Dark romantasy: Of Sins and Sacrifice

Hello, book buddies :-) Just recently, I was reading book 1 in the House of Cryos series. Therefore, it's my sacred duty to tell you that the second book is out :-D

Title: Of Sins and Sacrifice

Series: House of Cryos #2

Author: Veronica Lancet

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance
Tropes: Jealous & Possessive Hero & Heroine

Double Virgins/Slow Burn

Cover Design: Addictive Covers

Release Date: March 15, 2025

ADD TO GOODREADS

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?

Minerva ‘Minnie’ An’Yan broke the ultimate divine law—she fell in love with a human. As a runaway goddess, she spent years in hiding, knowing the gods wanted her punished for her transgressions.

But when she’s finally captured, she faces more than just execution. Azerius, the most powerful god in existence, doesn’t just want her dead—he wants the true identity of Marlowe, the man she risked everything for.

Except even Minnie doesn’t know who Marlowe really is.

She’s loved him across lifetimes, under different names, but his real identity has always remained a mystery.

Now, trapped between a vengeful god and the echoes of a love she can’t escape, Minnie must unravel the secrets of her past before they destroy her. And in the process, she must answer the most important question:

Who is Marlowe?

IF YOU'D LIKE TO GET IT

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL

BOOK 1 AVAILABLE TOO

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL

Free in Kindle Unlimited

MY OPINION OF BOOK 1

Is dark romance allowed to be cute? Well, I can eat that up like a decadent cupcake :-D This book is my first approach to the author. I gobbled up the hook because how can I resist? 

Hero? Serial killer. Heroine? Damsel in distress. 

Or are they? 

The truth is that he is twisted to the core, he finds a wisp of a woman in danger, suddenly becomes a dark saviour in a killing spree and there's a frenzy of mutual secrets crashing against each other like a dance of lust and soulmates. Wow.

I'm not sure if it's dark comedy, paranormal fantasy or a trick of the mind :-D

Macabre and adorable, gory and smitten, this couple surely will leave an imprint in our imagination. The final chapters are mind-blowing and the cliffhanger is to die for, almost literally!

MY OPINION OF BOOK 2

I couldn't stop myself from reading the next book in the House of Cryos series. The first book left me reeling with questions, so curiosity got the better of me. Minnie is revealed in a very different light in this second book. Things that were found out or explained before, now are fleshed out and in real action.

It was so engaging to get to know her story as she was before she met Marlowe in such dark circumstances. Funny and full of energy, she shows her mighty ambition for the good while getting into trouble and realising how difficult it is to deal with certain pesky necessities. That was hilarious. And I loved the character that comes to life to show how everything started for her. Their relationship is fun and intense, especially considering the stakes.

Minnie's attitude contrasts wildly with the historical context. That's a source of plenty of hilarious scenes and misunderstandings. On the other hand, the dark fantasy is so exciting because of the folklore and how to deal with it. I really liked that.

Even though the main focus of the first half of the book is on the crazy banter between the characters, fun and amorous, the lengths they go to will surprise you. However, the dark fantasy part is such a whirlwind of new things and valuable chunks of progress. It's mind blowing. Lots of action, magic, battles against supernatural creatures, blood and guts, intricate worldbuilding, carnal passion to raise some eyebrows. Oh, and one special place we get to see! Exciting secrets are spilled, though there are many to come. This book left me breathless!

ABOUT THE MASTERMIND

Veronica Lancet is an International Bestselling Author of dark fiction who was born and raised in Eastern Europe. An Ivy League graduate and current doctoral student, she likes to grapple with questions of ethics, morality and the human condition, which are always present in her writing as well.

She loves to write unconventional stories that push the boundaries of morality but which show that true love always prevails.

INSTAGRAM - FACEBOOK

NEWSLETTER

WEBSITE

Thank you to Give Me Books for the pretty pics.

💚

Enhoy your reading life!

💚

Cover Reveal: Of Sins and Sacrifice

Hello, book buddies :-) I am reading a rather unusual book right now. The cover for the second book has just been revealed and I'm in for it!

Title: Of Sins and Sacrifice

Series: House of Cryos #2

Author: Veronica Lancet

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance
Tropes: Jealous & Possessive Hero & Heroine

Double Virgins/Slow Burn

Cover Design: Addictive Covers

Release Date: March 15, 2025

ADD TO GOODREADS

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?

Minerva ‘Minnie’ An’Yan broke the ultimate divine law—she fell in love with a human. As a runaway goddess, she spent years in hiding, knowing the gods wanted her punished for her transgressions.

But when she’s finally captured, she faces more than just execution. Azerius, the most powerful god in existence, doesn’t just want her dead—he wants the true identity of Marlowe, the man she risked everything for.

Except even Minnie doesn’t know who Marlowe really is.

She’s loved him across lifetimes, under different names, but his real identity has always remained a mystery.

Now, trapped between a vengeful god and the echoes of a love she can’t escape, Minnie must unravel the secrets of her past before they destroy her. And in the process, she must answer the most important question:

Who is Marlowe?

IF YOU'D LIKE TO PRE-ORDER

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL

BOOK 1 AVAILABLE NOW

I'M READING IT! :-)

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL

Free in Kindle Unlimited

ABOUT THE MASTERMIND

Veronica Lancet is an International Bestselling Author of dark fiction who was born and raised in Eastern Europe. An Ivy League graduate and current doctoral student, she likes to grapple with questions of ethics, morality and the human condition, which are always present in her writing as well.

She loves to write unconventional stories that push the boundaries of morality but which show that true love always prevails.

INSTAGRAM - FACEBOOK

NEWSLETTER

WEBSITE

Thank you to Give Me Books for the pretty pics.

Enhoy your reading life!

💚

Feeling romantic: The Hero + Vegas = No Regrets

Hi, book buddies :-) I hope you're feeling light and amorous because today I bring you a romantic book that will inspire some smiles and swoons.

THE HERO + VEGAS = NO REGRETS

Author: Louise Bay

Series: The New York City Billionaires, book three

Release Date: February 7, 2025

Where to get it: https://geni.us/THVNR

What to expect:

💖He falls first

💍Secret marriage

💖Unlikely pairing

💍Alpha MMC in the bedroom

💖He has a big 🍆

💍Vegas Wedding

💖Billionaire Romance

Loyal, hardworking, and trustworthy, I’m used to putting everyone’s needs before my own. I’m the ultimate good guy. But when Sophia Jones walks into my life, everything changes. Beautiful, guarded, and completely off-limits, she’s all I can see. Even though she’s being set up with one of my best friends, I want her for myself.

I try to fight my feelings but soon realize it’s futile. Thrown together at our friends’ wedding in Vegas, the more I spend time with her, the greedier I am for longer.

Vegas has a way of turning rules upside down, and one night changes everything. Between stolen glances and secret moments, I do the unthinkable—I ask her to marry me. Maybe it’s the drinks. Maybe it’s the city. Or maybe it’s because she feels the same connection I do, but she says yes.

Sophia’s hiding something—I can see it in her eyes—but it doesn’t matter. She’s mine now. And I’ll do whatever it takes to convince her this isn’t just a mistake. This is the beginning of forever.

MY OPINION

That kind of spark that binds you to a person instantaneously? 

This is how the novel starts and I loved it! Worth is a steadfast, cool man, but all that goes up in flames when he sets eyes on Sophia. He is deeply smitten. How can he let go of the mere chance to talk to her, to be near her? Their connection is palpable and contagious. 

Soon enough, I was surprised by the turn things were taking. Intense! This couple has crazy chemistry. I really was into Worth's inner dialogue about his strong reaction and feelings towards Sophia. And she's going through such a turmoil in her life that her impulsivity is as understandable as his. The lovemaking between them is explosive!

Sudden marriage, ardent intimacy and passionate feelings flood this deeply romantic novel. Worth is so worthy of love and admiration. I truly wanted to cherish him. Such a gentleman who also packs... a streak of possessive lover. Yummy. I absolutely adore his sisters and their plans in life and their relationship with the hero. Sophia is a test to his noble self and makes for an incredibly emotional plot. Really, her issues are mind-blowing. The narrative combines a wonderful sense of humor and heartbreaking honesty. 

It's one of my favourites in this series which is going strong and so engaging. This couple is amazing. And Worth's billionaire friends are always stars when they appear along with their loved ones. I'm totally satisfied with this story.

*****

Book 1 - THE BOSS

Book 2 - THE PLAYER

ABOUT THE MASTERMIND

International, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes contemporary romance novels that make you laugh – the kind she likes to read.

Ruined by the bonk-busters of the eighties, Louise was inspired by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, but wants to be Emily Henry when she grows up.

Louise loves the rain, RHOBH, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, hanging out with her kid, elephants and champagne (not necessarily in that order).

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

Website - Newsletter - Facebook - Reader Group

💓

 Enjoy your reading life :-)

Darkly read: Psyop Kings by K Webster

Hi, book buddies :-) I hope 2025 is behaving wonderfully to you in literary and human ways.

This year, I'm reading some more dark romance. It's intense to say the least :-D So that's why I'm talking about PSYOP KINGS, book 1 in a mindblowing trilogy by K. Webster. Hard to read? Maybe. Awesome and mindbending? Definitely.

PSYOP KINGS

Author: K Webster

Series: The Crown Conspiracy, book one

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Purchase Link: https://geni.us/pkkwevents

From USA Today Bestselling author K Webster comes a new dark captive romance… 

Someone kidnapped my classmate, and no one cares. Not the college, not the police—everyone just wants to forget her. But I won’t.

Finding Megan becomes my obsession, leading me straight into the world of the rich and ruthless Crowne family. They’re untouchable, powerful, and hiding something dark.

And I walk right into their trap.

Now I’m their prisoner, caught in a game of mind-bending control where every step they take shatters my sanity. And Caius Crowne—the coldest, most ruthless of them all—is determined to use me to get what he wants.

I hate him. I crave him. But I won’t break.

I might be their pawn for now, but I’ll outplay them all. Even if it’s the last thing I do. 

MY OPINION

If I say dark captive romance, does it capture your attention? Because it surely captured mine! 

I had to read this book as soon as I found out that it’s got a conspiracy surrounding the disappearance of a woman and the frenzied and determined search of her friend to find her. She faces the maddening enemies of indifference from the system and conspirators in the dark recesses of power and anonymity. I was hooked.

This story is entrenched in enigmas and mind games. I felt sucked in by the injustice of a woman just disappearing and nobody caring about it. I was as frustrated and eager as Romy to get to the bottom of it, to save her, to punish the culprits. But oh, this goes down the rabbit hole into a fathomless pit of mind-boggling, reality-twisting mystery. What is going on? Are the Crowne men lying like devils or Romy's mind utterly deluded? The doubt, the uncertainty of it all, was frying my nerves and gluing me to page after page. 

Romy is a strong character thrown into a world steeped in luxury and hair-rising depravity. I liked it when she was solving puzzles and defying adversaries, not so much when she was a victim to her circumstances. That's because I felt  as much a victim as she was, and every victim around her, that it made me itchy and uncomfortable. Some scenes are brutal and disgusting. It was hard to read them. However, the mysterious plot was so engaging that it really kept me going. The last chapter is both nefarious and a hook to jump onto the next book. What a crazy read!

*****

Psyop Kings is book one in The Crowne Conspiracy trilogy. 

This book is a dark, psychological romance that contains triggering content. 

This book ends on a cliffhanger.

 

Book 2 - Mind Maze: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLHWYV69 (3.31.25) 

Book 3 - Cup of Lies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLHSJH3N (5.30.25)

ABOUT THE MASTERMIND

K Webster is a USA Today Bestselling author. Her titles have claimed many bestseller tags in numerous categories, are translated in multiple languages, and have been adapted into audiobooks. 

She lives in “Tornado Alley” with her husband, two children, and her baby dog named Blue. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and researching aliens.

 https://stan.store/authorkwebster

💓

 Enjoy your reading life :-)

After The Professor, here comes The Student

Hi, book buddies :-) I never miss an opportunity to read a novel by Skye Warren. After  The Professor, here comes The Student :-)  

Release: July, 25th

Genre/Tropes:

Student / Professor / Ex-Boyfriend's Father / Forbidden Romance / "Good girl" /

Secret Society / One Night Stand / Sex for money

Series: Tanglewood University Book 2

Dive into the seductive world of Tanglewood University!

Experience the forbidden allure of a student/professor romance

entwined with secrets, passion, and danger.

Can forbidden love survive the shadows lurking at every turn?

Become addicted to this sizzling second book of the trilogy. 

Don't miss out on the captivating journey!

 

Here are all the useful links

Amazon: https://bit.ly/49HCnnJ
Apple Books: https://apple.co/43WTYpD
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/4cVU8Bz
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3T96mxI
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3U87sdI

Goodreads

HERE IS MY OPINION :-)

A professor and a student with such chemistry that is everyone's naughty fantasy.

After book 1, of which I was in awe, I was eager to read this continuation. I needed answers! To the love affair, to the secret society, to students suffering in the hands of enigmatic forces, to Shakespearian undercurrents that move us all.

William Stratford and Anne Hill dance between provocation and longing in very alluring ways in this book. Academia is as decadent as the sensuality in it. I can't deny my utter devotion to the atmospheric, thought-provoking literature classes. Really, I was completely immersed in those.

Interesting trains of thoughts about literature and psychological trauma abound. There are some uncomfortable moments as the plot plunges Anne down the rabbit hole, plenty of taboo and healing too. Despite the harshness of some events, the author manages to put beauty in everything. That's the quality seal I love about her writing. 

I enjoyed the moments of female friendship and sorority, found entertainment in the dark humanity. The intimacy between the main characters is top-notch. When the explosive final events sweep through the last chapters, it felt as thrilling as the journey there had been compelling. Now, I can only imagine what the third book will bring to the study table.  A+. 

William Stratford is more than my professor.

He’s my one-night stand. My secret. And my enemy.

I have a plan for fighting him, along with the secret society that threatens the college. Despite his knowledge and his power, despite the sensual thrall he holds over me, when the bell rings, he’s the one who’s going to learn a lesson.

At least that’s the plan.

But Professor Stratford is older and wiser.

He makes the rules, and I’m forced to follow them.

THE STUDENT is book two in the forbidden romance trilogy Tanglewood University. It’s a tale of redemption and comeuppance for a professor walking the line of right and wrong–and the student who will push him over the brink.

ABOUT THE MASTERMIND

Skye Warren  is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance such  as the Chicago Underground series. Her books have been featured in  Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, two sweet dogs, and one evil cat.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyewarren 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skye_warren 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/skyewarrenbooks 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SkyeWarrenBooks 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/skyewarren 

Website: http://www.skyewarren.com

💕

Enjoy your reading life <3

This is a warning for a cover reveal!

Hi, book buddies :-) Long time no see ;o) It's been a minute, I know, but my dear blogs are never too far from my thoughts. I always come back to post about a favourite author of mine. Today it's none other than fabulous Whitney G. 

The cover!

This is the third standalone in the angsty/toxic Forbidden Wishes series

 

Truth or dare?

"I dare you to stop pretending like you still want to be a virgin when you're around me…"

 

As much as I wanted to say those words to Emily O'Hara after the night we first met, I never did.

Instead, I dared myself to leave her alone.

 

But I lost that game.

I gave up trying to win.

 

She was the first girl who didn't run when she found out how damaged I was.

I was the first guy who could read through her sexy sarcasm with ease.

 

Our connection was toxic and fiery, but we had to douse the flames before getting any closer.

We realized she could never be mine, and I could never be hers.

 

I was days away from becoming her stepbrother.

 

I WISH I WOULD'VE WARNED YOU

Genre: Forbidden romance

Mark your calendars for August 30th!

Ready to Preorder? 

-amazon-

💜

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Whitney G. is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author. Her books are currently published in over a dozen languages.She lives deep in the Tennessee woods and spends most of her time drinking coffee while penning dirty-talking alpha males.

Find out more about her next project

at www.whitneygbooks.com

Link - Website  - Goodreads  - Facebook - Instagram

💜

Keep calm and read on.