidence of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer in two sittings. No shame. It’s an easy, bingeable contemporary romance that hits all the marks. I love our hunky, rugged and extra grumpy next door neighbor Thayer and our sassy cupcake queen Salem. They were relatable and all of their interactions were so dang cute. Especially all of the sweet, sweet things Thayer did for Salem. The concert?? Couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

Everything was going all hunky-dory until the last 20% when Micalea decided to go after my fragile heart with ruthless abandon. I accidentally read THAT scene before the gym the other morning and I can’t even tell you how I made it through that workout. 

With all that said, I’m not sure what it was exactly, but the book was missing something. If it wasn’t for the fact that I was invested in the characters, I’m not sure I would have continued with the second book. I found myself skimming some parts and looking at what percentage I had left.

I was also a little confused on how Salem’s mother’s cancer was addressed. I’m pretty sure you just don’t go home right after a double mastectomy and everything is easy sailing from there…

Anywho, if you’re looking for a bingeable, angsty contemporary romance, this is a good option. The grumpy x sunshine and age gap tropes were done very well. Despite my complaints, it was a good book but it just didn’t blow me out of the water.

The Confidence of Wildflowers Tropes

• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Age Gap
• Single Dad
• Forced Proximity

The Confidence of Wildflowers Spice Level

/5

Favorite Quotes

The Confidence of Wildflowers Blurb

I was eighteen, he was thirty-one. We were worlds apart. But right next door. The temptations were too strong.

My future is a big ‘what if’ at the moment and I’m fine with that.
For the most part.
When Thayer Holmes moves in next door, the grumpy landscaper both fascinates and amuses me.
When he asks me to nanny his kid, it’s a great way to make some extra money.
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Thayer and his adorable son.
There’s a big problem though.
I’m eighteen. He’s thirty-one.
Falling for someone almost fifteen years older than me wasn’t part of my plans, but sometimes things happen when you least expect them.

Have you read The Confidence of Wildflowers yet? Tell me your thoughts! If you’re interested, the link for my review of The Resurrection of Wildflowers (Wildflower Duet #2) is listed below. Happy reading!

The Confidence of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer Book Review

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Holy smokes, Rina Kent does it again. She’s on a roll with this series! Each book just gets better and better. I’ve been looking forward to Jeremy’s book, God of Wrath, since this series was introduced and it was 100% worth the wait.

I was so curious to see Jeremy grown up after being introduced to him as a child in the Deception trilogy which is about his parents, Adrian and Lia. Spoiler alert, he’s Adrian’s twin (cold, ruthless and overprotective) and was obviously affected by all the craziness that went down in those books. He has quite a bit he has yet to come to terms with from that time.

Cecily has a past as well that she struggles to cope with day to day. She puts on a brave face for her loved ones and plays the role of an overprotective mother to her friends. Through her super caring nature, no one has any idea of the demons she faces.

Jeremy recognizes Cecily’s demons immediately (made easy from his childhood) and makes it his mission to keep her safe. Even if that includes stalking her every day . He is the definition of I hate everyone but you. Eeeeeeeeek!

I have to say, these two are probably the most emotionally aware couple of Rina’s that I’ve read. There’s some deep conversations and a few intense moments shared. It was refreshing how open they were with one another.

Ok, as are most of Rina’s books, this book is spicy, spicy, spicy! I’ll be honest, I had no idea what a primal kink was going into this. I am now educated and it was a damn good time to read. And I must say, the women of the Volkov men really know how to get under their skin with just their voice. Or lack there of. Iykyk lol.

God of Wrath Tropes

• Enemies to Lovers
• Anti-Hero
• Primal Kink
• Mafia Themes

God of Wrath Spice Level

/5

Favorite Quotes

God of Wrath Blurb

I’m trapped by the devil.
What started as an innocent mistake turned into actual hell.
In my defense, I didn’t mean to get involved with a mafia prince.
But he barged through my defenses anyway.
He stalked me from the shadows and stole me from the life I know.
Jeremy Volkov might appear charming, but a true predator lurks inside.
He’s out to possess, own, and keep me.
But I have no plans to stick around in his blood-soaked world.
Or so I think.

Next up is Landon’s book and I can only imagine what Rina has in store for him. He is the most unhinged person in this series so I’m sure it’s going to be a crazy ride! However, I think I’m most looking forward to Eli’s book…thoughts??

P.S. Although this can be read as a standalone, I strongly suggest you read God of Malice and God of Pain first!

God of Wrath by Rina Kent Book Review

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God of Pain is Rina Kent’s second book in her Legacy of Gods series. I honestly didn’t think I’d be that into Annika and Creighton’s story, but hot damn Rina Kent proved me wrong. Dare I say I even enjoyed it more than God of Malice?? Holy moly what a ride this book was.

First things first, the Deception Trilogy references and cameos were EVERYTHING! I got so giddy when we got POV’s from Lia and Adrian! Man, I miss those two. If you haven’t read their books yet (they are Annika’s parents) stop what you’re doing and get book one downloaded on your kindle asap.

Annika and Creighton couldn’t be more opposite. Annika fully embodies sunshine and Creigh fully embraces the grump he is. This book is a total opposites attract. Annika’s sole mission is to break down Creigh’s walls and get to know the real him and boy does she get more than she bargained for. He comes from a crappy childhood and unraveling his past is quite the rollercoaster of emotions.

Creighton has particular tastes in the bedroom so definitely know your triggers before reading. He’s a straight up sadist. I was literally learning right along side Annika . I’m 100% sure my eyeballs looked like .

Annika’s character has surprised me the most so far. I related to her a lot in the beginning. Confrontation? Hate it. Seeing people become vulnerable in a group setting? Nope. Always seeing the good in people? Yup. It was nice to see her finally come into her own especially when it came to her family. I mean a Mafia princess can only take so much.

God of Pain Tropes

-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Dark Past
-Anti-Hero
-Mafia Themes

God of Pain Spice Level

/5

Favorite Quotes

God of Pain Blurb

I made a terrible mistake.
Being a mafia princess, I knew my fate was already decided.
But I went ahead and longed for the wrong one.
Creighton King is bad news with a gorgeous exterior.
He’s silent, brooding, and obviously emotionally unavailable.
So I thought it was over.
Until he awakens a beast inside me.
My name is Annika Volkov, and I’m Creighton’s worst enemy.
He won’t stop until he breaks me.
Or I break him.

Welp, Rina Kent has done a magnificent job once again! If you liked God of Malice, you will absolutely love God of Pain. I mean who doesn’t love when a sunshine-y mafia princess FMC barges into the life of a silent and grumpy MMC? *chef’s kiss* Although this could be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading God of Malice first!

God of Pain by Rina Kent Book Review

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Rina Kent is the queen of dark and twisted romances. God of Malice is the first book in Rina’s new dark college romance series, Legacy of Gods. I’m slowly making my way through her backlist and I have yet to be disappointed. Before I started this series, I binge-read her Deception trilogy. Wow. Those books need to be made into a cinematic masterpiece. My mind was blown. 

As for the her new Legacy of Gods series, I can already tell these are going to be even more twisted and dark especially as we get to other character’s books. Ahem, Eli and Jeremy. 

Killian Carson is a straight up psychopath in God of Malice. Brilliant but psycho. Like blood thirsty status. Although he’s never actually committed murder, it’s an urge he’s had to suppress since a young boy. Enter Glyndon King. She’s his most natural suppression to this urge. Ergo his possessiveness and obsession with her.

Glyn is a lost artist. She’s kind of just going through the motions not feeling up to par with her family and their artistic backgrounds. She’s on the verge of just giving up and ending everything when Killian finds her. He makes her feel again. I guess in its own messed up way, they save each other. 

Now, would I condone Kill’s behavior in real life? His obsession with Glyn, over the top possessiveness and the need to “break” her? No. Did I have a heck of a good time reading it? 1000% yes. Their story was very well written and I enjoyed the plot and all the suspense that came with it. I devoured this book in less than two days and I’m not going to lie, I re-read it a few weeks later. Do with that what you will. 

I’m very much looking forward to the rest of the series. The chaos, secret societies, mafia ties, rivalries, drama and allll of the spice. Rina Kent, you keep doing you. I’ll read whatever you throw at us.

God of Malice Tropes

• Anti-Hero
• Possessiveness/Obsession
• Mental Health
• Mystery/Suspense

God of Malice Spice Level

/5

Favorite Quotes

God of Malice Blurb

I caught the attention of a monster.
I didn’t ask for it.
Didn’t even see it coming.
But the moment I do, it’s too late.
Killian Carson is a predator wrapped in sophisticated charm.
He’s cold-blooded, manipulative, and savage.
The worst part is that no one sees his devil side.
I do.
And that will cost me everything.
I run, but the thing about monsters?
They always chase.

If you’re fan of dark romance, possessive MMC’s, morally grey characters, and spicy books, give God of Malice by Rina Kent a try! Let me know in the comments if you’ve read it and what you thought of the book!

God of Malice by Rina Kent Book Review

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