Review: Defying Evil: A Dark Romantic Thriller by Abbie Roads

Defying Evil: A Dark Romantic Thriller
Abbie Roads
(Blood is Thicker Than…, #1)
Publication date: October 17th 2023
Genres: Adult, Romance, Thriller

He’s the son of a serial killer.
She’s his father’s only surviving victim.
He’s obsessed with her.
She’s frightened of him.
Before it’s all over they’ll need each other to survive.

Cain Killion’s life has revolved around blood. From a childhood of torture by his father, to his gruesome ability to solve crimes. When a current case is directly connected to his past, there’s only one person with answers.

But she isn’t talking, and the bodies are stacking up. The only solution… Kidnap her.

Defying Evil is the first book in the Blood is Thicker Than Series of dark romantic thrillers. It features a man tortured by his past who never thought he was capable of love. If you devour edge of your seat thrillers and romance novels, you’ll love a series that combines both in a roller-coaster ride of mind games and tragic love.

Read this dangerously dark romance today!

Trigger warning: Depictions of violence.

Previously published until the title Saving Mercy.

Buy from:

Goodreads / Amazon

Review:

Wow! That was my first thought after finishing this story. This is a must read for dark romance/dark thriller lovers.

If you're a dark thriller/mystery lover then this book is your new poison. This story is also not for the weak hearted. With eerily descriptive scenes and a dark past both Cain and Mercy cannot escape from it'll take you through a roller coaster ride. Be mindful of the triggering topics such as violence, r*pe and other disturbing themes.

I was hooked from the first two chapters. Honestly Mercy's introduction scene with that doctor gave me chills. I was so relieved when she got out of there. Cain and Mercy are both survivors of a horrible past. I wondered how these two were going to bond when both their trauma came from the same person while Cain was the son of their abuser. But the entire thing unfolded really well. 

The story is gruesome, twisted, suspenseful with the addition of a paranormal twist. I've never read something where they had abilities such as Cain, which made it more interesting for me. 

This is my first read from Abbie Roads and I was intrigued when I read the blurb. I knew I had to read it and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm a sucker for serial killer mysteries and this book kept me entertained throughout and surprised me with everything that was unveiling with each chapter. 

For romance lovers, this is more of a thriller than a romance though it's there. I won't spoil anything more ;) Read and find out. 

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Author Bio:

Abbie Roads is the best-selling author of the Fatal Dreams Series and the Fatal Truth Series. Her novels have been finalists in many prestigious contests including The Golden Heart, The Greater Detroit Booksellers Best, The Oklahoma National Readers’ Choice Award, The Write Touch, The Strut Your Stuff Contest, The Aspen Gold Contest, The Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, The Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award, The Midnight Sun, The Kathryn Hayes Contest, The Chanticleer, The Daphne du Maurier, The National Readers’ Choice Award, The New England Readers’ Choice Contest, The Beverly Award, and The Maggie Award. Her debut novel Race the Darkness was Publishers Weekly Top 10 Pick for Fall and Never Let Me Fall is an Amazon Editor’s Pick.

By day Abbie Roads is a mental health counselor always focusing on the bright side. By night she writes on the dark side, putting her characters through the wringer before she gives them their happily-ever-after. She loves a good inspirational quote and is a fan of true crime.

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Review: Clash of Storms (Legends of the Storm, #3) by Bec McMaster

    Review: Clash of Storms (Legends of the Storm, #3) by Bec McMaster

The old eddas speak of dreki—fabled creatures who haunt the depths of Iceland's volcanoes and steal away fair maidens.

Malin wants none of such myths. As a half-blood dreki, she's beneath the notice of the arrogant warriors who rule the skies—except for Sirius Blackfrost, the most ruthless dreki within the court. This dark prince watches her every move, but he's more villain than hero, and in her favourite fairy tales the servant never earns the prince's heart. But is there something more to the look in the Blackfrost's eyes?

To love her would be to curse her to a fate worse than death…

The second he saw her, Sirius knew her for his fated mate. But Malin is a nobody in the dreki court and her very presence is a threat to the queen's ambitions for him. Forced to hide the truth and accept the match his queen has made for him—to mate with the princess Malin serves— he dares not reveal his heart.

But when the princess flees, he must find her—and his only clue is Malin, who aims to thwart him at every step. With danger surrounding them, they must forge a truce. But can Malin ever give this wicked prince her heart? Because, while Sirius's kiss burns through her like lightning, to love him would be to defy the stars themselves…

Available at

eBook:  Apple Books | Kobo | Nook | Google Play | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Booktopia

Print:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Booktopia

Audio:  Kobo | Booktopia

Review:

Where do I even begin??? If I thought book 1 and book 2 was a wild Rollercoaster, book 3 send me a ride on a dragon flying right into the storm.

Honestly, this is the best book so far. I don't know what is awaiting ahead. I've always enjoyed slow burn but this easily takes the cake. The angst, the mutual pining and everything else is just so good.

I liked Sirius the moment I met him in book 2. I had a feeling there's more layers to his character than the eyes saw. His confrontation with Ardis fueled that. I also had a feeling if he wanted he could have caught Haakan and Ardis in the village. I wasn't wrong. He knew.

So I believed there's more to his character. Sirius Blackfrost is someone everyone fears, he's the villain in everyone's eyes. But the worst part is that his true flame Malin believes that too. She doubts his intentions and doesn't realize the weight of her words or what it could do to Sirius.

Sirius is bound by honor. He's a proud male dreki through and through. Hidden under all that hard exterior is a loving brother and a helpless dreki who was caught in the webs of the mad queen as a young boy.

He's ridden with guilt and nightmare, he's driven into the corner with no choice yet he keeps fighting for the ones he love and cares for.

Malin thinks the worst of Sirius like everyone else. She hides and run away but when the circumstances force them to stay together, she has no choice but rely on him. Only because she wants to save the princess from him somehow.

But with time the two slowly come together and she manages to slowly chip at his hardened walls. They navigate this attraction but she's sure she can't have him as long as he was bound to the princess. The constant push and pull as they try to find the princess before Roar and others keeps at an edge.

There are lot of politics and the last few chapters are a wild ride and a reader has to buckle up. I'm glad things ended good for them but the epilogue that opens for the next book is just wow. It left me intriguing when I just thought all is good now they have taken care of the queen.

Can't wait to dive into book 4.

About the Author:

Kidnapped by a dread pirate when she was a child, USA Today Bestselling Author Bec McMaster was raised on myth and legend, and offered her younger siblings to the goblin king many a time. Unfortunately, he did not accept.

Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.

Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.

Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com

Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.

Review: Storm of Desire (Legends of the Storm, #2) by Bec McMaster

   Review: Storm of Desire (Legends of the Storm, #2) by Bec McMaster

 The old eddas speak of dreki—fabled creatures that haunt the depths of Iceland's volcanoes and steal away fair maidens.

Haakon wants none of such myths. For years he's searched for the beast that stole his wife, desperate to slay the golden dreki and rescue his precious Árja. He has sacrificed everything to find her—including his honor—but now Haakon knows the truth. His entire marriage was a lie. The woman he knew as his wife was no victim, but the dreki herself. And when he finally tracks down the deceitful princess, there will be a reckoning of passion and glory....

She came to him on a storm...

Long ago, Árdís gave her heart to a mortal man, despite knowing it could only end in tragedy. When her clan summoned her home, she had no choice but to leave—or see her husband pitted against her vicious cousin, Sirius.

When Sirius insists upon a betrothal that will help him gain the dreki throne, she is forced to flee—straight into the arms of the now-ruthless dragon hunter she once called husband. But can Haakon ever forgive her deceit? And can she save him from a spurned dreki prince who would see them both dead?

Available at:

eBook:  Apple Books | Kobo | Nook | Google Play | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Booktopia

Print:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Booktopia

Audio:  Kobo | Booktopia

Review:

Another wild ride full of adventure and action.

Book 2 follows Haakon as he goes in search of his missing wife now he knows the truth. With a trick or two up his sleeve, he manages to lure her from the palace. But his trick binds her powers and she's left as a mortal unable to anything.

With her mating ceremony fixed, she's forced to flee the palace. She has nowhere to go and to lift the bind on her powers she would need Haakon's help. Hence begin the journey of this couple who would go to any extent to protect each other.

This was nothing short of twists and turns. Just like Magnus, I disliked Roar from the get go. But there was something mysterious about Sirius and I was right.

Once again, the climax is full of pleasant surprises and fluffy moments. This series is so interesting and now onto book 3 :)

About the Author:

Kidnapped by a dread pirate when she was a child, USA Today Bestselling Author Bec McMaster was raised on myth and legend, and offered her younger siblings to the goblin king many a time. Unfortunately, he did not accept.

Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.

Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.

Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com

Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.

Review: Heart of Fire by (Legends of the Storm #1) Bec McMaster

  Review: Heart of Fire by (Legends of the Storm #1) Bec McMaster

The old eddas speak of dreki--fabled creatures who haunt the depths of Iceland's volcanoes and steal away fair maidens.

Freyja wants none of such myths. Dreki seducing young ladies? Ha. They probably eat such foolish girls. But when the local dreki steals her last ram--costing her any chance of feeding her ill father through the winter--Freyja intends to confront the fearsome myth.

Sentenced to a life of exile from his clan, Rurik is fascinated by the furious woman who comes to claim her ram. She reeks of mysterious magic and challenges him at every step. He intends to claim the passionate firebrand, but to do so he must take mortal form. It's the only time the dreki are vulnerable, and with a dragon-hunter arriving on the shores of Iceland, he can barely afford the risk--but lonely Freyja, with her elf-cursed eyes and pragmatic soul, tempts him in ways he's never felt before. Is she the key to reclaiming his heritage? Or will she be his downfall?

Available at:

eBook: Apple Books | Kobo | Nook | Google Play | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Booktopia

Print:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Booktopia

Audio:  Kobo | Booktopia

Review:

This was one hell of a ride. Absolutely loved it!!!

This book was recommended by a friend in one of my book groups. I'm glad I read it. I found my next favorite author to binge on. Bec's writing style is impeccable and so engaging.

Freyja's small village and the lands around it are ruled by a most powerful Dreki. When the villagers fail to pay the tithe as promised to keep their end of bargain, the dreki takes the things into his own hand. Unfortunately for Freyja and fortunately for us, he hunts her only ram.

Furious, she enters the dragon's lair demanding her ram and unintentionally challenging him. Intrigued by her courage,  the dreki allows her leave with one condition. And hence begins our journey.

Heart of Fire takes the reader through a wild journey through the countryside of Iceland and the beauty of its mountains. The plot is intricate with lot of interesting twists that kept me hooked from the get go.

The naturally woven humor and sarcasm is entertaining. Freyja is an entertaining character and Ruirk is mysterious but earns our respect. Well, I couldn't help but fancy him and had to remind myself several times that he's a fictional character.

He's blunt, fearless and honest to the cote but also twist his words. The budding romance is refreshing and we too fall in love along with them.

I disliked Magnus from the get go, but felt the pain for Haakan though he's a dragon hunter. Andri is certainly my favorite supporting character in this book. He's young, but his role is so well done.

Ruirk is so protective of Andri. Their bond is so delicate and goes deeper than just as a squire under Ruirk.

The story starts with Freyja but as we read, the secrets and conspiracies unfold. The twist in the climax is absolutely my favorite. Can't wait to start book 2 in the series.

About the Author:

Kidnapped by a dread pirate when she was a child, USA Today Bestselling Author Bec McMaster was raised on myth and legend, and offered her younger siblings to the goblin king many a time. Unfortunately, he did not accept.

Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.

Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.

Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com

Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.

Review: Ex Marks the Perfect Spot (Wilde Ways, Book 16) by Cynthia Eden

 Review: Ex Marks the Perfect Spot (Wilde Ways, Book 16) by Cynthia Eden

He can’t be the hero.

One moment, Chelsea Ember is sitting on a gorgeous, tropical island and sipping a cute drink, but in the next instant, she’s being tossed in the back of a van and spirited away. She’s terrified, desperate, and sure that she will never see her family again…then he rushes to her rescue. Her ex. Her gorgeous, hyper-controlled, heartbreaker of a former lover, Colt Easton.

He isn’t the lover she remembers…

Suddenly he’s knocking out bad guys and showing a dangerously brutal edge that she never expected. He’s fierce, vicious with the enemy, and there is no sign of the polished and cool businessman she knew before. But the attraction she felt for him since the very beginning—that scorching, consuming desire—is still there. Even if Colt does seem to be a complete stranger.

Trapped in paradise, all their secrets will be exposed.

Colt met Chelsea while he was working undercover. She never had an opportunity to get to know the real man beneath his mask, and he’s tracked her down because he wants a second chance with the woman he can’t get out of his head. When Chelsea is taken, he knows a boring, good guy won’t be able to help her. But the real Colt can. Time for Chelsea to see just how wild he can be.

A lot can happen on a hot island night.

Danger stalks Chelsea from every turn. And her best bet of getting off the island alive? Her ex, the most unlikely hero ever. A man who is proving to be a complete badass as they trek through the heart of the island and dodge the foes on their trail. He’s savage, rough, and definitely not a civilized gentleman, but Colt is exactly what she needs in order to stay alive. As they fight to survive, Chelsea realizes that she might just be in danger of falling for him all over again…

Author’s Note: When you’re trapped in paradise, you need just the right hero to help save the day. Sometimes, the “right” hero is dangerous and deceptive, and he’s also down to do anything to protect the woman he wants. Prepare for some hot island fun and for two lovers who are about to scorch the tropical night with their passion. A second chance, a lover in disguise, twisting secrets, and some edgy danger are inside EX MARKS THE PERFECT SPOT.

Available at:

• Apple Books
• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Kobo
• Google Play

• Amazon Paperback
• Amazon Hardcover

Review:

Wilde Ways is an action packed romance series which I love. You can read the books in this series as a standalone too.

Ex Marks the Perfect Spot starts with Chelsea breaking up with her date who barely has any time for her. She just wants to move on with her life and have one vacation she thinks she deserves after everything that had happened recently. She books her tickets and hops on a place for the much-needed beach vacation. Everything should be fine right?

But nope...things take a nose dive before she could even finish her drink. First, her ex shows up in the island and next someone tries to abduct her. Luckily, her ex, Colt is there to save the day. But the dangers doesn't stop there. She is being hunted but she doesn't have a clue by whom or for what. She lives a simple life.

However, as more incidents happens she has no option but to stick to Colt for her safety. But that is easier said than done. Colt was someone she thought she could spend the rest of her life with, but as she uncovers the secrets one by one, she realizes Colt might not be someone she thought he was.

Her emotions are in turmoil as the situations keeps putting them together. As they navigate through their strained relationship, they must figure who wants Chelsea and for what.

This is such a fun read and Chelsea is a fun character. She's refreshing and realistic. Her responses are witty and she's intelligent. I enjoyed reading this and looking forward to next book in this series.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Review: It's A Wonderful Werewolf

It's A Wonderful Werewolf by Cynthia Eden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Get festive with a wolfishly fun holiday romance from New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden…

Oliver Abbott never intended to be a werewolf. Howling at the moon, sprouting fur, shifting into a beast…not exactly the life plan that the former Navy SEAL had anticipated. But an attack on a snow-filled night changes everything. Suddenly, Oliver has a new reality, and he has to leave the only woman he’s ever loved, Gia Donato, in order to protect her from his wolfish side. Yeah, being a werewolf bites. Big time. Especially when you have the biggest, sharpest teeth in town.

But Christmas is a magical time…

On Christmas Eve, an angelical “intern” offers to grant Oliver one wish. Oliver can have anything he wants. His wish? He wishes that he’d never become a werewolf. Only that wish has unexpected consequences…Gia doesn’t remember him, danger is stalking her, and, ho-ho-horror of horrors, Oliver is now a mild-mannered tax attorney. Nope, not happening. Especially the part where Gia is in danger. Oliver wants a do-over on the wish. STAT.

He will embrace his inner beast.

Oliver is an alpha werewolf for a reason. He wants his old, howl-at-the-moon life back, and he’s going to take it—fangs, claws, fur, and everything else. With the help of his angel intern, Oliver’s beast returns, and the hunt is on. Oliver is ready to fight for his second chance with Gia, and he will be at her side when danger comes to her door. Because there is no way that he will stand aside and let anyone hurt her. No way, no day. First, though, he has to convince the gorgeous Gia that she should give their love a second chance…

But it’s Christmas, right? And anything can happen during the holiday season…even a miracle for a werewolf.

Author’s note: Even werewolves can use a little Christmas magic. Deck the halls with some furry fun, dangerous dilemmas, and an uber hot hero who is prepared to grovel with hot chocolate for the woman who owns his heart. Someone is stalking her? Danger is at her door? Oliver will get his beast on in an instant in order to protect Gia. IT’S A WONDERUL WEREWOLF is a fun and festive novella (approximately 23,000 words) with an absolutely guaranteed happy ending.

Review:

I love paranormal romances from Cynthia. I always look forward to when she releases them. "It's a Wonderful Werewolf" is a magical holiday romance with a lovely werewolf and his girl friend.

The story starts with Oliver proposing to his girlfriend in a park. The moment is completely magical and romantic. Gia is about to say yes when Oliver is attacked. They see a huge wolf running off into the woods and the next thing they knew Oliver was turning into one.

Newly turned, Oliver is confused and scared. He doesn't know how to control his primal urges. He's afraid that he'd hurt Gia and decides to break it off with her. Gia almost succeed in making him stay but Oliver unexpectedly turns in the middle of having sex. They both realize they knew nothing about werewolves, heck, they didn't even know such creatures exist until the attack.

Oliver leaves the town and doesn't look back until one year later, he stumbles across an angel in a bar. The rest of the story is filled with a pinch of magic, a very eager angel intern who cannot wait to get his wings, and an angry girlfriend who is pissed at Oliver for leaving her. 

I'd say Cael, though appears only a few scenes steals the show with his quirky dialogs and reactions. He's funny and I'd love to read more about him. 

Oliver and Gia loves each other too much. I loved how Gia's character is written. She doesn't care if Oliver is a werewolf. She insists that they stay together. It's a shame Oliver is too scared to take a chance. But he will realize his mistake soon.

It's a fun read. I enjoyed reading this. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09NH54CQM 

About Cynthia Eden

Cynthia Eden is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller.

Never miss a release from Cynthia Eden! Sign up for her newsletter at cynthiaeden.com/newsletter. You can also visit her Facebook page for her latest updates: facebook.com/cynthiaedenfanpage.

Cynthia writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.

Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate.

View all my reviews

Review Copies available this Month

Review Copies available this Month

Hello lovelies, review copies for my books are now available for Book Reviewers. If you have bought my book please consider leaving reviews or ratings on Amazon. If you have read it on Inkitt or Wattpad, please leave a rating or a review on Goodreads. It'll help me a lot.

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Husband Undercover - Booksprout

Available ARCs from Editingle Indie House:

Snowflakes and Winter Dream - Booksprout

Beyond The Hallow Grave - Booksprout

Broken Night - Booksprout

The Wild Anemone - Booksprout

Curse of the Hallow Moon - Booksprout