latebrarie

lost between pages, where her heart feels most at home.

[latebrarie]

🌷 hi, i’m latebrarie! usually up way too late reading fiction ✨

📖 i write reviews that double as my reading diary, part rant and part feelings

🌿 into dark romance, romantasy, and erotic romance

💕 if my reviews help you find a new story to love, it makes my heart happy

💫 gentle reminder: my reviews often wander into spoiler territory.

💌 you can also find me here:

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💌 Please don’t repost or edit my reviews without asking me first or giving proper credit. thank you so much! ♡

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] Two Twisted Crown

The Shepherd King #2 by Rachel Gillig

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 0.5/5

Heaviness: 🪨 3/5

Plot: ☆☆☆☆☆

Female MC: ★★★☆☆

Male MC: ★★★★☆

Side Characters: ☆☆☆☆☆

no favorite quotes, just a short review:

Definitely the worst book I’ve read this year, the most unsatisfying one, and it left me with nothing but disappointment and anger. They did the fmc, Elspeth so dirty.

Gothic Romantasy | Cursed Kingdom | Shared Mind

Just want to let you know that my rating scale is based on how much I enjoy the story and how likable the characters are to me. So this rating really reflects how much I didn’t enjoy this book, and this whole review is basically just my rant :)

I seriously wanted to DNF this book, but I kept reading because I was honestly too angry to stop. Usually when I rate a book low, it’s because there’s one specific scene I hate or a character that annoys me. But this book was different because it slowly but surely kept making me lower my rating. It started with a promising world-building and a solid 4 stars, then dropped from 4 to 3 stars. And even then, I still had hope that it would get better. But that was honestly just me being delusional, because this book kept convincing me to lower my rating again to 2 stars. And by the very end, I was fully convinced to give it only 1 star. If I could give it lower than that, I would.

🍒 What I liked:

Because… THIS BOOK JUST KEPT GETTING WORSE. Seriously, every chapter somehow made it worse. Someone please explain to me what people saw in this book to give it 5 stars?? How was everyone okay with a supporting character completely taking over the story from chapter one all the way to the end? Like from 1% to 95% of the book, while the actual FMC barely existed as herself and only truly came back with her own mind and body in the epilogue?? HOW is that okay 😭

I genuinely can’t even put into words how much I hated the experience of reading this book until the very end.

sadly, not a single thing. I had so many expectations for this book. Seeing how popular this series is and how high the ratings are… it really, really disappointed me.

🍒 What I didn’t like:

1. I genuinely did not give a single fuck about Elm and Ione’s part of the story. I did not need entire chapters focused solely on them. I already hated how much space Elm and Ione took in the second book. Honestly, they were the main reason I wanted to DNF this book. I hate when side characters, especially another girl, whether she’s the FMC’s best friend, cousin, or someone close to her end up stealing the spotlight and taking screentime away from the actual FMC. I just don’t care about them at all.

2. It was so stupid how Elm instantly trusted and protected Ione. He even turned against his own cousin and acted like he “owed her” just because she saved him one time. What made it even more irritating was the fact that Elspeth had also saved him before, she literally went against her own father and helped save Elm while helping them steal the card. But despite everything Elspeth did for him, he still treated her horribly and acted cold toward her. The double standards and contradictions in the way he treated Ione versus Elspeth seriously annoyed me.

4. The difference between the amount of scenes for Elspeth x Ravyn versus Elm x Ione made me so angry. Elspeth and Ravyn barely got proper moments together, and when they did, the scenes were short, simple, and generic. We didn’t even get actual spicy scenes because the author skipped over them like it was a closed-door romance. Meanwhile, Elm and Ione got long, detailed scenes written with way more care and intensity. Comparing them honestly felt like 3 pages versus 300 pages. It genuinely made me wonder if the author’s favorite couple was actually Elm x Ione. Because by the end of the story, Elspeth and Ravyn felt more like supporting characters whose only purpose was helping Elm become king and Ione become queen.

3. I hated how much screentime the Nightmare/Shepherd King got when that space should’ve belonged to Elspeth. So many chapters with Elspeth’s name on them were basically just the Shepherd King talking about his past memories. And honestly, I hated how Elspeth just gave up her body and mind to him so easily. She just accepted everything happening to her. At some point, she didn’t even see her own body as hers anymore, but as theirs, even though that body originally belonged to her. That was incredibly frustrating to read.

If the author loved Elm and Ione that much, they should’ve gotten their own sequel instead of taking over this series. I picked up this book because I wanted to focus on Elspeth and Ravyn. I wouldn’t have minded getting small glimpses of Elm and Ione’s story, but the fact that around 95% of this book barely gave me any meaningful Elspeth and Ravyn moments, while Elspeth was still possessed by the Shepherd King most of the time was beyond frustrating.

5. I didn’t get the character development for Elspeth that I deserved after reading all of this. In the first book, I kept comforting myself by thinking that Elspeth’s passiveness would eventually lead to major character development in the second book. But I was completely wrong. She barely even had her own body in this book. Most of the time, she felt more like a narrator than the actual FMC. For almost 95% of the story, all we got was her mind and even then, most of it was just flashbacks or moments of her becoming the Shepherd King inside her own head.

6. Elspeth and Ravyn were the ones who worked so hard to gather all the cards. They went through all the struggles to get the final card, the Twin Alders, from the Spirit in the misty forest. But somehow, the people who got the spotlight for breaking the curse with all those cards were Elm and Ione. The audacity of the author to let them steal the spotlight until the very end genuinely made me realize that I can hate a plot this much. And not because the characters did something unforgivable which is usually the reason I give low ratings, but because the story itself kept pushing the actual main characters aside for side characters I did not care about.

7. Until literally 95% into the book, the FMC finally appeared as herself again, in her own body and with her own mind. And yes, that only happened in the epilogue. We barely even got sweet moments with the MMC. And somehow, even in the epilogue, Elm and Ione still felt like the main characters. Elspeth and Ravyn were reduced to background characters at their wedding. Honestly, it was the perfect ending… for the worst book I’ve read this year. That ending completely secured its place there.

Overall, I hate this book so much. The only reason I even finished this disappointing story was because I was too angry to stop reading. I genuinely can’t describe how angry, disappointed, and irritated I felt with this entire series, especially this second book.

This book definitely won’t be easy to forget. Not because the story was good, but because I’ll always remember how the author seemed to care more about the side characters than her own main characters. I absolutely would not recommend this book. It was one of the worst reading experiences I’ve had and a complete disappointment.

💌 main characters:

• Elspeth Spindle / Bess (20 y/o — her magic allows her to absorb any card she touches)

• Ravyn Yew (26 y/o — the King’s eldest nephew and Captain of the Destriers)

💌 side characters:

• Iris Whitebeam — Elspeth’s mother

• Ione Hawthorns — cousin

• Opal Hawthorns — aunt

• Erik Spindle — Elspeth’s father

• Balian — her father’s steward

• Nerium — stepmother

• Nya — half-sister

• Dimia — half-sister

• Lyn Hawthorns — cousin

• Aldrich Hawthorns — cousin

• Alyx Laburnum — Lord Laburnum’s second son

• Hauth Rowan — second prince

• Emory Yew — Ravyn’s younger brother

• Elm / Renelm Rowan (22 y/o — prince and second heir to the throne) 🏴

• Jespyr Yew — Ravyn’s younger sister and the only female Destrier 🏴

• Fenir Yew — Ravyn’s father 🏴

• Morette Yew — Ravyn’s mother 🏴

• Filick Willow — physician 🏴

• Orithe Willow — physician

• Jon Thistle — the Yews’ steward 🏴

• The Shepherd King / Taxus — the Nightmare card Elspeth absorbed

• Wik Ivy 🏴

• Petyr Ivy

• Royce Linden — Destrier

• Tilly — a ghost and the Shepherd King’s daughter

• Ilyc — ghost, member of the Shepherd King’s family

• Afton — ghost, member of the Shepherd King’s family

• Fenly — ghost, member of the Shepherd King’s family

• Lenor — ghost, member of the Shepherd King’s family

• Bennett — ghost, eldest son of the Shepherd King’s family and the only one with gray eyes

• Ayris — the Shepherd King’s / Taxus’ younger sister

• Petra — the Shepherd King’s / Taxus’ wife

• Aemmory Percyval Taxus — the man on the beach in her deepest darkness

• Brutus Rowan — the Shepherd King’s guard who killed the king

• Otho — infected, living in the mist

• Hesis — infected, living in the mist

♡ my fav quotes:

Honestly, I was too mad at this book to even have a favorite quote from it :)

Two Twisted Crowns (The Shepherd King, #2)

In the luscious, dark sequel to One Dark Window, Elspet…

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] One Dark Window

The Shepherd King #1 by Rachel Gillig

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 3/5

Heaviness: 🪨 3/5

Plot: ★★★☆☆

Female MC: ★★★★☆

Male MC: ★★★★☆

Side Characters: ★★☆☆☆

“I resisted, because I haven’t stopped thinking about you since that first night on the forest road. And I realized at Equinox that the closer I let myself get to you, the less I’d want to be the King’s Captain—the less I’d want to pretend.” —Ravyn

Gothic | Romantasy | Cursed Kingdom

This book had been sitting on my TBR for years, so I finally picked it up without thinking too much about it, especially because I kept seeing so many readers and reviews giving it amazingly high ratings.

🍒 what i like:

1. The world building. It started so strongly and instantly made me interested in uncovering the mystery behind the magic, the cards, and the town itself. It gave me really high expectations for where the story was going.

🍒 what i didn’t like:

1. I didn’t really like how the story kept jumping back and forth because it made things confusing for me at times. Honestly, this book made me appreciate authors who provide glossaries or guides for fantasy terms and aliases. I literally had to make my own dictionary just to fully understand what was happening.

2. The FMC felt helpless and insecure for most of the story, which frustrated me a lot. But at the same time, I know characters in stories like this often start that way before getting major character development, so I kept hoping for that growth.

3. I wish the spicy scenes had been explored more because they honestly felt lacking, especially between Elspeth and Ravyn, who are supposed to be the main couple of the series.

This book is actually a pretty good start to a romantasy series. It can definitely be confusing at times, but it still gives enough mystery and unanswered questions to keep me reading and trying to figure things out on my own. So overall, the first book gave me really high expectations for the second book.

But because I’m finishing this draft review after reading the last book, my final rating for this one ended up being lower because of how much the second book affected my overall feelings about the series. So would I recommend this series? No, I honestly wouldn’t. But the first book alone is still a decent read.

💌 main characters:

Elspeth Spindle / Bess (20 y/o — her magic allows her to absorb any card she touches)

Ravyn Yew (the King’s eldest nephew and Captain of the Destriers)

💌 side characters:

Iris Whitebeam — Elspeth’s mother

Ione Hawthorns — cousin

Opal Hawthorns — aunt

Erik Spindle — Elspeth’s father

Balian — the FMC’s father’s steward

Nerium — stepmother

Nya — half-sister

Dimia — half-sister

Lyn Hawthorns — cousin

Aldrich Hawthorns — cousin

Alyx Laburnum — Lord Laburnum’s second son

Hauth Rowan — second prince

Emory Yew — Ravyn’s younger brother

Elm / Renelm Rowan (22 y/o — prince and second heir to the throne) 🏴

Jespyr Yew — Ravyn’s younger sister and the only female Destrier 🏴

Fenir Yew — Ravyn’s father 🏴

Morette Yew — Ravyn’s mother 🏴

Filick Willow — physician 🏴

Orithe Willow — physician

Jon Thistle — the Yews’ steward 🏴

The Shepherd King — the Nightmare Card Elspeth absorbed

Wik Ivy 🏴

Petyr Ivy 🏴

Royce Linden — Destrier

♡ my fav quotes:

“There are so few of us, Miss Spindle. You are more special than you know. And it pains me to think I might have hurt you. I’m—sorry. Trees, I’m sorry.” —Ravyn

────────────

We were the same, he and I. Gifted with ancient, terrible magic. Woven in secret, hidden in half-truths. We were the darkness in Blunder, the reminder that magic—wild and unfettered—prevailed, no matter how desperately the Rowans tried to stamp it out. We were the thing to be feared. We were the balance. —Elspeth

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“It is not they who bring the reckoning, Ravyn. It is you. It is us.” —Elspeth

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“I don’t want rest, Elspeth, I want you.” —Ravyn

One Dark Window (The Shepherd King, #1)

La magie sent le sel. La sens-tu dans la brume, dans le…

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] The Milk Man

by B. Sobjakken & May Alder

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 3/5

Heaviness: 🪨 1/5

Plot: ★★★☆☆

Female MC: ★★★★☆

Male MC: ★★★★☆

Side Characters: ★★★★☆

“You’re it for me, Lottie. Everything I’ve worked towards in my life, it’s for you to be here with me.” —Johnny

Novella | Cam Girl x Cowboy | Small-town Romance

I picked this up not for the plot, but for the smut.

So, our FMC moves to the small town of Maybrook to live in the cottage her grandmother left for her. She’s been struggling alone after being disowned by her mother and making a living as a cam girl. She’s ready to give up city life for something quieter, somewhere she can finally start over. And her top and favorite subscriber turns out to be her new neighbor, Johnny, aka FJ_dairylover.

🍒 what i like:

1. The people in Maybrook. They’re all so welcoming and warm. Even on her first day, she received farm products for free or at discounted prices just to welcome her into town. They treated her with so much kindness.

2. Her milk supply is so abundant that she later donates most of it to the NICU, and honestly that was such an unexpected part of the story for me. It added a softer side that I didn’t expect from a book like this.

🍒 what i didn’t like:

1. When Johnny joins Lottie’s stream, he reads a comment about wanting him to milk the commenter, and his reaction really bothered me. The comment catches his attention, makes him react physically, and he even remembers the commenter’s username afterward. That whole scene honestly disturbed me a bit, and it’s the main reason my rating went down.

Overall, it’s a good smut read. The plot is minimal, but still enough to support the story. I really enjoyed the cam girl x cowboy dynamic, especially because they’re both consenting adults and their push-and-pull chemistry was really hot to follow. Definitely recommend this if you enjoy short and spicy reads!

💌 main characters:

Charlotte / LeakyLottie

Johnson / Johnny / FJ_dairylover (38 yo)

💌 side characters:

Max (his dog)

Mr. Smith

♡ my fav quotes:

“You’re so gorgeous, Lottie. My absolute dream girl.” —Johnny

────────────

You’re mine, Lottie. —FJ_dairylover

────────────

My Farmer Johnny —Charlotte

────────────

“And believe me, I selfishly love that. I have to share Lottie, but I get you. I get Charlotte all to myself, as long as you’ll have me.” —Johnny

────────────

“You’re my dream come true." —Johnny

────────────

“I want you. I want you in my bed every night, I want to wake up to you every morning, I want to walk in the door from working in the sun every day and know you’re waiting for me on the other side.” —Johnny

────────────

The Milk Man

He’s going to milk and bottle every drop of her love…. …

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] Three of a Kind

Assurance Security #4 by Jillian West

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 3.9/5

Heaviness: 🪨 2/5

Plot: ★★★☆☆

Female MC: ★★★★★

Male MCs: ★★★★★

Side Characters: ★★★★☆

I love this woman more than life itself. I’m not sure what I did for the universe to give me my perfect match, but I’m working hard every day to deserve her. —Noble

Fated Mates | Why Choose | Omegaverse

My 13th book by Jillian West!

It’s been half a year since I read the other books from the Assurance Security series, so I kinda forgot who’s who, but I still managed to remember their roles. So I went into this book with only half my memories of the previous books, just to get an idea of what I would get from Three of a Kind.

This book is about Brooklyn, a seven-month-pregnant single mother who has spent years living in fear after enduring severe emotional abuse from her ex, Avan, who controlled her life so deeply that she was even scared to tell her three-year-old daughter about the pregnancy. Then Noble, Gunner, and Maverick enter her life, instantly feeling protective of her and convinced she’s meant to be theirs. Despite Brooklyn’s fear and hesitation, their connection keeps growing stronger.

🍒 what i like:

1. Brooklyn and Gunner claimed their bond at 45% of the book. It’s fast, but I honestly prefer that over waiting until the end of the story. Then Noble claimed her too, and by 60% she completed her pack with Maverick’s bite. I like that the guys never tried to push her into bonding, even when they were hazy from the pheromones.

2. Brooklyn’s pack is a mix of guys who already knew they were packmates and a new guy they never expected before, and I think the way they handled and compromised with each other was really good. I loved their dynamics.

3. MMCs’ courting gifts weren’t only for Brooklyn, but also for her daughter and even for the baby on the way.

4. Noble’s admission of love wasn’t only for Brooklyn, but also for her daughter. The way he always included her and treated her like his own daughter was so sweet.

5. The main problem with Brooklyn’s ex was resolved around 90% of the book, and the remaining 10% was more focused on them finally getting their peace and happiness together.

6. There was a tiny scene where Noble’s mom also helped Brooklyn and the guys take care of newborn Judge.

🍒 what i didn't like:

1. There’s no delivery/labor scene, and it honestly felt like something was missing because that’s one of my favorite scenes in Jillian’s books whenever there’s a pregnancy trope involved.

2. There were too many characters appearing at the same time, and honestly some of them felt unnecessary because I feel like it reduced the intimacy between Brooklyn and her pack. Especially since they were living in their friends’ house until the problem was solved.

No matter how the story starts or ends, Jillian’s books will always be my safe place, and I always feel comfortable reading her works. Even though this one isn’t my favorite and definitely has its flaws, I still enjoyed it overall. This book is definitely a recommend!

💌 main characters:

Brooklyn

Benjamin Maverick

Gunner Anderson

Deveraux Noble (32 yo — the one with the lightning scent, also the cleaner/assassin)

Libby / Liberty (3 yo — Brooklyn’s daughter)

Judge (Brooklyn's son)

💌 side characters:

Nova — Maverick’s German Shepherd

Haze — Gunner’s German Shepherd

Avan Barrett — Brooklyn’s ex

Ranger Cavanaugh — the guys’ boss

Bless Barrett — mercenary, Avan’s cousin

Lennox — Brooklyn’s little sister

Dustin Barrett — Avan’s younger brother

Thorne — Avan’s security

Stacia — Bless’s second-in-command and also her mate

Mikhail Ivanov — the Barretts’ enemy

Soren Nikolov — Ivanov’s next heir

Keeley — Ivanov’s daughter

Soren / Stone — part of Keeley’s pack and Ivanov’s former enforcer

Merrick — tech specialist for Assurance Security, also part of Keeley’s pack

Steele — member of Keeley’s pack and Assurance Security

Locke / Deckan Barrett

Kostov — Ivanov’s new heir, interested in Stacia

Alexs — one of Ivanov’s people, interested in Bless

♡ my favorite quotes:

My impulses are one-hundred-percent convinced that Brooklyn is supposed to be mine. —Maverick

────────────

“We’ve got you now. No matter what comes next, Maverick and I will protect you." —Gunner

────────────

“You haven’t seen anything yet, gorgeous. I’m willing to play a whole lot dirtier to make you mine.” —Gunner

────────────

“You’re perfect. So tight and wet and all fucking mine. Come all over me.” —Gunner

────────────

You’re mine now, gorgeous. You get that, right? If you tried to run, I would hunt you down and bite your ass so fast, you’d have no chance to escape. —Gunner

────────────

“I claimed Brooklyn and Liberty. They’re mine now. —Noble

────────────

“I’m always going to be here to look after you. And, occasionally, to remind you to be kinder to yourself.” —Maverick

────────────

I’m honestly surprised it took me so long to realize that seeing him was always the highlight of a long day. —Brooklyn

────────────

it feels like a giant piece I didn’t know was missing clicked into place when I found them. —Brooklyn

────────────

“One day soon, you’ll realize I’m happiest where you are.” —Noble

────────────

I really don’t know how I got this lucky, but they bring me peace and happiness that I’ve never experienced. I’m not sure if it’s the universe or some higher power that guides our lives, but I say a very heartfelt thank you that they ended up with me. —Brooklyn

────────────

“You’ve got me, gorgeous. Always and forever, from here on out.” —Gunner

────────────

“You’re perfect for us,” —Gunner

────────────

Three of a Kind (Assurance Security, #4)

Brooklyn Summers doesn't belong in the mob world, but s…

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] Eyes in the Shadows

Hitmen of Ulysses #1 by L.M. Whiteley

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 3.75/5

Heaviness: 🪨 1/5

Plot: ★★★☆☆

Female MC: ★★★★★

Male MCs: ★★★★★

Side Characters: ★★★★☆

“There’s nothing I won’t do to protect you, Eleanor. I’m not the good guy, and I don’t want you to forget that. I’m the guy that would kill everyone just to save one person, if that one person is you.” —Mac

Chef x Hitman | Possessive MMC | Stalker Dark Romance

Starting this book because someone recommended it, and the trope instantly caught my interest, and I’m not disappointed.

Basically, the story is about an FMC who’s a chef and an MMC who’s a sniper and part of a trio of hitmen. Mac, while on a mission, accidentally drags Eleanor (our FMC) into his world. From there, it’s about Eleanor deciding whether she wants to be part of his world… or stay out of it.

🍒 What I liked:

1. When Mac sends Eleanor a bouquet with photos of her that he secretly took using his sniper. I really love the thought behind it, he wants her to see herself the way she deserves, to be confident and to love herself.

2. I like the FMC because of how she reacts in tense situations. She’s not panicking or doing something reckless like trying to run away or call the police. She handles things in a way that makes sense. She’s strong, resilient, and earnest despite being scared of Mac’s job and how they first met. This is exactly how I want an FMC to act in this kind of story.

3. The way Mac suggests changing their plan so they don’t unnecessarily kill witnesses just because he remembers what Eleanor said to him. He listens, and he’s willing to compromise and become better without losing who he is. The way he acts really shows how important Eleanor is to him.

4. I love how Mac gives Eleanor reassurance and acknowledges her as someone who is strong, brave, and charismatic.

“You are brave—you feel for people, you open your heart and you care, and that’s one of the bravest things I can think of. I’m not brave like that. And you’re strong. You’ve been making it on your own, all this time, chasing a dream and pivoting when it didn’t work out; that takes incredible strength of will. And charisma? You’ve got Wes and Dimitri wrapped so tightly around your little finger, I’m honestly a bit jealous.”. —Mac

5. Mac is also the one who suggests they all stay in the house they’re currently using instead of leaving. A big reason is because he doesn’t want Eleanor to be sad about separating from Wesley and Dimitri. He suggests they all live there together and turn it into their headquarters, a place to return to, a home base where they can stay close in case anything happens. I love that idea of them building something together.

🍒 What I didn’t like:

1. The FMC sometimes struggles with insecurities and low self-esteem about her appearance and her life choices, which can get a bit frustrating.

2. She has this cliché reckless moment of “I need to protect my Mac,” which ends up putting herself in danger.

3. I don’t like how the author makes other characters constantly insult a fat girl, though thankfully Mac, Wes, and Dimitri don’t do that.

I seriously can’t lie, I lowkey wanted this to be a why-choose romance 😭 I love Eleanor’s dynamic with Mac, Wesley, and Dimitri way too much. Because of that, I can’t immediately jump into the next book in the series, I need a break to forget their chemistry first.

Like… how can I not?? Wesley always calls her “Love,” and Dimitri who’s all cold and stoic, softens in his own way. He even uses the name “Ghost” that Eleanor gave him because he liked it. Their dynamic is just too cute. And the way they get protective and angry for Eleanor when Rossi tries to humiliate her?? I love them.

“But like, Wesley and Dimitri… they’re never coming back, right? They have no reason to. And I just…I like them. I liked cooking for them. I liked this weird little life we had.” —Eleanor

Not just me, even Eleanor likes them too (even if not in the way I want 😭). I don’t even want to think about new FMCs coming in and changing their dynamic at home.

Honestly, this is a good book. There’s nothing that really irritated or disappointed me, but also nothing that made me love it deeply. The confrontation with the villain felt a bit cliché and predictable tho. And I was torn between giving it 3.5 or 4 stars, so 3.75 feels like the most accurate rating for me. But overall, I definitely recommend this!

💌 Main characters:

Ellie / Eleanor Wilson (28)

Mac / James Mackenzie (33) — part of a hitman team, the sniper

💌 Side characters:

Wesley / “Short Round” — part of the hitman team, the tech genius

Dimitri — part of the hitman team, offense

General — the one who created the team

Felix — handles body clean-up

Jay Rossi — Ulysses slumlord

Harrison — Eleanor’s friend, lives in the same apartment building

Rachel — sous chef at her restaurant

Mermaidav — intel specialist

♡ my fav quotes:

“I’m going to keep you,” —Mac

────────────

I’m watching her. Not because I have to, but because I can’t stop. —Mac

────────────

The truth is, I’ve decided she’s mine to protect. —Mac

────────────

“You live in my house, you’re gonna sleep in my bed.” —Mac

────────────

“It’s not my ego you should be worried about; it’s my obsession.” —Mac

────────────

“Mornin’, darlin’.” —Mac

────────────

“I will never hurt you. No one ever will.” —Mac

────────────

“That’s right, baby, now you know. You know you’re mine. You belong to me now.” —Mac

────────────

But she’ll learn—I’ll show her there isn’t an inch of her I don’t want to worship with my mouth. —Mac

Eyes in the Shadows (Hitmen of Ulysses, #1)

He was there to take a life.She just happened to be in …

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] Kate

Madison Kate #4 by Tate James

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 3/5

Heaviness: 🪨 3/5

Plot: ★★★☆☆

Female MC: ★★★★☆

Male MCs: ★★★★★

Side Characters: ★★★☆☆

"I can't possibly picture my life now without the three of them in it. They're it for me, and I love everything that comes with them—blood, violence, and all. So, if your real question is would I change anything if I could? Hell no. This is me, now. The real me. And they're just the other parts to my whole piece." —Madison Kate

Why Choose | Enemies to Lovers | Dark Romance

The first chapter of this book is a POV from Steele ♡

Because this is the last book in the series, we finally learn why so many killers are trying to kill Madison, and the truth about her maternal side, that she’s actually the heiress to South Africa’s and the entire world’s largest and most profitable diamond mine, Brilliance. We also find out more about her and her mom’s stalker.

But honestly, I can’t lie that I ended up reading this half-heartedly. Since I already read 3 out of 4 books in the series, I wanted to finish it, but it really felt like a chore. Every few minutes while reading, I kept checking how far I was and when I would finally finish this damn series.

🍒 what i like:

1. I like Cass lol.

2. I loved that the guys wanted to empower Madison, not weaken her with all their protectiveness. They believed in her abilities, training her in shooting, combat (both defensive and offensive), and more.

3. I like that Madison gets tattoos: an archer for Archer, a penguin for Kody, and a treble clef that turns into a pulse line for Steele, each on different parts of her body.

4. When Madison and Archer had their wedding, the song playing as she walked down the aisle was composed by Steele.

5. Around 90% of the book, after the killer and stalker were caught, it touches on mental health issues because of the FMC’s trauma like her going to a psychologist and the healing process. It felt more realistic, to be honest. Especially because throughout the process, the MMCs stayed by her side, put their ego aside, and supported her mental health journey. I also like that this part was brief, so it didn’t drag the story.

6. It’s not exactly something 'I like' because I would’ve preferred the FMC to take one of the guys’ names, but I understand why she chose Madison Kate Wittenberg, because it felt too weird to take D’Ath without Jones or Steele, so she took her mother’s maiden name instead.

🍒 what i didn't like:

1. Unnecessary side characters who’s basically a mean girl and a huge fan of Kody while hating Madison.

2. The way Bree asked Madison and the guys to help Dallas get out of the gang, even though she knew Madison still had an active threat from her stalker and the killers.

3. The whole time, Madison doesn’t want to say she loves the guys. She only says it in a near-death moment. She knows she loves them, but just won’t say it, and those scenes feel repetitive.

4. “There wasn't anything I wouldn't do for my guys… including give myself up.” I hate this mindset in stories like this. The guys try so hard to protect her, but she carelessly does things like surrender herself to her stalker to save them. It just feels like a stupid decision. Think smarter, not just doing exactly what the stalker wants.

5. I was waiting for a scene, at least in the epilogue, where the guys talk about Madison’s IUD, but it never happens. Why would the author bring up birth control in the first place if there’s no conclusion about whether they want kids or not? Madison didn’t want kids at first because she’s still young, while the guys, especially Archer do. I would’ve loved to see them talk about it, maybe agreeing to wait until Madison is ready (like in her mid-20s). I hate when authors introduce something important but don’t give any resolution.

6. Honestly, the ending was just okay. I was already satisfied that the main problem was solved at 90%, so I thought the remaining 10% would be more lovey-dovey showing their life together, especially discussions about kids, but no. The epilogue feels like it happens the next day, so it doesn’t really feel like an epilogue. Even the cliffhanger about Hades isn’t my taste. I just wanted the ending to focus on them, Madison, Archer, Steele, and Kody. I don’t care about other characters, even if they’re the next main characters in the author’s works. That’s it.

🍒 Vault - Madison Kate #4.5 by Tate James:

I just took a peek at book #4.5 of the Madison Kate series, a novella that’s meant to be read after the main story. It turns out they talk about IUDs and having kids, but honestly, as someone who already feels a bit worn out from the main story, I don’t have much excitement to read extra content. I would’ve preferred this kind of discussion to be included in the epilogue of Book 4.

Spoiler: Madison doesn’t say she never wants kids, but she suggests revisiting the conversation when she’s around 30. After that, Archer even sends her a calendar invitation for her thirtieth birthday labeled “Baby-Making Time,” lol.

🦋 Overall review for the whole series Madison Kate: ⭐️ 3/5

This series could’ve been shorter, three books would’ve been enough if the author had made it more compact instead of dragging out some unnecessary plotlines. Book 3 especially felt pointless, and the addition of new annoying, creepy characters actually ruined parts of the story for me and left a bad taste.

Honestly, I feel a bit disappointed. The first book started off really strong and interesting, but after that, it became more average and predictable. The character development for the FMC was minimal, and I personally prefer a more badass, strong FMC in this kind of story. I also finished this series with a lot of effort because books 3 and 4 felt more like a chore than something I enjoyed reading.

That said, the series is actually pretty light overall. I only felt a bit of suspense in certain scenes, so it’s not overly dark.

I still like this series, though, because there’s no annoying or serious love rival for the FMC, that’s a big plus for me. I usually hate bad boy/manwhore characters, but in this case, once the MMCs were serious about the FMC, they only had eyes for her.

Overall, it’s an okay read, not bad, but not mind-blowing either. You can give it a try, but I can’t promise it’ll be an amazing read.

💌 main characters: (they have a 4-year age gap)

MK / Madison Kate Danvers / Madison Kate Wittenberg

The Archer / Archer D’Ath

Kody / Kodiak Jones

Steele / Max Steele

🍒 what they call her:

Archer: Princess Danvers, Princess, Kate, wifey, baby girl | Madison calls him Sunshine

Kody: babe, baby, MK

Steele: Hellcat, baby

💌 side characters:

Bree

Zane D’Ath (Reaper’s leader, Archer’s older brother)

Hades

Rhett / Bark (classmate)

Dallas Moore (Madison’s old friend, Wraith gang member)

Steinwick (butler)

Connie / Constance D’Ath (Archer’s grandma)

Ana (D’Ath housekeeper & Constance’s lover)

Anna (MC’s housekeeper)

James (the groundskeeper, Madison’s mom’s ex and her biological father)

Jase (manager)

Nicky (photographer)

Ferryman / Charon (the Wraith leader, Archer’s uncle)

Cass / Cassiel (Reaper’s second-in-command)

Scott (a man she met in Aspen)

Denotah (Madison’s mother)

Katerina Orlova (of Moscow, Russia—Madison’s maternal grandmother)

Abel Wittenberg (of Pretoria, South Africa—Madison’s maternal grandfather)

Declan Wittenberg / Dave / David (Madison’s mother’s twin brother)

Karl Kruger (Brilliance’s current CEO)

Damien (Archer’s father)

Zed (Hades’s second-in-command)

Leon (mercenary, computer genius)

Danny / Danielle (mercenary, new guard)

Josephine (Abel’s younger sister)

Gunther Zukman (Josephine’s husband)

Serena (Josephine’s daughter)

Karl Beymen / Karl Kruger (Serena’s husband)

Seph / Persephone (Hades’s friend, rescued from sex trafficking)

Sampson (their private guard)

Gill (their private guard)

Skate (new Wraith leader)

♡ my fav quotes:

"Madison Kate, I fell in love the second you tried to kick me in the balls on Riot Night. Some people need years to know, but I only needed those few minutes in the dark." —Kody

────────────

"You run, and I'll chase you, Princess." —Archer

────────────

Words couldn't even describe how thankful I was to have him. To have all three of them. I wasn't in it alone, and that was a pretty special feeling. It was a feeling I'd do anything, kill anyone to protect. —Madison

────────────

"You're perfect. Every time I look at you, I can't totally believe that you're mine." —Archer

────────────

Oh man, my guys were some scary-ass motherfuckers. I loved them so damn hard for it too. We were like four pieces of the most fucked up puzzle, clicking together in perfect harmony. —Madison

────────────

"I love you with my whole blackened soul, Kate. You're my everything." —Archer

────────────

"No one, Kodiak Jones, no one is separating the four of us again. Certainly not some piece-of-shit, limp-dick businessman throwing his fucking cash around. You're my damn penguin, Kody." —Madison

────────────

More and more I was admitting that this relationship wasn't a question of me giving them my heart. It went both ways, and right now I held all three of their hearts in my hands. —Madison

────────────

Because regardless of who I was already legally married to, I was in it for the long haul with all three of them. —Madison

────────────

"I love you more than words can describe." —Steele

────────────

Chosen family, though? I had plenty of that. Archer, Kody, and Steele owned equal parts of my soul; they were my fucking everything. —Madison

────────────

"'Cause we're never letting you go, Hellcat. You're it for all of us, forever." —Steele

────────────

"Trust me, Kate, nothing on this entire damn Earth could make us leave you now. We all love you too damn much." —Archer

────────────

"You're my reason for living." —Archer

Kate (Madison Kate, #4)

Madison Kate is a new adult/college age dark romance wi…

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] Fake

Madison Kate #3 by Tate James

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 3/5

Heaviness: 🪨 3/5

Plot: ★★★☆☆

Female MC: ★★★★☆

Male MCs: ★★★★★

Side Characters: ★★★☆☆

"Anything is possible for the right girl, Hellcat. And trust me when I say this... you're the right girl. For all of us" —Steele

"I love you so much it hurts. I've never felt like this for anyone before, but I'll happily murder any bastard who tries to tear us apart." —Kody

"You're my whole world, Kate, You're my reason for breathing, and I'll personally slit the throats of anyone who tries to take you away from me." —Archer

Why Choose | Enemies to Lovers | Dark Romance

The third book in the Madison Kate series!

The truth revealed at the end of book two, which I lowkey already guessed is that Madison is actually married to Archer. Her dad had massive debts, sold her to him, and they’ve been married for over a year. And the twist? Archer first met Madison when she was eleven, terrified after seeing his father execute someone, and he held her hand. That’s why he accepted her father’s deal: he wanted to keep her safe and make her his.

So in the first half of the book, we finally get the truth behind why the guys have been protecting Madison and why Archer did everything he did. Ofc she feels betrayed because of the secret marriage, but everything he did was actually to protect her. And like Kody said, this whole mess could’ve been avoided if Archer had just been honest with her from day one and i hate that he didn’t just tell her the truth from the beginning.

In the second half, the guys become way more likable. Steele and Kody were already easy to like, but Archer, who always said and did hurtful things finally opens up about his feelings, and I really liked him here. But unfortunately… Madison kind of went downhill for me. She’s the main reason I didn’t enjoy this book as much, she seriously irritated me.

🍒 What I didn’t like:

1. The whole situation between Madison and Scott made me want to puke. I know she clearly rejects him, but Scott keeps claiming he’s her boyfriend, and she still thinks “he means well” and treats him kindly. She even agrees to meet him again after he literally tracks her location… he’s blatantly creepy and suspicious, yet she still befriends him. It’s so frustrating. She’s in complete denial about Scott, honestly, she feels really dumb here. Out of all three books so far, this is her worst.

2. Usually, it’s good when readers can’t easily guess who the real villain is, but here, everyone except Madison and the guys feels suspicious and creepy in an annoying way. It actually made me less excited to keep reading.

3. A lot of scenes feel forced and unnatural. It’s like the author is trying too hard to make Madison seem badass, but instead she just comes off as irritatingly reckless. I didn’t feel real character development here.

4. The guys are supposed to be powerful, scary, and resourceful, but they can’t even catch a stalker or stop the killer this whole time. They keep slipping up, and the security feels useless. It makes everything feel weak.

🍒 What I liked:

1. I enjoyed seeing the guys jealous and begging for Madison’s forgiveness. That was satisfying.

2. The change in dynamic between Madison and Archer, I liked that they finally communicate honestly. And also how Archer slowly accepts Kody and Steele, because Madison loves all three of them. I like that this isn’t an instant why-choose romance, they actually talk, struggle, and try to accept it.

“And then I’ll get on board with this dynamic. If it were anyone else, I’d kill them both to eliminate the competition. But seeing as it’s them… fine.” —Archer

3. I like how Steele reassures Madison about the whole sharing situation:

“Can I ask you a favor? Leave the posturing, jealous, possessive bullshit to us to deal with. We’ve been friends a long time; we’ve got our own ways to work shit out. It doesn’t need to stress you out.”

4. That scene where Madison wears the hoodie she bought months ago, before Riot Night with “The Archer” on it… and then Archer adds “The Archer’s Girl. Back Off!” before his fight. That was actually really cute.

Overall, this book was just okay, also kind of disappointing. It’s not bad bad, and thankfully there’s no annoying love rival (which I always appreciate), but Madison being so frustrating really affected my enjoyment.

The character development from book two actually feels like it regressed here. And the whole stalker plot drags on unnecessarily, especially with the addition of another delusional stalker that Madison keeps defending for half the book. :)

Let me read the final book so I can decide my overall rating for the series!

💌 Main characters:

MK / Madison Kate Danvers / Princess Danvers

Archer / Archer D’Ath

Kody / Kodiak Jones

Steele / Max Steele

🍒 What they call her:

Archer: Princess Danvers, Princess, Kate, wifey, baby girl | Madison calls him Sunshine

Kody: Babe, Baby, MK

Steele: Hellcat, Baby, MK

💌 Side characters:

Bree

Zane D’Ath (Reapers’ leader, Archer’s older brother)

Rhett / Bark (classmate)

Dallas Moore (Madison’s old friend, Wraith gang member)

Steinwick (butler)

Connie / Constance D’Ath (Archer’s grandma)

Anna (D’Ath housekeeper)

Jase (manager)

Nicky (photographer)

Luna (photographer assistant)

Ferryman / Charon (Wraith leader, Archer’s uncle)

Cass (Reapers’ second-in-command)

Scott (a man she met in Aspen)

♡ my fav quotes:

"no one can survive without their heart, and you're mine." —Kody

────────────

"I'm not giving up on us. Not now, not ever." —Steele

────────────

"They may be my brothers, but you're my girl. I had no idea what that meant to me before. I do now. I won't fuck it up again, babe." —Kody

────────────

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry. I'll probably be sorry for the rest of my life. But I'm not giving up on us, Hellcat. You mean too much to me now." —Steele

────────────

"Riot Night wasn't the first time we met, and it sure as hell wasn't the first time I started falling for you." —Steele

────────────

"You're one of the best things in my life right now, MK. I'm not risking losing you again, okay?" —Steele

────────────

"I love everything about you, MK," —Kody

────────────

Kody made me feel like the center of his whole universe, and it was totally addictive. —Madison Kate

────────────

"Why do you hate me so much, Archer D'Ath?"

"I don't hate you, Kate. I hate myself... for loving you when I have no right to." —Archer

────────────

Archer D'Ath wasn't the big bad villain I'd always painted him as. He was more of a dark knight. My dark knight. —Madison

────────────

"Never, I'm never letting you go, Kate. No matter what you do, how hard you push, kick, scream, and fight, I'm never, ever letting you go." —Archer

────────────

Archer was the missing piece to my puzzle, and now that I'd felt him slot into place, I would do anything to keep him. Anything. —Madison

────────────

"I love you, Hellcat." —Steele

────────────

"Our future?"

"Yeah. Mine, yours... Kody’s, and Steele's. Ours. Is that a problem, D'Ath?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way, wifey."

────────────

"But I'll do anything to see you happy, Princess. Fucking anything." —Archer

Fake (Madison Kate, #3)

“You’ll always be mine.” The latest taunt from my…

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] Liar

Madison Kate #2 by Tate James

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 4/5

Heaviness: 🪨 3/5

Plot: ★★★★☆

Female MC: ★★★★☆

Male MCs: ★★★☆☆

Side Characters: ★★★☆☆

"If it means keeping you breathing, then I'd do it again a hundred times over. I can live with you hating me, but I can't live knowing I failed to keep you safe." —Kody

Why Choose | Enemies to Lovers | Dark Romance

The second book in the Madison Kate series! I picked it up right after finishing the first one because I was so excited to dive deeper into the story.

One thing I noticed is that this series feels different from other why-choose romances I’ve read. Usually, the guys are naturally okay with sharing a woman, and often they even have a bond deeper than family. But these guys don’t naturally want to share. Instead, we see them learn how to do it because of the FMC. It’s kind of a new dynamic for me, and it definitely keeps me interested in the story.

🍒 What I liked:

1. Steele composing a song for Madison, she’s his muse. The way he says he can’t write if she’s not close to him is so sweet.

“Yeah, but did you like it? I only wrote it for you. I don’t find any inspiration in writing for myself anymore. Or writing for... any other reason. I think I’m pretty much done with this phase of my life, but then something about you inspired me so... yeah. I wrote that for you. And I’ll probably write something else for you too.”

2. “Screw you, Archer D’Ath. You’re a damaged piece of shit, and straight up, you don’t deserve me.”

Yes, my girl. you know it.

3. There’s clear character development. Madison starts learning how to use a knife, the one Archer gave her, which he’s never given to anyone else. She’s no longer just a scared victim; she’s learning how to defend herself against the stalker and the killer.

4. I love the little gestures the author includes, like the guys slipping a hand around Madison’s waist, tugging her closer, brushing strands of her hair back behind her ear, or stealing quick kisses.

His lips touched my neck. He kissed me once, gently, then gave me a sharp nip with his teeth.

These kinds of moments are my favorite!

5. I like that Kody and Steele give Madison self-defense training.

6. That one scene where Madison and Archer share a brief moment before his fight, and she completely changes his mindset, giving him the focus he needs to fight without holding back.

7. There’s no really annoying female character so far, and that’s a huge plus. Usually, books like this are full of them.

8. The first chapter being from one of the MMCs’ POV, love that.

🍒 What I didn’t like:

1. Of course, all the lies and the way they keep refusing to tell Madison the truth. It’s my most hated trope. They choose such a messed-up way to “protect” her, and they still refuse to give her any real information.

2. I didn’t like when Madison tells Kody he doesn’t need to protect her and should go with Archer and Steele instead to keep Archer safe, because she’s worried about the gang war escalating. It felt a bit dumb, she’s literally being hunted by a killer and a stalker. She keeps thinking the three of them have this unbreakable bond and she doesn’t want to be the weak link… but girl, please. That’s exactly the point of the story.

Overall, it still has the same vibe as book one. I’m still excited to see what happens next, and I’m still really curious about the full truth. So yeah, another good one! I can’t wait to read the next book.

💌 Main characters:

MK / Madison Kate Danvers / Princess Danvers

Archer / Archer D’Ath

Kody / Kodiak Jones

Steele / Max Steele

🍒 What they call her:

Archer: Princess Danvers, Princess (she calls him Sunshine)

Kody: Babe, Baby

Steele: Hellcat

💌 Side characters:

Bree

Zane D’Ath (Reapers’ leader, Archer’s older brother)

Rhett / Bark (classmate)

Dallas Moore (Madison’s old friend, Wraith gang member)

Steinwick (butler)

Connie / Constance D’Ath (Archer’s grandma)

Ana (D’Ath housekeeper)

Jase (manager)

Nicky (photographer)

Luna (photographer assistant)

Ferryman / Charon (Wraith leader, Archer’s uncle)

Cass (Reapers’ second-in-command)

♡ my fav quotes:

"In case you have missed all the really obvious signals, I like you. I want to date you." —Kody

────────────

"I'm hurt and angry and so incredibly frustrated, but one thing I'm not, Hellcat, is over you." —Steele

────────────

"It's the first thing I've written since Rachel died, But that night, while you were lying here in my bed... it just came to me. It's been tugging at my brain for weeks, but I couldn't... I couldn't work on it when you weren't here. It just wouldn't come to me." —Steele

────────────

"Yeah, but did you like it? I only wrote it for you." —Steele

────────────

"I'll take creepy over you being dead any day, MK," —Kody

────────────

I know full well you want me just as badly as I want you." —Kody

────────────

Do I wish Kody had totally fucked things up with you and I had you all to myself? Absolutely. I'd love nothing more than to claim full ownership of your time... and your body... twenty-four seven. But I'm not afraid of a little competition. So long as Kody doesn't break your heart..." —Steele

────────────

"For one thing, Max Steele, I'm not your toy, you're mine." —Madison

────────────

"So I can hunt them down and stab them in the fucking eyes for you," —Madison to Steele

────────────

"We know you're capable of handling yourself, gorgeous, but you shouldn't have to. Not if we can take care of it." —Steele

────────────

"You're safe, I've got you, I'm never letting you go. Not ever." —Archer

Liar (Madison Kate, #2)

“Liar, liar, pants on fire.” The words scrawled on the…

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] Hate

Madison Kate #1 by Tate James

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 4/5

Heaviness: 🪨 3/5

Plot: ★★★★☆

Female MC: ★★★★★

Male MCs: ★★★☆☆

Side Characters: ★★★☆☆

“Don’t worry, Princess. We’ve got you now.” —Archer

Why Choose | Enemies to Lovers | Bully Romance

This book has been on my TBR for months, and I finally picked it up after seeing a few people recommend it. So here’s my review.

Just like the title Hate, this book (the first in the series) really focuses on the hatred and resentment Madison feels toward the guys who made her their scapegoat. I know it might sound uninteresting at first, but it’s actually really good. I didn’t find Madison annoying at all, in fact, I feel like she had every right to hate them even more than she did.

The beginning was really intriguing, and the suspense instantly pulled me in. There were a few parts that irritated me, but overall it was still a good read. The bullying aspect was also pretty bearable since our FMC isn’t a pushover.

🍒 What I didn’t like:

1. The MMCs framed Madison, got her arrested for their crimes, and had her expelled from school. Her Ivy League college even withdrew her early acceptance, and her father exiled her to Cambodia. When she returns, the MMCs are rich and living their best lives, while she has nothing and some people still call her a “goat” even though they know she was just taking the blame for that incident.

2. I really hate it when the characters hide the truth through omission, avoiding questions and deliberately not telling what actually happened, leaving the FMC completely clueless.

3. I won’t be a hypocrite though, because the FMC also did something pretty terrible. She drugged Archer so he’d get disqualified from his UFC debut. I honestly wish she chose a different form of revenge, but at the same time… it’s kind of his own fault. He never even tried to explain what really happened, and the way he acted around her didn’t help either.

4. It’s only told from the FMC’s POV, sadly. I personally prefer dual or multiple POVs, especially from both the FMC and MMCs, but this isn’t really a flaw, just my preference.

Overall, I liked it. It literally kept me up all night and I finished it in one day, that’s how hooked I was. Definitely a must-read!

💌 Main characters:

MK / Madison Kate Danvers

The Archer / Archer D’Ath

Kody / Kodiak Jones

Steele / Max Steele

🍒 What they call her:

Archer: Princess Danvers

Kody: Babe, baby

Steele: Hellcat

💌 Side characters:

Bree

Zane D’Ath (Reaper’s leader, Archer’s older brother)

Rhett / Bark (classmate)

Dallas Moore (Madison’s old friend, Wraith gang member)

Steinwick (butler)

♡ my fav quotes:

and I was craving the depths of their darkness like a drug. —Katie

────────────

"I'm jealous as hell, but that only showed me how much I want you. —Kody

────────────

"If I told you to back off, would you actually do it?"

"No. Because I'd know you didn't really want me to." —Kody

Hate (Madison Kate, #1)

“Madison Kate Danvers was murdered tonight.” Those wo…

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] Claiming The Club Princess

by B.Sobjakken

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 1/5

Heaviness: 🪨 1/5

Plot: ☆☆☆☆☆

Female MC: ★★★★☆

Male MCs: ★★☆☆☆

Side Characters: ★★★☆☆

“You wanted to be our wh0re, did you not? That means you’re ours. Ours to fuck whenever we want. Ours to breed. Ours to protect. Ours to love.” —Gage

Novella | Why Choose | Breeding Kink

Dirty story that’s just okay, but if you really think about it, it’s not okay at all. Just a warning this book has pseudo-!ncest (stepdad and stepbrother). I read this after basically leaving my brain in the corner, btw.

I’m glad there’s no cheating and all that, but I felt uncomfortable with how “the club” works… especially when Gage claims Mikayla in front of the club council, and she also has to pick another man from the council besides him. It’s fine because she chooses Shaw, but it made me wonder, if another council member did the same thing, would the woman they claim also get to choose Gage or Shaw?

Also, the way the “claim” works feels like a promise that Mikayla chooses Gage as her one and only man, but the author never shows the reverse. That made me kind of disappointed and questioning things, does that mean he can still sleep with club whores? It’s never clearly addressed.

But there is a scene where he says he’d rather Shaw sleep with Mikayla than go to the club whores because he thinks they’re just greedy women… which is a bit reassuring, since it seems like he wouldn’t touch other women. But honestly, the way he talks is still pretty bad, even to Mikayla, so I don’t really like his character, even if he has a few caring moments.

Overall, I don’t recommend it because this book made me uncomfortable in ways I wasn’t expecting. Not because of the stepdad/stepbrother aspect, but more because of how the club works.

💌 main characters:

Mikayla

Gage

Shaw

════════════════════════════

♡ my fav quotes:

“You’re all mine, princess.” —Gage

Claiming the Club Princess (Devil's Tide MC)

Let me join the club or I leaveWhen your step-father is…

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] Depraved Favors

Immoral Starts #3 by B. Sobjakken

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 4/5

Heaviness: 🪨 1/5

Plot: ★★★★☆

Female MC: ★★★★★

Male MC: ★★★★★

Side Characters: ★★★☆☆

My heart and body knew she was mine before my mind could catch up. —Owen

Novella | Surprise Pregnancy | Forced Proximity

Oh wow, this novella is surprisingly so good! I came for a dirty, spicy story, especially because of the title, but instead I got something both spicy and wholesome, and of course I’m not complaining. This story is totally not what I expected, but in a good way!

It’s short, but I still got a clear sense of both MCs’ characters, even the FMC’s parents and I genuinely enjoyed every part of the novella. I love that Peyton can talk about everything with her parents and how supportive they are. Even her mother’s reaction when Peyton gets pregnant is really wholesome, the way she calls to check if she can help set up a doctor’s appointment, and how she’s happy about meeting her grandchild, but still doesn’t want to influence Peyton’s decision. She makes it clear she’ll support her no matter what she chooses.

The only downside is the small redemption arc for her ex-best friend. I kind of wanted him to really get what he deserved after hurting the FMC, but it’s still okay because the last line Peyton says to him is such an epic blow haha:

“He fucked me over and over. And every time he came inside me, a piece of me that still loved you died. Believe me, there’s nothing left in me but his cum.”

Overall, it’s not as dirty as I expected based on the title and cover. It’s actually a really good mix of smut, light plot, and wholesome moments and I enjoyed it a lot. Definitely a must-read! :)

💌 main characters:

Peyton

Owen Scott

Kellan Scott

♡ my fav quotes:

He’s everything I didn’t know I needed. —Peyton

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Fucking her dad didn’t even feel like revenge because it was one of the most amazing times of my life. Owen revived a part of my soul I didn’t realize was dying. —Peyton

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“I’m here, buddy. I promise I’ll do whatever it takes to be with you, both of you, and never leave your side.” —Owen

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“Yeah, honey. I do. I want you, and I want our baby.”

“We want you too.”

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I don’t want to lose Peyton or our son. I want to spend every day with them.” —Owen

Depraved Favors (Immoral Starts, #3)

I never planned to sleep with her dad.I just wanted clo…

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] The Monster's Desire

A Monstrous World #3 by Jillian West

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 4.5/5

Heaviness: 🪨 2/5

Plot: ★★★★☆

Female MC: ★★★★★

Male MCs: ★★★★★

Side Characters: ★★★★☆

“I love you.” —Nadia

“I know. And I love you more than life itself.” —Wraith

Why Choose | Fated Mates | Paranormal Romance

My 12th book by Jillian West and from my favorite series, A Monstrous World, and this is another solid one!

This book reminded me how much I love paranormal romance, and how Jillian West never disappoints me with her works. There are so many things I love about this book, and honestly, they’re similar to what I always mention in my other reviews of her books. I love the found family element, the low-stress vibe, and the fact that there’s no love rival.

A Monstrous World is my favorite series because it has so many unique elements and characters, and the plot and world-building feel more complex, which always excites me. Even though it’s set in the same world, I love that the FMC and MMCs are different species from the previous books, it instantly piqued my interest from start to finish, and I ended it feeling satisfied. But yeah, there are a few things I didn’t like.

🍒 What I didn’t like:

1. I know there’s a reason behind this, but it still kind of bothered me, why didn’t Sam (Wraith & Knight) immediately claim Nadia? And why did they still let her work as a sex worker even after 3 years since they met? It’s not about her job (because she actually likes it), but more because I prefer when the MCs become obsessively protective once they meet their mate and showing that primal, possessive monster side and not wanting to share her with anyone outside their pack, like in the first book.

2. Nadia was a bit irritating at first. She’s actually a powerful witch, but she refuses to hurt anyone, even people who hurt her because she doesn’t want to use “dark magic” (which honestly isn’t even that dark). The way she handled it felt frustrating because she came off as a pushover and had basically zero survival instincts. But from the middle to the end, she got better, especially once she had her protectors.

3. I can’t lie, this is my first Jillian West book where I actually felt scared, angry, and annoyed mainly because of the whole council situation. Especially the way Echo acted as their errand boy at first since he couldn’t act on his own free will. And omg, I hate the one who created him.

That’s it. Outside of those three things, I absolutely loved this book. Even Nadia herself is one of the things I liked. She spent her whole life seeing her power as a curse, but I love how, after coming to North Falls, she finally sees it as a gift and understands its purpose. It makes her grateful for her magic. It may have cost her mother’s life, but it’s ensuring the lives of future generations and that gives it meaning.

Nadia also feels like she changed on a soul-deep level after coming to North Falls. She formed so many close connections with the people there, Milania and her pack, the teenage wolves, Scarlett and Garth.

Anddd my favorite part is always the ending and the epilogue, especially because this book has a pregnancy trope! I love finding out how many children they have, what species they are, and how their lives look years later. This is something I absolutely adore about Jillian West’s books because I’m a sucker for happily ever afters.

Overall, I really loved this book! Even though my favorite in the series is still book 2, and the one that left the biggest impact on me is book 1, The Monster’s Desire is definitely one of my top Jillian West books. Absolutely recommend!

💌 Main characters:

Nadia (28 – a blood witch, shadowborn, with demon blood; later saved with vampire blood, known as a fertility witch)

Wraith (reaper demon)

Knight (sin eater demon)

Ridge Hawthorne (alpha werewolf)

Echocio Diamonte (vampire)

Violet (half vampire & werewolf – who has DNA from both Ridge and Echo; a whole new breed)

Hazel (a devourer – who has DNA from both Wraith and Knight, first devourer in a thousand years)

And 3 more babies (13-year gap with their older sisters)

💌 What they call Nadia:

Wraith – love

Knight – doll

Ridge – little witch

Echo – baby darkling, darling darkling

💌 Side characters: Emerson, Aline (has 9 kids), Milania (human elf), Charity, Brock, Jenny, George (teenage wolves), Brant, River Belfort (Milania’s mates), Scarlett (sex worker in North Falls), Garth (incubus, Scarlett’s mate).

♡ my fav quotes:

remember that you have two monsters ready to rip apart anyone and everyone to keep you safe.” —Knight

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“You’re perfect just the way you are, baby darkling,” —Echo

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“Please remember what I said—you and I are a team.” —Echo

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“you’re meant to be our mate.” —Wraith

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“I love you. You’ve been important to me for a long time. I just needed you to know that.” —Nadia

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“I always protect her with my life. And the two members of the family that will be joining us in the near future.” —Wraith

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“Love you, little witch.”

“Love you too, alpha.”

The Monster's Desire (A Monstrous World, #3)

The picturesque town of North Falls is as beautiful as …

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] The Mobster’s Masseuse

by Jasse Kane

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 1.5/5

Heaviness: 🪨 1/5

Plot: ★☆☆☆☆

Female MC: ★★☆☆☆

Male MC: ★★★★☆

Side Characters: ★★★☆☆

She becomes the most important thing in my life, just like that, because nothing and no one has ever filled me with this much purpose. Or affection. I’m in love with this girl. In love without an exit, as if I’d ever fucking look for one. —Walker

Mob x Masseuse | Mafia Romance | Novella

Okay, I know this is a novella, but the way they instantly fall in love and then she suddenly argues and tries to escape because she doesn’t want to sacrifice her freedom for love feels like a really poor decision. You’re dating a mob boss, of course you won’t have a normal life like everyone else. It’s not safe to act freely when there are enemies around, yet the FMC keeps trying to behave like a normal person. She started off as smart and badass, but this made her increasingly irritating.

Honestly, both main characters are selfish. It’s not just Walker, who tries to “protect” Meadow in a controlling, almost imprisoning way. Meadow is also selfish because she doesn’t even try to understand Walker’s position as a mob boss, where danger is always lurking. She only focuses on her own freedom and her job.

Overall, it’s a quick, light read, and I did enjoy the smut, it was hot and not boring. But after like 70%, the plot just got really dumb, and it lowered my rating a lot. At least the epilogue was better and gave a nicer ending.

💌 main characters:

Walker McManus (35 yo - the head of the McManus family)

Meadow

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♡ my fav quotes:

Yeah, when she says that, she’s mine. Meadow is all mine. To keep. —Walker

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Mine. I knew it the moment I saw her. —Walker

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“Because I’m your protector. Your provider. Your first and last fuck. I’m the hand that feeds you, I’m the one who kills for you, the one who dries your tears.” —Walker

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And eventually you’ll give me everything else. Your heart. Your thoughts. Your love. Already, you have mine, Meadow. I love you.” —Walker

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Home is Meadow. —Walker

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“I love you so much, Walker. The love…it gets more intense every day.”

“Mine is infinite, This love has no end.”

The Mobster's Masseuse

When I woke up this morning, I never expected my first …

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] Dom

Alliance #3 by S.J. Tilly

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 4.5/5

Heaviness: 🪨 3/5

Plot: ★★★★★

Female MC: ★★★★★

Male MC: ★★★★☆

Side Characters: ★★★★★

“My forever,” —Val

“My always,” —Dom

Age Gap | Mafia Dark Romance

Dom is my second book from The Alliance series. I skipped Nero and King, my first read was Hans, and it quickly became one of my all-time favorites. I waited a few months before picking up Dom because I wanted to forget some of the details I’d already learned from Hans, so I could go into it feeling fresh. And honestly, I don’t regret that decision at all. If anything, finishing Dom just made me want to reread Hans even more!

Dom is another feel-good dark romance. It’s actually pretty light compared to what I expected, there’s not an overwhelming amount of conflict. Instead, the story leans more into Val’s emotional healing and how she deals with the trauma from her past that still lingers.

I genuinely enjoyed this book from start to finish. My only issue is that Dom had been planning his approach to Val from the beginning and lied to her. That part really hurt, I was genuinely upset and disappointed in him. But at the same time, I understand why Val couldn’t bring herself to hate him. I also understand why she forgave him, even after everything. I can’t blame her, because despite how things started, Dom’s feelings were real. So yes, I hated that part a lot, I even considered lowering my rating, but as the story went on, I still found myself loving the book overall.

“He risked his life to protect mine. And that’s what matters. Not how we started. Not his motivations. Not anything that happened before. What matters is what happens now. What happens next.”

🍒 WHAT I LOVED:

1. I love how Dom made King and Aspen confront what they did to Valentine in the past. Even though they never meant to hurt her, their actions still affected her deeply, and I’m glad he pushed for that acknowledgment. It gave Val the closure she needed to finally move forward.

“But Dominic… He’s only known me, truly known me, for a couple of months. And in ten minutes, and with a few punches, he was able to lift a lifetime of weight off my shoulders.”

2. Valentine. Despite her difficult childhood and everything she’s been through, she grows into such a kind and lovable person. She might seem fragile because of her trauma, but she’s actually strong—and honestly, kind of badass. The fact that she’s a sharpshooter? I love that. She’s more than capable of standing beside a mafia leader.

3. The Alliance members. Each of them feels distinct and interesting, and since I already knew some of what happens in Hans, I was already attached to them from the start.

4. I love the Gonzalez family. They’re a mafia family, but they genuinely feel like a big, supportive family that protects each other, unlike other mafia families I’ve read about. However, it feels a bit surface-level, so I didn’t fully develop a deep connection. I wish there were more interactions.

5. Thankfully, there are no annoying side characters or love rivals :)

6. The writing. I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately, but I finished this in just two days because it completely pulled me in. From the very first page, I felt connected to Valentine, her pain, her thoughts, everything. It all felt so real. I love books that make me feel things that deeply.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s not quite as perfect as Hans, and there’s definitely one part I strongly disliked, but I can’t deny that I still had a great time reading Dom. I’d absolutely recommend it!

💌 main characters:

Valentine Gandy - Valentine Gonzalez / Mrs. Gonzalez (25 yo)

Dominic Gonzalez (41 yo) the head of the Chicago mafia

Dom calls Val: my Valentine, mama, wife, shorty, angel, my love.

Val calls Dom: Dom, Dominic, Big Guy, husband.

💌 side characters:

King Vass (half brother)

Aspen Vass (half sister)

Savannah Vass (King's wife)

Nero

Payton

♡ my fav quotes:

“Life is too short not to lean in, my Valentine.” —Dom

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Her emotions, her sadness, her gratitude, her heartbreak… It’s all a part of me now. And I’m never letting her go. —Dom

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“That’s right, Wife. You’re mine.” —Dom

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“I like your family.”

“They’re your family now, too,”

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“You’re worth more than everything I have,” —Dom

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He’s mine.

Til Death.

And I’m his. —Val

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“If there was no Alliance—never was—I’d still choose you.” —Dom

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I need her.

I need to keep her safe.

I need to keep her happy.

I need to keep her with me.

Always. —Dom

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I fucking love this woman. Everything about her. Every goddamn inch. Every curve. Every tear and every whimper. I love her. —Dom

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He fixed what was broken and made it better.

I am so fucking in love with this man. —Val

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Because he’s the future I want. And the future I need. —Val

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She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. —Dom

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“You’re the good woman who changed my life.” —Dom

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“Because I want to keep you, too, Big Guy. And I’ve decided to lean in.” —Val

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“I don’t even remember who I was before I loved you, Mrs. Gonzalez.” —Dom

Dom (Alliance, #3)

VAL When I was nine, I went to my first funeral. Along…

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] Fur The Win

Paranormal Dating Agency #45 by Milly Taiden

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 3/5

Heaviness: 🪨 1/5

Plot: ★★☆☆☆

Female MC: ★★★★☆

Male MC: ★★★★★

Side Characters: ★★★☆☆

“You were made for me, for us, Abby.” —Roger

Human × Bear Shifter | Fated Mates | Paranormal Romance

I started this because I was in the mood for a short book with paranormal elements, and it had been on my TBR for a while, so I just jumped in without thinking too much.

This story is about a romance between a human and two bear shifters. The FMC doesn’t know about shifters at first, but she’s destined to be with both MMCs for the rest of her life, which, of course comes with a lot of adjustments for a human. After they officially mate, they become something more than individuals, they’re essentially one shared bond. Abby’s love and fears become theirs, just as Roger’s and Ben’s become hers. From that moment on, they are completely bound to each other.

If I’m being honest, it’s an okay book, it has quite a few shortcomings. I didn’t really feel the depth of the story, probably because it’s so short. I liked both MMCs, and honestly, I liked the FMC too. However, Abby struggles with low self-esteem because of her ex, constantly doubting herself, especially about her weight and replaying all the negative things he said to her. While her feelings are completely valid, their constant repetition became tiring and lessened my overall enjoyment of the book.

🍒 What I didn’t like:

1. I’m not a big fan of POVs that aren’t from the main characters. I think this book uses third-person omniscient, and I usually prefer being inside the characters’ heads, like dual or multiple POVs from the main characters. But after a few chapters, I did get used to the writing style.

2. When Abby finds out the guys are bear shifters, she freaks out and needs time to process it. While that reaction makes sense, she already had some idea that shifters might exist, even if she didn’t fully believe it, so I was hoping for a more nuanced reaction. Instead, it just ended up hurting the guys.

3. It was frustrating that neither the FMC nor the MMCs made sure her ex-husband was actually in jail. Leaving her alone without protection felt like a really careless and unrealistic decision.

But overall, it’s still an okay read! If you’re looking for a short paranormal romance, this might work for you.

💌 main characters:

Abby Walker

Ben Kingston Smith

Roger

💌 side characters:

Stella (the caffe shop owner)

Gerri Wilder (the owner of The Paranormal Dating Agency)

♡ my fav quotes:

“You are by far the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on,” —Ben

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“You have no idea how badly I want to claim you. How much I want to make you ours forever.” —Roger

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“He has you thinking you’re not worth anything. And you’re the most important thing in the world to Roger and me.” —Ben

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“And yes, to answer your question. When I’m with you, I feel sexy. Like I’m wanted. Like I’m seen for who I really am.” —Abby

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“You were created for us.” —Roger

Fur the Win (Paranormal Dating Agency, #45)

Abby Walker’s life was not what she had imagined it wou…

[latebrarie]

[Book Review] Safe With Them

The Boston Syndicate by Jillian West

My Review

Overall: ⭐ 4.25/5

Heaviness: 🪨 1/5

Plot: ★★★★☆

Female MC: ★★★★★

Male MCs: ★★★★★

Side Characters: ★★★★★

I love the hell out of Charlotte. She blows me away on a daily basis, and somehow I still have an entirely new level of respect for my wife. —Malachy

Found Family | Why Choose | Mafia Romance

My 11th Jillian West book and another comfort read for me!

It’s my first time reading a Jillian book that clearly states it’s a mafia romance, and I absolutely loved it. Honestly, it’s not that different from her other works because there’s always some kind of criminal element, usually someone hunting or threatening the FMC, but this one focuses more on a mafia family and their traditions, so it feels a bit different from her other series.

What made me like Safe With Them is that it’s another low-stress story and easy to read. Even though the real conflict only shows up near the end, everything gets resolved quickly and there’s no overly dramatic angst.

The MMCs are brothers by blood who already know they belong to one pack, so there’s no “want to kill each other” drama. They support each other, even if there’s a bit of jealousy here and there, which is actually cute.

🍒 What I like:

1. The guys claim Lukas as their own, even calling him “my boy” and “our kid.”

2. I like that the MMCs falsified Lukas’s birth certificate so all three of them are listed as his fathers. They don’t do anything to dissuade the belief that Patrick is Lukas’s father, especially since they really do look alike. They even consider handing the family over to him one day, even though Lukas isn’t biologically theirs.

3. I adore how the guys always correct Charlotte when she says “my kid” to “our kid.” Such a small but meaningful detail.

4. I got really emotional when Livy was born. Lukas initially wanted a little brother and felt a bit jealous, but the way Charlotte and Malachy helped him understand and adjust to becoming a big brother felt so real. It was very sweet.

5. I love all the MCs: Charlotte, Malachy, Patrick, and Cormac. I absolutely love our fmc. She’s one of the strongest female characters, she rises from her past mistakes, grows into a better person, and becomes an amazing mother.

6. This line is my favorite, especially because Patrick said it in front of the whole mafia family:

“Allow me and my brothers to introduce you to the future Mrs. O’Connor…”

🍒 What I don’t like:

1. The engagement situation their father arranged years ago that only gets resolved at the end. I don’t like that they didn’t fully cut it off before starting their relationship. Even if they were emotionally committed, people outside their mafia family didn’t know the truth until the very end and I didn’t like that.

2. The claiming ritual… I loved this kind of thing in Jillian’s A Monstrous World series because they’re more monster-like, but here, since it’s set in a more realistic world, it felt a bit uncomfortable at first. Though after reading the scene, I ended up enjoying it anyway lol.

Overall, I really liked this book! It’s not perfect, but I enjoyed it a lot. Even though my favorite series by Jillian West is still A Monstrous World, I highly recommend Safe With Them. Definitely one of her must-reads! ♡

💌 main characters:

Charlotte / Candice O’Connor

Lucky / Lukas O’Connor (Charlotte's son)

Cormac O’Connor / Gorman (29 yo)

Patrick O’Connor (30 yo)

Malachy O’Connor

Livy O'Connor

💌 Side Characters:

Blade (Lucky’s biological father / President of the Jacksonville Demons)

Steve (an Alpha helping Charlotte)

Miles (an Alpha helping Charlotte)

Lacey (Charlotte’s coworker)

Magnum / Dylan McCarthy (Charlotte’s acquaintance & Blade’s subordinate)

Wilder Chapman (member of the Chapman Mafia family)

Grim (Wilder’s second-in-command)

Vanessa Chapman

Emory Moretti (head of the Moretti mafia family)

Miriam / Mimi (the nanny)

♡ my fav quotes:

She went through all of that alone for years.

My only solace is that she has us now. I would do unimaginable things to keep them safe. —Cormac

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“We’ve got all the time in the world. You’re never getting away. You’re mine, Charlotte.” —Malachy

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“I’m always going to take care of you and Lukas, From here on out, I swear to you, I’ll protect the two of you with my life.” —Malachy

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Even before Malachy sunk his teeth in, Charlotte and Lukas were ours. Now? She’s going to be our wife, and that’s a connection I promised myself I would protect above all else. —Patrick

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“You survived it, It might have been ugly, and you might not like what you had to do, but that got you to who you are today. Don’t let anyone make you feel an ounce of shame about keeping yourself alive. You never apologize to anyone for being a survivor.” —Malachy

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“You mean so much to me, Mal. I need you to know that.” —Charlotte

“You mean the world to me too, little one.” —Malachy

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Charlotte is mine.

That makes Lukas mine. —Malachy

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“You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. You make me feel things I didn’t even know were possible.” —Cormac

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The mafia families might view this as Patrick, Malachy, and Cormac’s claiming, but I don’t care.

It was mine too.

And it feels like I just let the world know, the O’Connors are mine. —Charlotte

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After doing everything completely alone with Lukas, she might get tired of our hovering, but I’m sure of one thing. She’ll always have the three of us at her side. —Malachy

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Safe With Them

Charlotte I ran from true evil four years ago, and I’v…