It's hard to believe that 2022 is half over already! I've read almost 100 books so far this year, and I've made a list of my Top 20 Reads at this half-way mark. So, here they are (in no particular order):
JUNE FIRST by JENNIFER HARTMANN
I've always disliked Junebugs. To be honest, they creep me out a bit, but from this day forward, I will probably smile every time that I see one...because of this book. Also, because of this book, I have had my heart broken. I have cried A LOT, and not just some random tears. No, I'm talking full on sobbing, to the point that my husband suggested that I just stop reading it. WHAT?! I couldn't stop reading! I had to see this through to the end. And oh, what an end.
With June First, Jennifer Hartmann has taken a trope that is all too common these days and she has turned it into something that is truly original and heartbreakingly beautiful. She has woven an unforgettable story of unspeakable tragedy and the cruelty of fate; a story of chasing your dreams and believing in destiny; a story that defines true love. I'm not going to go into the story itself, because you just need to read it, and I don't want to ruin a single moment.
This is a long book, but from the unique way that this story is written to the emotions that this author pulls from the reader, you cannot skip a single page -- not a single word, because you will feel it all. You live this story right along with these characters, and it is brutal at times but so rewarding in the end. Somehow through my tears, I found myself smiling - even laughing out loud a time or two -- and although I needed to know how this story would end, I didn't want it to be over. I still want more.
This author gave me one of my top reads of last year with Still Beating and now she's done it this year with June First. This is another story that I will always remember and I'll think of it every single time that I see a Junebug.
SAY YOU SWEAR by MEAGAN BRANDY
I realize that I'll read many more books before this year is over, but I will just go ahead and say now that this book will remain one of my Top Reads of 2022 at year end. Without a doubt.
This book. Good grief, this book. My head and heart were all over the place. I wasn't sure how I was supposed to be feeling. My head was telling me one thing while my heart was screaming another. This is such an intricately woven story, with so many unexpected moments -- moments that made me cry, made me want to scream -- moments that had my heart hitting the floor.
If you've read any of this author's books, then you know that she's a master at giving us the angst. Well, let me tell you, she's outdone herself with this one. This book isn't just angst though. No, it's so much more than that. This is swoon-worthy romance that will have you falling in love. This is heartbreak that will bring you to your knees. This is an incredible story with ups and downs, twists and turns, that will keep you flipping the pages and will leave you wanting more. And these characters? You'll want to live in the pages with them and never leave. It's going to take some time o recover from this one.
OMINOUS: BOOK II by K.V. ROSE
At the beginning of this book, even the author herself questions if this story is really a romance, and I can't honestly say if it is. There were moments in this book that felt romantic, lines that made me swoon a little, but I wouldn't call it a romance. I would call it a love story though. Because here's the thing...not all love is romantic. Sometimes love is obsessive, and toxic, and borders on hate. There is a very thin line between love and hate. You can love someone with all of your heart, but hate what they do to you. And that's Eli and Eden in a nutshell. I wanted to hate Eli, but I didn't. I couldn't help but forgive his actions, because he's obviously sick and he's been through so much. And as much as I wanted Eden to save herself, I found myself wanting her to save him more.
Ominious: Book II is the third book in the Ecstasy series, and you MUST read the books in order. If you have read these books though, you know what is to come (or what you THINK is to come). I don't think that any of us really, truly know what to expect in Sinister which will be the final book. As for this installment though, we dive deeper into Eli's madness and see his vulnerability too. This is a HEAVY read, not because it's dark and twisted, but because it just feels so real. You can feel Eli's obsession for Eden, and you can feel her struggle to want to save him while also trying to save herself. You feel the heartache of a first love, that feeling of being 18 and being obsessed and just wanting to give up everything for this person that you've fallen in love with. You feel the heartache of losing the one that you love, of knowing that forever is not in the cards. You feel the fear of loving someone with mental illness and addiction. You feel it all right along with these characters, and it HURTS.
My heart felt so heavy after finishing this book, and although I know that this story is far from over, I also know that there will probably not be a HEA. Life isn't always about happy endings though, and that's what I love about this author's work. She doesn't try to tie up all of the loose ends and leave everything in a pretty package. She's not afraid to leave it messy, because life is messy. Mental illness is messy. It's messy, and it's heartbreaking, and it's REAL.
There are plenty of triggers in this book so it won't be for every reader, but I can't recommend this series enough if you're not afraid of a dark, disturbing story that will leave you feeling a little dazed and wanting more. I need so much more.
DOUBLED-EDGED by NYLA K.
This banned (by Amazon) book will undoubtedly go down as one of the most controversial books of 2022. The Author herself warns you at the beginning of this book that "This book will absolutely, undoubtedly not be for everyone" and she urges you (BEGS you in fact) to not read it if you're not open to it's themes. I agree with her warning 100%.
Personally, I was worried going into this one. I knew that this is a VERY taboo MMM love story featuring biological twins and their step-dad. I'd only read one other sibling book prior to this (not step-siblings), and I'll admit during that read that I was relieved to find out that one of them was adopted. THAT IS NOT THE CASE HERE. These are identical TWINS, and yes, there are explicit scenes between these two. So...heed the above warning.
Now, if you're still on board for Double-edged, you are in for one emotional, STEAMY, heartbreaking story. All of my worries were quickly erased as Cyrus and Colson's story began to unfold. This isn't just a taboo/forbidden trope written for shock value. It is so much more than that. These two boys have this unique connection with each other that, in a large part, stems from parental neglect and manipulation. They deal with mental illness and almost debilitating anxiety. They have been brought up in an environment that has taught them that they need to hide who they are. When their step-father Tauren enters the picture, he's the first person who has seen BOTH of these young men as unique and WORTHY. Yes, the relationship between these three characters becomes complicated and even they know that it's bad. Yes, this entire relationship is morally wrong, but it never once made me truly feel uncomfortable. So many times, I would even forget that Cyrus and Colson were brothers, because they just felt like soul mates. They were two halves of a whole, and the heartbreak and suffering that these boys endured...well, I couldn't feel wrong about what they were doing. They needed each other and they needed Tauren, and my heart broke for all three of them.
All of the issues within this book: mental illness, drug use, bullying, homophobia, parental neglect -- they are all handled respectfully, in my opinion. There is a lot of added drama that really takes the reader on one wild ride, and it's honestly a ride that I didn't want to get off of. There are plenty of messages in this book, but the biggest one is the same message that is in every Nyla K. book: love is love. That sums up this book perfectly, but again, I urge you to proceed with caution and only pick this one up if you can do so with a VERY open mind.
32 ROWAN BLVD by Kelsey Kingsley
Oh, my heart. If you are a fan of true, real-to-life romance, then Kelsey Kingsley is a must-read author, and she has brought it once again with this book.
Christy is a young woman who has lost herself to a world of sweatpants, diapers and food deliveries since becoming a single mom. She develops a texting friendship with her delivery guy, but she never imagines what might happen when they finally meet. Kev is a single dad who has been dropping off deliveries to Christy for years and he's curious about the girl that orders the tacos. Can a romance develop between these two or will their pasts get in the way?
This may sound like a cute, simple romance, but it is so much more than that. There are plenty of funny moments in this small-town romance, but there are some heartbreaking moments too and so many layers to this story. From the relationships that develop among all of these characters and the changes in those dynamics to the complexities of Christy and Kev's relationship...it's all so true to life and makes for a sometimes emotional read. I absolutely adored both Christy and Kev (he is the perfect book boyfriend material) and I didn't want their story to end. There are several characters that pop up from other Kelsey Kingsley books too, and that just added to my love of this book. Seriously, if you haven't yet read this author, what are you waiting for?
This is REAL ROMANCE with all of it's ups-and-downs...humor, heartbreak, forgiveness, and love. Lots and lots of love. If you are a lover of romance, then I cannot recommend this book and this author enough.
THE DIFFERENCE TRILOGY
by Aly Martinez
The world owes you nothing.
Such a simple statement that is the underlying message throughout this series. Wow. Just wow.
Bowen knows the above statement to be true, because the past year of his life has been nothing but tragedy. He found the woman of his dreams only to lose her to a horrific plane crash. He's resolved to live a life of loneliness and despair, but then along comes Remi. She survived the crash too, and when they crash into each other, the sparks fly. They are drawn to each other, and Bowen can't deny the pull, but there are secrets between them too. Bowen believes in fate, but this relationship may be destined to end.
Book one and two of this trilogy end in cliffhangers that leave you needing more, and book three will leave you wanting to stay in this world. This is a storyline unlike any that I've read before. I love these characters. Amazing story telling and plot development. The world building and characterization is on point. These plot twists?! So unexpected. I am guilty of forgetting what an amazing author Aly Martinez is until I read another one of her books. She draws you in from the first page...the first line...and she doesn't let go.
WHAT LOVERS DO by JEWEL E. ANN
Every time that I pick up a book written by this author, I know that I'm about to read a story unlike any that I've read before. I don't know how she comes up with these amazing storylines, but she does it EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
What Lovers Do is a funny friends-to-lovers romance that had me crying (and not happy tears). The author once again brings her signature humor and heartbreak to the story of Shep and Sophie, and it was such a whirlwind of emotion. Shep is the charismatic employee at the pet shop where Sophie first made a big splash when she stopped in with her dog. They both love dogs and golf, and they both have pasts that they'd like to leave behind. Shep becomes Sophie's "happy place", but Sophie's real life won't allow her to stay there.
Now, can I just say that this author writes some of the BEST book boyfriends that I've ever met. Just add Shep to my list of favorites right now. He is funny, charming, sarcastic, arrogant yet vulnerable. Book boyfriend material? Check, check, and check. Sophie's life is like a sad comedy...you have to laugh at her predicament or it will make you cry. Together, these two characters had me laughing out loud, wanting to throw my Kindle, and had tears streaming down my face. And don't get me started on the secondary characters! Oh my... talk about an original storyline!
If you are looking for a funny yet heartwarming story unlike any that you've probably ever read before, then you need to read this one. And if this author is new to you? Well, you need to make some room on your TBR, because you'll want to read all of her other books after this one.
PIECES OF ME by JAY McLEAN
Oh, my heart. I had been anxiously awaiting Pieces of Me, the second half of the Pieces Duet and Holden and Jamie's story, for what felt like forever.
I will admit that I am a sucker for a second chance romance, especially one with a side of redemption. If there is one thing that this author knows how to do, it is to make you hate her hero while simultaneously falling in love with him. And you don't even realize that you're doing it. I loved Holden in the first book of this duet...LOVED him. At the start of this book? Not so much. I hated that boy more than once during this book, but by the end? I fell in love with him all over again. And Jamie? My heart broke for that girl so many times. If there is another thing that this author can do, it's bring the tears. Every single time. Good grief, the tears!
This story truly is a duet and you do have to read book one, Pieces of You, before reading Pieces of Me. Together, this story is tragic and heartbreaking. It's a rollercoaster ride of angst and emotion. It's everything that I look for in a second chance romance (and then some), and I cannot recommend this story enough. ALL. THE. STARS.
THE WORDS by A. Jade
After seeing this book being recommended again and again, I finally pulled it off of my TBR and read it, and WOW. It definitely lives up to the hype. This book has it all: drama, angst, humor and heartbreak...everything. It has EVERYTHING, and I felt it all. EVERY. SINGLE. THING.
Phoenix was always destined to be a star while Lennon was cast to the shadows. When their worlds collided, Phoenix finally made Lennon believe that she was special. Then, he broke her heart. Now, it's her chance to make him pay.
Now, I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give anything about this story away, but OMG. First off, Phoenix. I loved him. I hated him. I both loved him and hated him at the same time. Next, Lennon. I loved her. My heart broke for her. I got a little frustrated with her, but still loved her. Their story is a tumultuous relationship that will have you smiling, crying, laughing, and wanting to toss your Kindle. I couldn't get through this book fast enough. It's a pretty long book, and I couldn't think of much else until I got to the end of it. And even then? I still want more. I NEED more.
This is one of those books that I borrowed through KU, but I'm going to have to buy it, because I just can't let it go. This will definitely be one of my top reads of this year, and I highly recommend it.
NO MATCH FOR HER by STACY TRAVIS
Books like this are the reason that I read romance. It's an opposites-attract, friends-to-lovers, slow burn...and when I say slow burn, I mean sloooooow. That's the beauty of this story though.
After an awkward first date, Cherry asks Charlie to be her date at her brother's wedding. Until then, they decide to set up a series of "friend dates" to get to know each other better. Cherry has clearly put Charlie in the friend zone, and although he secretly hopes for more, he won't risk their friendship. Can this seemingly opposite pair put aside their insecurities and and find a HEA together?
Now, let me first talk about Charlie. He could not possibly be any more awkward and adorable, and I absolutely fell in love with him from the very beginning. He is joining my list of favorite book boyfriends. LOVE HIM! The friendship/relationship that unfolds between these two characters kept me glued to the pages, had my heart both racing and breaking. This isn't what I would call an overly angsty book and it's not an ugly-cry read, yet at times, I found tears just falling down my cheeks from the pure emotion. I could feel every insecurity, every frustration, every fear that these characters felt. And the love...I felt so much love in this story. Again, THIS IS ROMANCE.
THE STAR by ROSIE ALICE
I've read my fair share of forbidden/ enemies-to-lovers/step-sibling romances, and I am adding this one to my list of favorites. I had never heard of this author or this book before I picked it up, so I really had no expectations. So, to say that this is one of my favorite reads so far this year...well, I was pleasantly surprised.
First off, let's talk about this heroine. Logan is a fighter and a player, and she doesn't back down to anyone. When her life is uprooted, she does her best to lay low and roll with the punches, but her new step-brother isn't going to make that easy.
Carson is determined to make Logan's life miserable and to send her back to where she came from. He underestimates his feisty new step-sister though, and before he knows it, lines are being crossed, and he's no longer playing a game.
This book gripped my attention right from the get-go. This is one of those books that you just hate to put down, and I could have easily read in it one sitting had real life not gotten in my way. I loved how Logan and Carson's relationship progressed and how this entire situation unfolded and was dealt with throughout the book. The story took a few turns that I didn't see coming and even made me a bit emotional at times. The secondary characters grabbed my attention too, and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Until that's available, I'll be checking out some of this author's other books. Author Rosie Alice has earned herself a new fan.
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN HELLO AND GOODBYE by AISLING MAGIE
I'd never even heard of this author before, but this book has a cute cover and the blurb caught my attention. So, I decided to give it a try. Little did I know that I was about to read one of my favorite romances of 2022 (and of all time.)
Now, a few things to know about this book:
1) This cover is misleading. I thought that I going to read a fun road-trip story, but I was wrong. I mean, yes, it is a fun road-trip story. It has so many cute, adorable, and funny moments that I absolutely loved. But from the beginning, there was this little dark cloud hanging over this story. I couldn't fully enjoy it at times because I kept waiting for the storm to come. And when it came? It caused a tidal wave that I never saw coming!
2) This story will give you anxiety. I had to stop reading to make breakfast for the family, and the entire time that I was cooking, I felt like I wanted to cry. This story moved me in so many ways, and UGH! I'm not sure when I'll get over it.
3) My Kindle battery died at about 75% and I almost had a stroke before I remembered that I could finish reading on my phone. Once you really get into this story, you will not be able to crawl out of these pages until you get to the end. I could not put it down!
So, I'm calling it now: Somewhere Between Hello and Goodbye will remain one of my top reads at year end, and it truly is one of the best romances that I've read. It's fun and flirty, but it's also emotional... not in an ugly cry way, but just in the deep "I feel this in my heart and soul" way.
Somewhere between these pages, I fell in love with both Hansel and Bowie. Although I thought that their story was heading one direction, it took some turns that I didn't see coming. Shocking turns that I wasn't prepared for! And just when I thought that this story couldn't get any better, the author throws in a series of texts, and well, I absolutely love letters and texts in books and that just sealed the deal for me.
The only downside for me was the ending, only because I didn't want it to end. I need an extended epilogue, maybe another chapter or two. Is it asking too much for a sequel? Oh well, I guess I'll have to settle for reading this author's backlist for now.
TRISTAN & ISABEL: APARTMENT 11F by ALY STILES
Between my blurred vision from too many hours of staring at my Kindle and the puffiness from my tears, I had a hard time seeing to type a review for this book. That's what this book did to me. Where do I even begin?
Isabel may have crushed on her best friend's older brother back in high school, but now that he's crashing on her couch after serving 4 years in prison, she's over it. Nowadays, she just hates him, or so she tells herself. Tristan thought that maybe he could get his life back after being released from prison, but he was wrong. No one wants him back, and his past haunts him. There are secrets and lies weighing heavily on him, and to top it all off, his little sister's best friend is his new roommate.
This was such an emotional read for me. Not an ugly cry, but I'd just find tears streaming down my face at random times throughout this story. This story is HEAVY. My heart was absolutely shattered for Tristan. He has been through so much, and although we don't have to live the brutal details of his torment, the implications are there and enough is said to paint the ugly picture of his past. It's a heartbreaking picture.
This is one of those books where I suspected where this story was headed, and I wasn't wrong, but it's just one of those storylines that you can't foresee ending well. I was angst-ridden trying to come up with a solution to everyone's problems, and at times, I couldn't see how this story would have a HEA.
As with all of this author's books, this story is beautifully written with amazing character building and imagery. You don't just read Aly Stiles' books, you live them. You experience every emotion right along with her characters. This story is 5+ stars and is another reminder as to why this author is one of the most under-rated romance authors on the scene today.
VIRTUOUS LIES by HALEY JENNER
I'll be honest and admit that I was a little reluctant to read this book. I really haven't been feeling the whole mafia/forced marriage trope lately, so I was a little worried that I wouldn't enjoy this one. Of course, this is a Haley Jenner story, so I was worried for nothing. And, I now have a new favorite mafia/forced married book.
Let me just tell you...THIS. BOOK. This book CONSUMED ME. I didn't even want to put it down for a restroom break. It's that good.
Bianca Rossi is the perfect mafia daughter until she feels the need to save her sister. Now, she's forced to pay for her deceit by marrying the family's enforcer, Vincent. And let me tell you about Vinny...I can see how Bianca would fall for this man, because I seriously fell for him from the first time that he stepped onto the page. This man just gets better and better with every page, every chapter. I could not get enough of him. He's protective, he's commanding, he's a true alpha, but he's oh so much more than that. I absolutely LOVED him with Bianca. And Bianca? I loved her attitude and her sass, her loyalty to those that she loves.
For me, this book just wasn't the typical mafia romance. Yes, there is angst. There are some twists and turns that I didn't see coming. There is some violence and some possible triggers, but more than anything, this truly is a romance. Again, this is my new favorite forced marriage book, and my only complaint is that I was left wanting more. Luckily, this is just the first book in the Lies of the Underworld series, so hopefully we'll see more of Vincent and Bianca to come. Plus, I can't wait to see how the other stories in this series unfold. AMAZING read! All the stars!
DON'T SPEAK by DYAN LAYNE
It's not often that a book leaves me speechless, and I find it a little ironic that this one did since it's titled Don't Speak. Now, don't get me wrong. I have so many things that I want to say about this book, but I can't, because I went into this story fairly blind and you should do the same.
The heart always knows what it wants.
Molly wants Aidan. Aidan wants Molly. Molly loves Aidan the mostest. Aidan loves her more.
But Aidan's broken, and Molly is his stepsister.
This book is a forbidden romance, but it's so much more than that. It made me feel every emotion. It made me uncomfortable at times. It broke my heart. It made me angry, and sad, and happy. It shocked me in more ways than one.
And the final epilogue? I don't even know what how to feel about that.
At times, I did not want to put this book down, because I needed to know how it would end. At other times, I almost wanted to put it down and just walk away, because I was afraid of what was to come and I wasn't sure that my heart could take it.
By the end, this was one journey that I was glad to take and one that I won't soon forget. This is a remarkable, memorable story of true love in it's most innocent (and not-so-innocent) forms, and it's a must-read.
UNEXPECTED by ELIZABETH ATON
Well, this was totally unexpected. I mean, honestly, this is a new author's debut novel, so I really wasn't sure what to expect, but it wasn't this. This was supposed to be a single-dad, rock star, one night type romance, which is pretty typical, right? Well, let me tell you: there is nothing typical about this story.
Whit is trying to juggle his life as a single dad with his life as a rock star. Ava is just trying to survive her life, period. It was supposed to be one carefree night, but what happened after was...Unexpected.
This story has so many layers and so many plot twists, and it had me feeling EVERYTHING. I was sad...parts of this story are heartbreakingly sad and so real-to-life. Other parts of this story made me mad...I wanted to just scream at these characters! I knew...just knew...that some things were going to happen while other things just hit me out of nowhere. This is a definite page-turner and I couldn't sleep until I knew how this book would end. Even then, I was left wanting more. I need more and I was relieved to see that this is the first in a series, so hopefully, we'll get more of this couple in upcoming books.
Note: There are some possible triggers in this story (one really big one), so if you have triggers, please read the warning before reading.
I never would have guessed that this is a debut novel, and this author did an amazing job of keeping me invested in this story and keeping me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
BLIND SIDE by KANDI STEINER
I almost stopped reading this book. I hit a certain part in this story, and I was just like NO. No. No. No. WHY?!! I didn't want to see these characters that I'd fallen in love with continue on the path that they were headed, and I didn't want to torture myself by watching it unfold. But...I couldn't walk away. Nope. I couldn't take not knowing how it would end, and I trust this author (I really do), so I kept going. I am so very happy that I did.
Now, I've read more than my fair share of fake dating romances, because let's face it...it's a popular trope right now. And yet, Kandi Steiner has taken this all too common story line and turned it into something angsty and yet refreshing with characters that I loved and a world that I wanted to be a part of.
Clay and Giana form a plan to help each other. Giana wants the attention of the musician that she's crushing on while Clay wants to win back his ex-girlfriend. Becoming a fake couple seems like the perfect way to achieve both of those goals, but neither Clay nor Giana are prepared for their fake relationship to suddenly feel like the real thing.
I was completely drawn into this story from the very beginning. The chemistry between Clay and Giana was undeniable, and Clay was just a breath of fresh air. He's just a really good guy and not your typical college football star hero. Yes, this story took a turn that I was not happy with AT ALL, but I loved how that plot twist was written and handled throughout the rest of the story. And in the end? Well, that turn of events made the outcome all that much sweeter.
Bravo to Kandi Steiner for giving us a story that has it all: fun, steam, angst, and above all - romance. True romance with all the feels. Loved it!
DARLING VENOM by PARKER S. HUNTINGTON
Sometimes, I'm afraid to read a book that is getting all the hype for fear that it won't live up to my heightened expectations (and that does happen...a lot.) Not in this case though. Darling Venom did not disappoint.
This isn't just a romance. I actually felt like the romance here was really the secondary story. This book is so much more than that. It's a heavy read at times and deals with death, depression, suicide, survivor's guilt, and so much more. For me, at least, this wasn't an ugly cry book. I wasn't sobbing and didn't find myself having to put the book down to compose myself. I did cry though. Many times. I'd find tears just silently flowing down my face and I did have to pause more than once to blink away the tears so that I could see the pages. This story hurt my heart. It really did. My heart broke for Kellan. It broke for Charlotte. It broke for Tate. It broke for Terry. It broke for Leah. All for different reasons.
I'd read the blurb, so I didn't exactly go into this book completely blind, but I did do my best to avoid spoilers. I suggest that you try to do the same if it's not too late. There was one part of this story that wasn't a surprise to me at all; I'd figured out that plot twist very early on, but it still didn't take away from it's impact. This book made me feel so many things. It's one of those books that I don't think that I'll easily forget. It really is so much more than just a romance and this will be a definite contender for one of my top reads of 2022.
BETWEEN HELLO & GOODBYE by EMMA SCOTT
This story. Oh, my heart. Emma Scott ALWAYS pulls at the heart strings and she's done it again with her latest release.
Between Hello and Goodbye is a beautifully told story of sacrifice, of finding (and forgiving) one's self. It's a story of love and loss, of survival and love AFTER loss.
Faith Benson is the party girl who finds herself needing to grow up and make some adult decisions. She looks to "reset" on the remote Hawaiian island of Kauai, but an accident on her very first day on the island leads to meeting gorgeous firefighter Asher. Neither Faith nor Asher do relationships, but neither can deny the feelings that they quickly develop toward each other. These two lead totally different lives, and an ocean lies between them, so being anything more than friends could be dangerous for both of their hearts.
Now, let me say that one of my favorite books by this author is Someday, Someday, and if you've read that book, then you'll remember Faith. And since Faith came from that world, we get to see glimpses of Silas and Max in her story now, and I absolutely loved seeing them again. Although I always liked Faith, I really loved getting to know her better, and I fell for Asher right away. The way that their relationship develops and progresses pulled me in from the beginning and my heart was rooting for them so hard.
This story is the perfect romance. It's at times funny, swoon-worthy, and steamy. But just as in real life, it's sometimes hard, tragic, and heartbreaking. It's not an ugly cry, but I definitely shed a few tears. Yes, it's heartbreaking, but it's also healing. That is at the core of this story. Healing after heartbreak, and it's beautifully demonstrated within these pages.
KINGDOM OF VILLAINS by ELLA FIELDS
I admittedly do not read a lot of fantasy or paranormal, but when Ella Fields writes a fantasy romance, it's a must read. Kingdom of Villains has lived up to every expectation that I had and more.
Fia and Colvin's story is an enemies-to-lovers fantasy masterpiece. Having helped the dark Fae Prince escape her family's dungeon, the curious faerie princess finds herself paying the ultimate consequence for her betrayal. The only way to save her life is to marry the monster that has destroyed it. This prince has secrets, but maybe he isn't quite the monster that she's feared.
This story is beautifully told, every single word. This author writes with the most amazing imagery. Reading one of her books is like watching a movie. You don't just read the words on the page, but you will see the scenery in this magical world unfold. You will live this story right along with the characters and you will feel EVERYTHING.
I fell in love with Colvin from the beginning, both the man and the monster. I felt Fia's betrayal and fear, her desires and need to right all of the wrongs against her. I was intrigued by the mystical creatures and the world was that created in this story. I read until I could no longer keep my eyes open and awoke early just to finish this story, because I NEEDED to finish it. I couldn't go about my day without knowing how this story would end, yet at the same time, I didn't want it to be over.
I may not read a lot of fantasy, but this book made me want to live in this fantastical world. 5+ stars!
So, there you have it...my top reads at the half-way mark of 2022. Now, let's see how many of these make it to year-end!