The Sky At Night by Samantha Lovelock {a review}

If you've been following me for a while now, you know that I adore Samantha Lovelock's writing. Her characters are some of my favorites, and I tend to devour each book she releases. Well, Samantha has a new book coming soon! The Sky at Night is a new adult, enemies to lovers, rockstar romance. I read an early copy, and it was AMAZING! Yes, The Sky At Night is an emotional read, but it's 100% worth it. It touches on some difficult situations, and the majority of the story takes place at The Overlook. Both of our main characters are headed there to work on themselves, and find a way to work through the traumas they have been living with.

Here's the description of the book:

 

He has women falling at his feet. I plan to bring him to his knees.

Heroin Heartbreak is the hottest band around, and Ty McInnis is the reason why. His blistering blend of smoldering sexiness, bad-boy charm, and killer voice makes him the perfect front man. But until I got here, he was just a faceless voice on the radio in my messed-up world.

The Overlook is supposed to be the place for me to heal the wounds left by my father. Instead, Ty has made it his mission to make my stay here pure hell. He has no idea who he's playing with, though. I give as good as I get—and then some. I've already survived the Devil personified, and this cocky rockstar has nothing on him. The trouble is, the more I learn about Ty, the more something in me craves what he's trying so desperately to hide.

It's all fun and games until somebody loses their heart. Why am I starting to think that somebody is going to be me?

 

Sounds good, I know!

Here's the thing I didn't know before going into the story, and I'll tell you now I wasn't sure I was ready for this person to get a redemption arc. If you've read the Folkestone Sins series, then you might know the name I'm about to say. It's Hali. Yes, Hali is getting a redemption arc. We know what she's done in the past, and while I screamed "NO" when her name appeared, I've since changed my tune. Hali has been through a lot in her 18 years. A LOT. Once she explains everything, you get a better understanding of her. You see the struggle, the uncertainty, the loneliness. Samantha Lovelock went and made my heartbreak for Hali. While Hali didn't want to spend 4 weeks at The Overlook, it's about to change her life. It was really interesting to see Hali outside of Folkestone, see her go through the work to deal with her past, find a good friend in Vann, and ultimately come out of this in a good place. 

Then there is Ty. He's coming back to The Overlook for a bit of "maintenance". He's just experienced a big shake up in his life, and wants to get on top of things before he spirals. So while there is a small break in the tour, he's taking care of business. Does he expect to meet the woman, that's going to change his life, while there? No, obviously not. Yet he cannot look away. First things first though, and that's working on himself.

The connection that Ty and Hali had was interesting. I loved the verbal volleys that went back and forth. I loved how he could see the person underneath the pain. I loved how they weren't afraid to speak about the hard things together. These two bonded through the things that hurt them, but they also grew stronger as they both healed. Now don't get me wrong, these two also had some humorous moments together, and I appreciated those. Especially when the more difficult moments of their pasts were discussed.

Vann and Kess were fantastic side kicks for our duo. Vann was right there with Hali throughout her time at The Overlook. Yes she was there for her own reasons, and I really think that this new found friendship benefitted them both. As for Kess, he's been Ty's "brother" for a long time. He knows what Ty has gone through, and he knows that Ty has been by his side for the issues of his past. Kess can also see when Ty is about to spiral, and gives him the needed push to get help. Then there is Mari, who was just amazing. She was able to see her clients for who they are underneath the mask. Mari knows how to get them to open up, shed some light on those dark spaces, and get them to a point of healing/grieving/moving forward. 

This book spoke on some very difficult topics, and as such there are trigger/content warnings. So please keep these in mind should you read The Sky At Night.

Even though I knew those harder topics were going to be discussed, a part of me was not anticipating tearing up while reading. Yet it happened twice. The way Samantha put these words to paper just hit me in the feelings just right. So here I was taking all that in, and tearing up for the characters. Honestly I think the tears were more so for the things that Hali had been through than that of Ty, but that doesn't mean his story isn't as heartbreaking.

There was so much in this story that had me looking at personal experiences. Not that I've experienced what either of these two have, but I have dealt with parental issues. So to read those scenes were touching. I think that's why I liked this quote from Mari: 

She was telling Hali that she could start anew. It was eye opening for Hali, adn it was also a quote that I thought would be beneficial for others. It is one of those lines that just stands out, and makes an impact. Mari was letting Hali know that she doesn't have to be that person she was back in Folkestone. This is her opportunity to be the person she truly is, that woman that is hidden deep but is her authentic self.

I don't think I can say it enough, but this book was so spectacular. Samantha Lovelock continues to impress me with her storytelling and character development. It's what keeps me coming back for more, and it's a reason she is an auto-buy author for me.

The epilogue of The Sky At Night had me SCREAMING! That last line just has me anticipating Wounded Things that much more, and I cannot wait to return to Folkestone. I am hoping that when we do return that everyone sees the work Hali has put in, and that they give her the chance to show her growth. I'm a bit worried that the group won't accept her, but thankfully she has Ty, Vann, and Kess in her corner.

You need to read The Sky At Night. You do. This story has just grabbed hold of my heart, and had me doing a 180 on my feelings for Hali. I hope you'll give it a chance also. Also, if the next book is not Kess and Vann's story I will be disappointed. I need their story, and to see how their relationship came to be.

Happy Reading,

Thank you Samantha for providing me with an advanced copy of The Sky At Night. 

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Breathe Again by Nola Marie {a review}

Music can save lives. And if you listen closely enough, you might hear a cry for help. We missed his cries.

In May 2021 I was read my first book by Nola Marie. Goodbye is a Second Chance was the first book in the Sons of Sin series, and I was immediately hooked. There was something about Nola's storytelling and the characters she created that grabbed hold and wouldn't let me go. With each new release I found myself more and more intrigued by Maddox Masters. You could feel the pain and heartache pouring off of him, and I needed to know his story. His past was hinted at throughout the series, but it wasn't until Shed My Skin that we fully began to know this character. The blinders were pulled off, and here he was raw and exposed. When Shed My Skin ended, my heart beating rapidly. That cliffhanger was a doozy, and I needed the conclusion to his story ASAP. Well Breathe Again is the conclusion, and it is an intense story. Which is fitting because it's Maddox, and he is an intense man.

My rating for Breathe Again:

Maddox Masters...you beautifully broken man who has so much love to give, and talent to share.

This FREAKING book had me sobbing, it had me laughing on occasion, it had me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened next. I had to know how Maddox and Quinn were going to get their happily ever after. I needed to see how Maddox was going to get through everything that he has been dealing with. I needed the closure to this series. I needed to know that all of the characters that I have come to love are happy, healthy, and have surrounded themselves with people who love them.

Maddox and Quinn's story was not an easy one by any means. There was so much pain, anger, heartbreak, trauma, healing, passion, and love flowing through these pages. We see both of them working together through their issues, and leaning on the other when needed. These two have overcome so much in their lives, and their story was a beautiful one to read.

In this book we see Maddox through one of the hardest times of his life. We see Quinn dealing with BS from two people who are close to Maddox. Those people assume she's something she's not. It was frustrating, and heartbreaking. We also find out what happened that day when Maddox was rushed to the hospital with his life on the line. Then there's the information Maddox begins to learn about his conditions, and we see him work through all of that. Breathe Again shows this second chance at life that Maddox has been given. With Quinn and his friends by his side Maddox has the support he needs, the love he needs, the encouragement to go on.

I may not be ready to say goodbye to the Sons of Sin, but I know that Nola Marie has other books in the works that will draw me in just as much as this band did. Plus I should really go read the River City series so that I can know Bastian, Rory, Jax, and Zane a bit better. After all they all make appearances throughout the Sons of Sin series. 

Should you choose to read Maddox's story, please note that there are content warnings. So be sure to head to Nola's website to research those before diving in.

Sons of Sin is a rockstar romance series that covers a variety of tropes. All of the books in this series are emotional reads, they cover sensitive topics, and the stories are ones that live on in your head. You could say they live rent free in my brain. If you haven't read any books by Nola Marie, I highly suggest that you do. Nola's storytelling is impressive.

Happy Reading,
Laura
 

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Breathe Again is book 6 of the Sons of Sin series and the conclusion to book 5, Shed My Skin, which must be read first.

From International Bestselling author Nola Marie comes a Rockstar romance like you've never seen.

From the flames of sin I rose, by her virtue, I fell...

I found her in my eleventh hour. My whiskey-eyed canary. Quinn.

Call it Fate or destiny or whatever, but she is the melody to calm my madness. With her, the demons inside me quiet. She doesn't have a hold on my heart, she owns it. She is my everything.

I've been given a second-chance and I’m not about to squander it. This time, I’m not fighting to let go. I’ll fight the past, my darkness, and my fear and hold on.

To her, only her, and to our future.


WARNING: This book is not for the faint of heart. It will tear your heart out and stomp on it before putting it back together. The characters are not perfect and the heroes are flawed. If you’re looking for sunshine and rainbows, I suggest you try another book. But if you want real emotion with a happily ever after, then you’ve found your book.

Mature audiences only. Refer to nolamarie.com/sons-of-sin for full disclaimer.

Thank you to Nola Marie for providing me with an advanced copy of Breathe Again.

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Any purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission. Thank you!

Bonds We Break by Paula Dombrowiak {a review}

If you know me, then you know that a little over a year ago I read a book called Blood and Bone. It is a rockstar romance that reads more along the lines of Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo with a little Daisy Jones & the Six mixed in. We learn about Jack's life, and relationships, through an interview he is doing with Erin. I absolutely adored that book. Then when I heard Breath to Bear was being released and it was also about Jack and Erin, I had to read it. That book was also fantastic. Which brings me to today. Today Paula Dombrowiak has released Bonds We Break. Bonds We Break is Mia's story.  If you've read the previous two books in the series, then you know how Mia's story ends. Bonds We Break takes us through her time with Mogo, fills us in on what happened with Cash and Jack, and answers a lot of questions. We also learn more about her final moments.

Having already known how Mia's story ends, I was a bit hesitant to go into Bonds We Break. Yet I felt the need to know what happened between Mia and Cash, as well as more about the relationship between Mia and Jack. I knew it was going to be intense. I knew it was going to be dramatic. I knew it was going to be a bit emotional. Paula Dombrowiak did not disappoint in her storytelling.

Throughout the story I found myself fully captivated by everything that happened. I have a better understanding of who Mia Stone was, and the impact that she had on those around her. Not just Jack and Cash, but those who she worked with during her writing career.

Mia was a creative woman who was passionate about music. She loved with everything she had. While she thought she would ruin everyone, it was actually quite the opposite. She left a mark on everyone she met. All of whom would remember her for years to come.

As for her relationship with Cash, while it was meant to be, it was also doomed from the start. There was love, friendship, and desire there, but trust was missing. In a way it was as though a true respect was also missing. I wonder if that doesn't come back to Mia thinking she'd ruin everyone.

Nothing new was really shed about Mia and Jack's relationship, but what I am now curious about is Wade and Adam. Part of me wants their origin story, and to see how that time at Berkeley affected their relationship. Of course I am also anticipating Cash's story so that I can see things from his perspective when it comes to Mia, Jack, and the band.

Mia was fortunate to find love twice in her life. These relationships were all encompassing. They were intense. They were passionate. They were life altering. One was similar to an addiction, the other had the potential for forever. Life events affected both of them, and that lead to their demise. Of course Mia also had her love of music, and that truly was her lifeline. It was her blessing. It was her passion. Music was her outlet for all the pent up anger, frustration, heartache, and love. 

Books like Bonds We Break can be a bit difficult to read. Especially knowing how the story ends, and not getting to see this person grow into something more. Into the person they had the potential to become.

This book was absolutely wonderful. Paula's storytelling drew me in, and had me craving more of the characters. I cannot wait to see how she tells Cash's story in Bound to Burn. Based on the blurb on her website, it is sounding like a character from Breath to Bear is going to be a love interest. Bring it on!

I gave Bonds We Break 4 stars over on Goodreads.  The storytelling is fantastic, the characters draw you in, and the entire book is so filled with passion. 

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on the book. If you enjoyed Seven Husbands or Daisy Jones, I highly suggest you pick up the entire Blood and Bone series from Paula Dombrowiak. 

Laura

Shed My Skin by Nola Marie {a review}

Shed My Skin by Nola Marie is a must read for all rockstar romance fans, and it is now available! Shed My Skin is the first half of Maddox Masters story, and it is the fifth book in the Sons of Sin series. While you don't need to read the previous four books, I think it's beneficial so that you can witness Maddox in the other books. It will give you a better understanding of who he, the things he has been through, and how that has gotten him to this point. All of the books in the series are fabulous, and I am hooked. Keep in mind that this book DOES end in a cliffhanger. 

Seeing as how this book takes place after Break Me Down, I cannot recap Shed My Skin without giving spoilers for Ryder's book. So I'm just going to refer you to the description that Nola wrote (it's down below), and call it good. One thing I do want to mention is that there are trigger/content warnings for this book!

This book contains violence, explicit sex, drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, suicide, child abuse, and sexual assault. Discretion is strongly advised.

Let's get my rating out of the way right from the get go. I gave Shed My Skin 4.5 stars. Maddox's story is dark. It is tragic. It is full of pain, and heartache. But at the same time we see Maddox falling for someone, and it's freaking him out because it isn't Zoey. Shed My Skin also shows us what it is Maddox is struggling with, and it isn't just the addictions he's battled for a while. It's deeper than that.

Holy hell that was a ride, and now I have to wait until Nola releases Breathe Again so I can find out how Maddox's story concludes. How does he get out of this dark space he is in? Does he come out of this working toward a future, or are we saying goodbye to a character? I refuse to believe that Nola would write off a character, so I'm thinking good things.

I knew that Maddox's story was going to be dark, and full of painful moments. I wasn't expecting him to have dealt with the things he did. His past is full of twists, turns, drama, and trauma. In this book we walk through all of that with him as he writes his "goodbye" to those he holds dear. It is very eye opening, and it has me viewing Maddox in a different light. 

One thing that was shared was everything that happened with Zoey. This has me understanding it so much more, and it all breaks my heart. Their relationship/friendship endured so much. Yes there was good moments, but there were also painful ones. I'm also better understanding the relationship with Ryder. It's all making sense. It's coming into focus, and the puzzle pieces are fitting together. Things with Bastian are making sense as well. Basically this book answers a lot of questions regarding Maddox's life. Which up until this point has been a mystery.

This story alternates back and forth between time frames. One moment you'll be in the present, at others you'll be back a few weeks, or even many years. Nola Marie does an excellent job of reminding you of the the time that you are in. All of the back and forth just helps to explain Maddox. His life hasn't been sunshine and rainbows. There are a lot of grey clouds in his world, and quite a few storms have passed through. 

The way this book ends, has me eagerly anticipating the second half of the story. There is a tentative release date of January 2023 (sigh), but I did see that Nola said on her Facebook page that it will be sooner than that. So just know that Breathe Again will be on an anticipated reads list eventually.

One thing I wanted to touch on was the mental health aspect of Shed My Skin. As I was reading the story, and we flashed back to his childhood, I honestly saw the signs of ADHD in him. I feel that there are potential other potential diagnoses that could be given, but that stood out to me immediately. Maybe it's because I have a child with ADHD that I just recognized it. I will say that his childhood did not set him up in a way to understand what was happening, or gave him any coping skills. Then there is the family medical history that was touched on. Again, had he received services for how to work with it all, or even therapy, maybe he wouldn't have gotten to this point. Maddox's life has not been easy. Not at all. But he also hasn't been taught the skills he needs to work through the highs and lows of his mental health. I think that is something that a lot of us can relate to. Especially as we move out of this ordeal we've been in for the last two years where a lot of us have learned more about ourselves.

I truly loved Maddox's story. I was a nervous wreck for a lot of it. It comes down to the fact that this character has me on edge. Witnessing him share his story, and everything that he has been through is just so hard hitting. It is dark, and it take a lot out of you. But as the book ends, you're left in this moment of wanting nothing but the best for Maddox. You're wanting him to come out the other side, and find the happiness that so deserves. To find the love that he so deserves. To have his person walking along side of him through the highs and lows.

Thank you for reading my thoughts on Shed My Skin. If you've read the previous books in the Sons of Sin series, then you need to read Maddox's story. It's a wild ride. Take breaks as needed. In the end, you'll understand him. Thank you Nola for sharing Maddox's story. I know it couldn't have been easy to write.

Laura

Cover Art: Nola Marie & Daria Loshlin
Photograph: Vologymyr, Canva

I'm tired.

Tired of the spotlight. Tired of fighting my demons. The guilt and shame have become too heavy to continue. It's time for me to go. Though my grip slips more each day, I need to hold on just a little longer. I need them to know the truth. That this fight was never theirs. My soul mate. My brother. My protector. And her. My Canary, my heart. My lullaby with whiskey eyes. I love you with all that's within me. I just wish I had more than darkness to offer.

This road has been long and winding
And I’m too tired to go on
Pain and sorrow have haunted me
Guilt and regret fill my mind
I can’t go on, I can’t keep fighting
This is my goodbye but it’s only for a little while
You were the one who kept me afloat
For you have I tried to keep breathing
But these ghosts haunt my soul and mind
This may be my last note
But from you, I’ll never be far
This is goodbye but it’s only for a little while
It won’t be long now but don’t shed a tear
Don’t cry for me or mourn my name
Cause I will always be with you
Even after I’m gone
My last song is goodbye but it’s only for a little while

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Angel & Josie

Amazon | Goodreads | Review

Dane & Cami

Amazon | Goodreads | Review

Jake & Cara

Amazon | Goodreads | Review

Ryder & Heaven

Amazon | Goodreads | Review

About the Author

Nola Marie has been writing her entire life but has authored nine books in the last year, four of which are published as her steamy mafia romance series, The Men of River City. Currently she is working on her Sons of Sin series which promises to be just as bold and exciting.

She also holds a bachelors degree in IT Management and an MBA in Leadership and Strategy. 

She has spent her entire life in Louisiana, and absolutely loves everything about it from the crawfish to the swamps. She has a hard-working, completely devoted husband that encourages her to do what makes her happy, three smart, kind, intelligent children that are her best friends, and an assortment of pets. 

When not spending time with her family, she reads, writes, listens to music, doing amateur graphic design, and plays video games.

Connect with Nola Marie

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Thank you Nola Marie for providing me with an advanced copy of Shed My Skin.

Break Me Down by Nola Marie {a review}

For those who have been wanting Ryder's story, the wait is officially over. Break Me Down, the fourth book in the Sons of Sin series by Nola Marie, is out now, and it is absolutely fabulous!

Before we talk about the book, please read this note from Nola:

This book features discussions and topics that may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised. This book contains scenes of: m/m, consensual sexual violence, addiction, codependency, rage, toxic relationships, and narcissism. If you have triggers or dislike raw, emotional pain that shreds a character's soul before rebuilding them, give this book a pass. If you choose to read, you're in for a breathtaking journey from the depths of hell to the heights of heaven. But don't say you weren't warned.

Okay now that the content/trigger warnings have been talked about, let's discuss the book.

If you've read the previous three books in the Sons of Sin series, then you've watched Ryder and Maddox's path of destruction. You've also probably noticed how bonded these two are. They are always there for each other. They know how to help the other through their tortured moments, and bring them back to the present. Is it ideal? No. Does it work for them? Currently that answer would be yes. It's what they've always known.

"Maddox said you were both complicated."

"Complicated, Love, we are not complicated. We are f*cked up. Everything about us is f*cked up. And neither of us have any right to bring you into our f*cked up little world, but there was something about you, I can't stay away from."

I knew going into Break Me Down that Ryder's story was going to be intense, but dang. This man has been through the wringer, and is just trying to make it through the day. His past is definitely haunting him, and once you learn that story, you'll understand why.

When Heaven said that "Ryder and Maddox have been nothing but a distraction since I laid eyes on them" I had to laugh. I can fully see that being the case with them. They are very much a distraction, but a fun one at that.

From the moment that Ryder briefly mentioned his sister (Rayna), my curiosity was piqued. When that storyline was finally revealed (through flash backs), I was shocked. That scenario wasn't something I expected. Then as that onion continued to unravel, we learned about Ryder's mom, and how her influence affected his life. She's a piece of work. Dang.

Speaking of dear old mom, when she made her appearance at the condo, I knew it wasn't going to be good. I was seeing red. I don't blame Heaven one bit for how she responded.

I go straight to the bus station and take the first one back home. I'll send someone back for my car. I don't take anything with me. Not even my heart. It c an stay lying in pieces on his floor because I don't need it anymore.

Flash forward to Maddox purchasing that property, and a second chance for Heaven and Ryder, I knew it wasn't going to be a smooth reunion. All of that was just jaw dropping. I don't even fully know how to put that all into words. There was a lot of anger, frustration, pain, and longing going on.

"I always knew Heaven and hell would collide. I just never expected it to be exactly what I needed to feel complete and whole."

That happily ever after that they found for themselves though? Absolutely wonderful. Their relationship took time. It required a break. But when these two reconnected, it was like coming home. 

"You have no idea what you do to me. Everything feels like -- peace when you're here. A perfect calm. You are my gravity, Heaven. You're the only thing that's ever kept me on the ground."

Also, Is it time for Maddox's story yet? Because dang if everything that happened in Break Me Down doesn't have me ready to find out what's going on with him. That's going to be one hell of a story, and I cannot wait to pick it up.

If you are someone who likes rockstar romances, or you just like characters who have to go through hell to get to their happily ever after, then you need to read Break Me Down! Do you need to read the other three books in the series first? Eh, not really. Would it give you a better picture of the Ryder that the fandom has come to know? Absolutely. But you can go into Break Me Down without reading those. So it's completely your choice. I will tell you that the other three books are fabulous stories, and I do recommend them.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Break Me Down. Please go read this book. Also, don't forget to check out the playlist that Nola Marie has curated! 

Laura

Cover Art: Nola Marie
Photographer: Josh Brandao
Model: Charlie Winzar

Sons of Sin’s lead guitarist loves being the “sin” in their name. Because without Heaven, he’d rather fast-track to hell.

Ryder

Rage is all I know.

All I’ve ever known, it seems.

Except for that one moment – brief year in my life

where I experienced Heaven.

But I crashed and burned as hard as Lucifer himself when she destroyed me.

The rage came back, stronger than ever.

And when she reappears in my life, when I learn the truth?

Rage doesn’t begin to describe what I feel.

Heaven

He was my one.

Out of the four of the hot guys that walked into my diner, I lusted after two, but fell for one.

Until I learned something that shattered my heart.

And now, in a cruel twist, the universe has thrown us back together.

He learns my truth and I learn his.

Unknowingly, I broke him all those years ago.

Now he’s determined to break me.

Shattered and gutted, how do two people heal when apologies don’t fix the damage, and the truth

comes out years too late?

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Angel & Josie

Amazon | Goodreads | Review

Dane & Cami

Amazon | Goodreads | Review

Jake & Cara

Amazon | Goodreads | Review

About the Author

Nola Marie has been writing her entire life but has authored nine books in the last year, four of which are published as her steamy mafia romance series, The Men of River City. Currently she is working on her Sons of Sin series which promises to be just as bold and exciting.

She also holds a bachelors degree in IT Management and an MBA in Leadership and Strategy. 

She has spent her entire life in Louisiana, and absolutely loves everything about it from the crawfish to the swamps. She has a hard-working, completely devoted husband that encourages her to do what makes her happy, three smart, kind, intelligent children that are her best friends, and an assortment of pets. 

When not spending time with her family, she reads, writes, listens to music, doing amateur graphic design, and plays video games.

Connect with Nola Marie

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Thank you Nola Marie for providing me with an advanced copy of Break Me Down.

Shattered Desires by Victoria Ellis {a review}

Shattered Desires, by Victoria Ellis, is the second book in the Reckless Desires series, and takes place a year after the band left Hellfire Records. Get ready for the love triangle between Declan, Kade, and Spence. There is a lot of history with this trio, and it's not all good.

As the story begins, it's Declan's wedding day! She and Lucas are preparing for their happily ever after. Never mind the fact that Declan is having second thoughts. Still she heads down the aisle, and the ceremony begins. All is going well until a man shouts that he objects, and that Declan cannot marry Lucas. Yeah, that happened. That objection was all Declan needed to call off the wedding and run. Jump forward a bit, and the band is all meeting at the HQ for Rebellion Records. In walks Spence Reid. He's friend with all the band members, and has just been hired as their photographer. Declan is happy to see him, but he also has her on edge. She loves this man. She always has. But those feelings are not mutual. A few days later, Kane Reid arrives back in town, and is in need of a job. Spence inquires on his behalf, and Declan says he can be security for Miller. She wants nothing to do with Kane. He broke her heart, and she doesn't know why he ended their relationship. Obviously she's still not over it. What happens next is a whirlwind of a tour, an issue with Declan's mom, a couple of fights with the brothers, a few shared kisses, truth being revealed, heartache, tension, pain, and ultimately a reunion. It's quite the journey for Declan to get her happily ever after.

Note from the author: Please note that this book has trigger warnings for self-harm. If this is not something that you are comfortable reading about, please put this book down.

Shattered Desires was the first love triangle that I had read in years. The last was either Hunger Games or maybe even Twilight. I know. I KNOW! Pushing that information aside, I loved this story. I loved the tension, the drama, the moment when it was revealed why Kane left, the steam, the love, just all of it. I was grabbing for my kindle whenever I had a spare moment, and could not wait to find out what happened next. The storyline with Declan's mom I was a bit hesitant about. I can't lie. I wasn't certain why that tidbit of information was necessary, until it was, and that scene happened. My heart was definitely pumping during that. (nothing bad I promise.) Then there's Kane. That man is still a bit of a mystery to me. I didn't fully understand his game plan, or what his intentions truly were. So I struggled there. But he definitely brought the drama, as well as pieces of the truth. Of course he also brought his love for Declan. His feelings were still strong, and he didn't want to wait any longer. Spence intrigued me. He and Declan had this close bond as they had been friends forever. That friendship wasn't as easy while Declan and Kane were together, but it was still there. So seeing them reunite felt like coming home. Their friendship was able to rebuild, and these two halves were back together. There were a couple of scenes in this book where my jaw hit the ground. The first was when the truth was revealed, and the second was after Declan and Kane left together. I still haven't fully recovered from that scene. There was so much heartache and pain after that happened. Oh my heart.

Victoria Ellis has created this amazing band, and I cannot turn away. I am part of the Reckless Desires fan club, and I am not leaving. Bordeaux, Declan, Miller, and Flynn have been through a lot in their lives, and their journey toward their happily ever afters is definitely not easy.

Oh, that set up for Miller's story? Yes please! I cannot wait to see how that impacts his life, as well as that of the band.

If you are ready for rockstar romance that features the enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, second chance romance tropes, and also has a love triangle, then go grab Shattered Desires now! You don't need to read Reckless Desires before hand, but aspects from that book are weaved into this one.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,

Laura

Cover Design: Cady Verdiramo @ Cruel Ink Editing & Design

𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃

My ex leaving me might have shattered my heart—If I wasn’t secretly in love with his brother.

It’s forbidden, but it’s hard to deny the connection the two of us have always shared…

Especially when he’s thrust back into my life and working alongside my band as our photographer.

And did I mention—My ex is back, too…And he’s our newest security detail.

𝑀𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑤𝑒𝑑.

𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐃

Declan has always been off-limits. I may have seen her first—But my brother, Kade, laid his claim on her when we were still in high school.

I never meant to fall in love with her. I’ve always done right by my brother, refusing to make a move on her, even after he left her without so much as a goodbye.

But being back in Chicago and working with her? There’s not a damn chance I’ll stay away from her this time.

I’ll give it to him. Kade has impeccable timing. He’s back and threatening to ruin my second chance with her before it even gets started—

𝑀𝑎𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑛.

𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐊𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒

The band is back, and this time, they’ve got total creative control.

No longer under Hellfire records, they’ve started their own label and they’re embarking on their first tour on their own.

This time, though, they won’t all make it back to the city alive.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤, 𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐛𝐲𝐞𝐬.

Nothing will ever be the same.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add Shattered Desires to your Goodreads TBR!

Want to read more from the band?

Start with Bordeaux's story!

Goodreads | Purchase | My Review

and then stay tuned for these upcoming releases!

February 4, 2022

Goodreads | Pre-Order

March 7, 2022

Goodreads | Pre-Order

Meet Victoria Ellis

Victoria Ellis started out writing primarily thrillers but slowly transitioned into both poetry and contemporary romance. 

Now, she is a multi-genre author that publishes Psychological Thrillers, Suspense, and Romance novels. She is also the author of two poetry collections.

 

Victoria has a penname, Gemma Stone, for her upcoming romance novels that she plans on releasing. It was important to her to separate romance from thrillers. Be on the lookout for more Gemma Stone news in 2021 and 2022!

 

Victoria is the founder of Cruel Ink Publishing, LLC.

 

She resides near Chicago, Illinois with her husband, newborn daughter, and an abundance of animals.

 

Connect with Victoria Ellis

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Thank you to Victoria Ellis, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Shattered Desires.