Oaths of Land and Sea by Evelyn A. Bernard Review

 

BOOK: Oaths of Land and Sea by Evelyn A. Bernard

Pub Date: 12 Nov 2025

 BLURB

Cassandrea has never doubted her king.

Not when she spied for him. Lied for him. Killed for him. Not even when it cost her her husband... She would do it all again.


Because peace demands sacrifice. Because traitors deserve no mercy. Because enemies must be hunted down before they disrupt order and cause chaos.


However, Cassandrea's unwavering loyalty is put to the test when she is sent on a mission to take over a coastal town critical to her king's war effort. Accustomed to working alone, she finds it hard to trust another. Especially when the charming kelpie spy she is paired with has an infuriating habit of asking the very questions she has spent a lifetime avoiding. But as the war rages on, one doubt becomes two.


Two become a crack.


And sometimes...


That's all it takes for someone's world to start falling apart.

 

BOOK LINKS 🔗

Amazon | Goodreads | Storygraph 

 REVIEW

  

Oaths of Land and Sea by Evelyn A. Bernard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK: Oaths of Land and Sea by Evelyn A. Bernard (Format: eBook)
Pub Date: 12 Nov 2025
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

• What character did I love? Kerr... 😣
• Feeling bored? No
• Feel frustrated? No
• Lose interest? Definitely not

QUICK IMPRESSION
From the start, you get a strong sense of Cassandrea’s unwavering loyalty to her king. Alone, isolated, and shunned by humans and her own kind alike, her determination to rise above discrimination stands out right away.
Civil war broke out when the dragon king's heir, Terren, rebelled against him. The war rages on with neither side gaining ground for long. Cassandrea's latest orders send her to Renglow to infiltrate the walled city and sabotage its defenses—but this time she has a partner, a kelpie named Kerr. With only three days together in constant close proximity, Cassandrea finally allows herself to feel and care for someone else.

PLOT TWISTS
Chapter 14: Major twist, OMG 😱 I didn't see that coming! I had to re-read a page in Chapter 14 twice because I couldn't believe what I was reading. It’s not often I’m completely bowled over by a plot twist! 👏🏼

QUOTES TO KEEP
"You are my shadow, child. My shadow that I send across the land to cut short the cries of the dissidents, traitors, and rebels."

"Fear," the handsome dragon said, "is the key to their souls."

"Does everybody and everything you meet swoon over you?"
"That’s a loaded question, coming from a siren."
"Yet you still haven’t answered it."
"Are you falling in love with me?"
"No!"
"Then no. Not everybody."

"I’m trying to distract you from yourself," Kerr countered. "The work we do is hard. You’re going to burn out if you don’t allow any fun into your life. So, let go. For one night? Just be here. With me."

KEY CHARACTERS
• Cassandrea Thalarin: A half-blood siren, spy, saboteur, and lone guerrilla operative for her dragon king, Valderan. She has long golden hair, green eyes, and a scarred neck running to her chin that mars her siren beauty.
• Kerr: A handsome, brash, and dangerous kelpie. He has a mane of wavy brown hair, red eyes, broad shoulders, and a mischievous, sensual side. The attraction between Cassandrea and Kerr is powerful, driven in part by their mythical natures.
• Dragon King Valderan: An ancient ruler and one of three triplet siblings. As a dragon, he is a massive black beast with golden eyes, a huge maw that could swallow ten men at once, and a voice that can shatter windows. In human form, he is tall and broad-shouldered with ebony hair and molten gold eyes. He is beautiful in both forms, but utterly brutal. His army relies on ruthless obedience, strength, and enslaved labor.
• Dragon Heir Terren: The young dragon prince who rebelled against Valderan. He leads an army of patriots that grows larger as he sweeps through towns and villages. They fight and work tirelessly for him because they genuinely believe their cause is just.

FINAL THOUGHTS
• The Good: Incredible worldbuilding, vivid character descriptions, and a very detailed glossary at the back. The plot builds a clear picture in your mind, and that plot twist was totally unexpected! 🫨👏🏼
• The Bad: That plot twist 💔... KIDDING! Honestly, I couldn't think of anything!
• Verdict: I found myself thinking about this book and its characters even when I wasn't reading. It's rare for a story to play in the background of my mind like that, but this one did. If you like sirenic water lore, a duty-versus-desire romance, assassin/spy protagonists, and high-stakes royal politics involving dangerous mythical beasts, I highly recommend this! I already have Book 2 on my TBR and cannot wait to read it!

TROPES & AESTHETICS
🔸 ❤️‍🔥 Duty-versus-desire romance (Fade to black)
🔸 🌶 Medium-burn / insta-lust
🔸 💔 Betrayal
🔸 🧜🏼‍♀️ Magical beings & lore
🔸 🥷🏼 Assassin/spy protagonists
🔸 🚨 High-stakes royal politics

View all my reviews

BOOK ART 

Let Me See: Lockwood Legacy Book 2 by Kaylee Navarro

 

BLURB 

When stolen glances turn into an unstoppable obsession...

Harper Beckett, small town girl, park ranger and wildlife enthusiast. She never felt seen or understood or chosen at all, until Connor. Her brother's girlfriend's much older brother burst into her life and turned it all upside down...

Connor Lockwood, cybersecurity genius, protective older brother, enamored with his sisters, boyfriends much younger sister. With green eyes, golden blonde hair and a body that could stop traffic, Harper is everything he never thought he'd have and the only thing he refuses to lose.

When their worlds collide, can he do what is necessary to protect her? Can she accept him as he is?

BOOK LINKS 🔗 

Amazon | Goodreads 

REVIEW 

Let Me See: Lockwood Legacy Book 2 by Kaylee Navarro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Let Me See: Lockwood Legacy Book 2
by Kaylee Navarro
4/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I have not read book 1, and the author stated that it isn't required. 😁 I completely agree! The author includes enough backstory to keep you informed, but more importantly, it intrigued me enough to want to go back and read Calliope and Oliver's story. (Let Me Go) Is found here 👉🏼 https://amzn.to/4gQBz4A

BUT this book does literally start with the Male protagonist discussing 'Fred' from book 1. So I felt like I was missing something for a quick minute. Thankfully I soon got into the storyline and as the plot reveals itself, anything relevant to this story was explained 👏🏼. I have found in the past this doesn't happen, and then I am feeling slightly on the back foot.

The author does list the Tropes/warnings: so I've written my thoughts on those below:

*Age Gap 🩶 2/5 (the artwork makes Connor look younger) than his age in the book - 43 but he definitely got all the alpha male dominance traits that make him swoon worthy.
Harper, is 28 but she's definitely smart, independent and knows what she wants in a relationship... I also liked that even though she had never been in a dangerous position, she was smart and used her knowledge to keep herself in control.

*High Spice 🌶️ 4/5 Definitely spicy but I've read spicier , but I think the author has got the spicy/suspense and sweet mix just right 👍🏼, I've really enjoyed reading this book.

*Mafia (mentioned) 🕴🏼⚰️ 3/5 This was a good blend of small town country vibe with Mafia infiltration to create a suspenseful story set in the rural parkland where Harper works. Sergei was a favorite character too 😁
*Violence (on page) ⚔️🛡️🔫 3/5 I've definitely read darker, but the scenes are intense without being overly graphic 👏🏼 I think Queen is my favorite of Connor's team, but Thing 1 &Thing 2 are the ones that are most interesting 🧐
Note to Author: we need a Lockwood Cybersecurity series 😆

*Snakes (mentioned) 🐍 type 😂 and definitely the other type 🤪 (sorry couldn't resist)

*Kinks/Rough Sex 🪢3/5 We have some hot 🔥 scene's inside and outside 😁 gotta explore the woodland opportunities 😉 and Connor is definitely the one calling the shots 🪢🌶️

My final thoughts:
This is the first book I've read of this authors, and I think that considering this is Kaylees second book, and book 1 was released earlier this year (July) I predict we will be seeing more of this new authors works in the future 👏🏼🥰.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

View all my reviews

AUTHOR BIO 

Hey y'all. My name is Kaylee Navarro. I was born and raised in a small town in north west Washington state. After marrying my husband we moved to the south. We have lived in Oklahoma and Texas since 2015. I am a wife, mom and dog mom. Avid animal education advocate and animal lover. I am not just a writer but avid reader as well. I write small town stories because they are what I know. I pour my heart and soul into my characters and hope you love them as much as I do.

When I write, I write what I'd like to read. No extensive miscommunications here. All HEA's and no cheating! I like reading a third act breakup but can't bring myself to write one.

Follow Kaylee Navarro on Instagram 

Embedded by J.L. Drake Review

 

 

 BLURB

From the author of the bestselling Broken Trilogy and Dark Water Series comes Embedded—the second book in Stonewall, the heart pounding action and suspense series, where brotherhood binds them, and passion drives them even in perilous times.

Nicole Winter has many facets—a war correspondent, a protector, a mother in all but blood.

But those are just titles.

Nicole's relentless drive for the truth was forged in war zones and honed by years of experience. Her instincts catch the shifts others overlook, and what whispers now is clear— the Cartel is gathering strength, and war is coming. Once, she would have chased the story, but for the first time, she is in a position more dangerous than she has ever faced.

A secret.

A bond.

A betrayal.

Paul is recovering from his wounds, but the scars no one can see cut deepest. He can’t forgive Nicole for putting his son in the spotlight, yet the child he never claimed is bound to her. She’s a risk he can’t afford, yet the only one who can protect his future.

Fueled by vengeance and ambition, Bruno Perez’s recklessness gives Nicole the chance to do the unthinkable and return to the viper’s pit, even if it costs her life.

As the team closes in and loyalties fracture, the green light unleashes the unimaginable. Blood is shed in the most unlikely places, and no one is beyond the line of fire.

* Intended for 18+, may contain triggers, ends with a cliffhanger *

Topes: Military Romantic Suspense - Slow Burn - Protective Hero - Betrayal - Cartel War - Found Family - War Correspondent Heroine - High-Stakes Romance

 BOOK LINKS 🔗 

Out now 

Book 1 Amazon US

Book 2 Amazon US 

Pre order 

Book 3 Amazon US 

REVIEW

  Embedded by J.L. Drake
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

BOOK:Embedded: Stonewall Trilogy #2 By  JL Drake.
Note:This is book 2 in this series and you most definitely need to read them in order.
Status: Read
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Published: 18 Nov 2025

QUICK IMPRESSION  
The book continues right from the drama of book 1, and the heart-pounding action and suspense keep going!

REVIEW  
Paul is recovering from his injuries and having a hard time forgiving Nicole for endangering his son by revealing his heritage to the world. What he doesn't understand is that it was her only way to get Chase out safely. This causes a lot of tension between Nicole and Paul, as well as with his teammates as they realize she’s keeping secrets.
As they recover from their escape from Mexico, an uneasy truce is formed and  secrets are finally revealed and then Bruno Perez’s obsession gives Nicole the chance to finish what she'd started and return to the Cartel underworld,  Paul is divided, he knows she's been in this for years, but after they finally admitted their feelings for each other they are more than aware tomorrow is never guaranteed.

QUOTES TO KEEP  
• "To Paul, Sorry, man, but it was time to shake shit up." - the dedication just cracked me up  
• "I don’t care what happens to me, but can you promise to get this little guy to safety?"  
• “Mr. Gates, I hardly recognized you without blood dripping from your hands,”  

KEY CHARACTERS  
• Character 1 - Paul: Role: Agent. Paul, our MMC he's struggling, with injuries and his feelings towards Nicole
• [Character 2 - Nicole Winter: Role: War Correspondent.
Our FMC Nicole is documenting the Mexican Cartel wars but had to burn her position for the sake of Paul's son Chase ( she's unaware Paul is the father)
• [Character 3 - Bruno Perez]:Role: Son of Ezmarelda Perez, Head of the Perez Cartel. His obsession with Nicole is his Achilles' heel.
(There are a lot of characters in this series, the author kindly listed them at the beginning of the book.
Another favorite for me was: Chili: Role: Undercover Agent ( l love how he was with the ladies in the truck and his constant support to Paul).
And these get an honorable mention because they make me want to read their books:
Grim Gates: Mafia King [Havoc of Sins Trilogy]
Trigger: MC President of [Devil’s Reach Trilogy] 😁)

FINAL THOUGHTS  
The Good:the intense continuation of the plot, my stomach was tight as Nicole and Chase escaped Mexico, the twists of not knowing who you can trust. The Mexico scenes are undoubtedly more tense and thrilling because of the situations.

The Bad:  Nothing "bad" as such... but I did feel the plot slowed down a whole lot when they got back to Shadow's safe house (though trouble soon invades their once-safe haven anyway!).

As we get to the end of the book this is where the parts that made me cry 😭 happen.
And that ending 🤯😱  Not really spoiling it ... This is in the Blurb... Blood is shed in the most unlikely places, and no one is beyond the line of fire.
When I turned the page and saw that it ended on a cliffhanger, I was 😱🤯! But thankfully, the author gives you a sneak peek of Book 3, Breached—which is the final book and comes out in just 2 weeks! 😅

Verdict:A solid sequel to book 1,
If you’re looking for a high-stakes romantic suspense that you can fly through in one sitting (I'm really happy it's been chucking it down with rain all day 🌧️) add Embedded to your TBR immediately!

View all my reviews

AUTHOR BIO 

If you wish to read the authors books in order click here 

J.L. Drake, born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California. Though she loves the weather in Cali, she would sell her left kidney for a good rainstorm. Jodi’s love of the seasons back home in Canada definitely appear in her books. When she’s not writing, you can often find her sitting somewhere along the coast of Huntington Beach, reading, or at home curled up on a couch with her two children and husband, binge watching a good movie. 

AUTHORJLDRAKE.COM 

Extraction by J.L. Drake Review

BLURB 

From the author of the bestselling Broken Trilogy and Dark Water Series comes Extraction—the first book in Stonewall, a dangerous suspense series in the World of Mayhem, where brotherhood runs deep, and the fight for what matters most only gets harder when the heart is on the line.

Agent Paul is a soldier of many faces—

a ghost, an undercover operative, a team leader.

But those are just titles.

When a letter lands in his hands, everything changes. The past he buried resurfaces with a single revelation—his son.

Returning to the cartel world he barely escaped is a mission he can’t face alone. His brothers rally behind him, shifting their current operation to follow a trail that leads into the darkest corners of Mexico. What they encounter is far more than intel.

A pawn.

An heir.

A child.

Nicole Winter is a war correspondent with a reputation for chasing the truth. Smart. Relentless. And already three steps ahead. When their paths collide, she’s holding the one document Paul needs—and carrying secrets of her own.

As trust is tested and loyalties blur, the mission spirals. When Paul vanishes mid-operation, Nicole is left with one impossible task—to get the boy out alive.

Even if it costs her everything.

BOOK INFORMATION 

Published June 26, 2025

Series: Stonewall Trilogy (#1)

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published: June 26, 2025

Amazon. |  Goodreads.  |  Storygraph 

REVIEW

 

This is the first book I have read by this author, but I love this trope and the series sounded right up my alley.

​Extraction is the first book in this series, but it’s set in the author’s previous World of Mayhem universe. That could have been confusing, but thankfully it wasn't! I always appreciate when an author considers new readers and provides enough background to make the story stand on its own while still making you want to go back and read the original series.

​The main MMC, Agent Paul, is a "ghost." He worked as an undercover operative and is technically dead. He’s worked out a system to lead his men behind the scenes without putting his face out in the world where it could be caught on surveillance—a setup that really highlights how modern tech like smartphones, social media, and CCTV has made the world of covert operations so much more complicated.

​When Paul finds out he’s a father and that his son is in danger, his old life comes back to haunt him. He risks everything to join his team on the ground, following a trail that leads straight into the Mexican cartels. Paul’s situation is so heavy—he carries immense trauma and guilt from his undercover days. Having to sit back and let others take the lead in his own son's rescue was agonizing. Reading his POV made my heart hurt as he reflected on his relationship with Talya and their missing boy.

​Our FMC is Nicole Winter, a war correspondent with a reputation for chasing the truth. Thanks to her contacts, she’s already three steps ahead of Paul. She gets caught up in a dangerous situation with one of the cartels while searching for the child, and when her path collides with Paul’s, the tension jumps off the page. Both can’t deny their attraction, but with a child's life hanging in the balance as an heir and pawn of the cartel, they have to focus on what matters—even as the mission spirals.

​The situation Nicole ends up in when Paul disappears led to some of the most intense scenes in the book for me. The struggle, the sheer exhaustion... I felt every bit of it as I read. To me, that’s what makes a fantastic book: when you’re so invested in the characters and story that you feel like you’re right there beside them (or in their shoes) as they fight to survive.

​Favorite quote:

​"My world had just been shaken like a snow globe, and I still waited for all the flakes to settle."

​If you like enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, military romance, romantic suspense, slow burns, and redemption arcs, this book will be right up your alley!

View all my reviews       

Available now in the Stonewall Trilogy

 

UK Amazon 🔗 

US Amazon 🔗

CA Amazon 🔗 

AU Amazon 🔗 

Breached by J.L. Drake releases October 6! 

 

War isn't raging south of the border.

 

For Blackstone, this isn't just another mission. It's the fight for everything they've built—and everyone they love 

 

It's coming home.

Pre-order today! 

 US: https://amzn.to/4ggiGsA

UK: https://amzn.eu/d/0iUpbMKk 

CA: 

AU: https://amzn.asia/d/08H79AdJ  

AUTHOR BIO 

If you wish to read the authors books in order click here 

J.L. Drake, born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California. Though she loves the weather in Cali, she would sell her left kidney for a good rainstorm. Jodi’s love of the seasons back home in Canada definitely appear in her books. When she’s not writing, you can often find her sitting somewhere along the coast of Huntington Beach, reading, or at home curled up on a couch with her two children and husband, binge watching a good movie. 

AUTHORJLDRAKE.COM 

Review: The Overbooked Suite by Michael Wolsiefer

 BLURB 

Neil endures his soul-crushing corporate job, placates his demanding family, and suffer through a relationship with a girlfriend who constantly gaslights him. His only sanctuary is his daily coffee break with his coworker, Sonya. Sonya is fierce, blunt, and beautiful—everything Neil secretly wants.

When a scheduling disaster at a San Diego conference leaves Neil homeless, Sonya offers to share her upgraded suite. Suddenly, the safe distance of the office is gone, replaced by late-night balcony confessions and the undeniable electricity of shared space. But the conference brings ghosts: Neil’s toxic girlfriend is blowing up his phone, and Sonya’s abusive ex-boyfriend has arrived, determined to lure her back with a lucrative job offer. To protect the woman he loves, Neil has to stop playing it safe. He’ll have to face down her past, sever ties with his own, and finally admit that he doesn't just want to be her best friend—he wants to be her forever.

The Overbooked Suite is a steamy, dual-POV, forced-proximity romance for anyone who's ever fallen for the person who was quietly, patiently there all along — perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez. 

REVIEW 

  The Overbooked Suite by Michael Wolsiefer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

BOOK:The Overbooked Suite by Michael Wolsiefer (Format, ebook)

A Slow-Burn Romance Driven by Drama and Indecision

Title: The Overbooked Suite
Author: Michael Wolsiefer
Status: Read
Rating: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Spice level:🌶️

QUICK IMPRESSION

​Michael Wolsiefer’s debut novel, The Overbooked Suite, is a classic dual-POV, forced-proximity romance with workplace drama, toxic exes, and slow-burn angst.
The setup is full of potential: Neil and Sonya go from daily coffee-break co-workers to sharing a suite at a San Diego conference, forcing their long-harbored feelings into the open.

QUOTES TO KEEP

• “You two will grow with each other, but it takes time to grow something. A tree isn’t strong in weeks, it takes years, it needs roots, nourishment, care. You will get there. You need to let someone nourish you for a change. Moving or not moving, same job or new job, it doesn’t matter as long as you have someone who loves you and supports you through it all."

FINAL THOUGHTS

​While the premise sets up an ideal environment for instant sparks, much of the narrative focuses on the agonizingly slow burn between the two leads. In fact, roughly 80% of the book is spent watching Neil and Sonya dither around their true feelings.

Sonya seems to be the more focused presence. She has been there for Neil listening to him and his issues with Tessa (an influencer, totally self absorbed... I couldn't understand why he hadn't got out the relationship months ago). Sonya has morals so she has been giving Neil the space he needs to make his own decision, she doesn't want to push him.

For me Neil was a frustrating male lead, he is plagued with self-doubt, his upbringing makes him prioritize family obligations, and guilt over leaving a bad relationship before his own happiness. This for me was very frustrating and I was literally wanting to slap him around the head a number of times.

I am used to reading books where the male protagonist is bold, self assured, Neil’s constant overthinking and passive behavior was my biggest issue with this character. He struggles to step up, make the right choices, or own his feelings without spiraling into panic, leaving you practically yelling at the pages for him to finally "man up" and take action.

When breakthrough moments finally happen, the sudden leap into intense commitment feels jarring after so much hesitation, only for his signature cold feet to return almost immediately the next morning.

​That said, l did have one character that I loved. Sonya’s mother has a brief but standout presence, offering genuinely wise advice (see quote)

The subplot with the other conference attendees, one being Sonya’s ex Brian keeps the plot moving forward even when the romantic progression hits a lull.

Verdict: For me both characters were too indecisive, I spent most of the book muttering at them, there wasn't much comedy but if you enjoy heavy angst, emotional hesitation, it might be more your style.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review

View all my reviews

AUTHOR BIO

I live in Indiana with my wife and five children. I am very passionate about writing, art, and creativity. I love telling stories about social barriers and how characters overcome them. This is the first of several ideas that am crafting into larger stories and series. 

When I'm not writing or working a full-time job, I'm playing board games with my family, working outside with my garden and koi pond, or finding the next location to travel to. I'm a big advocate for those with Celiac Disease ( I have it myself). I'm a huge ally for those suffering from mental health issues and write opinion pieces online about my journey. 

Website  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads

Hades' Revenge by Ella Jade Review & Release Day Blitz

BLURB 

When a vicious assassin is banished from the life he’s known, he starts over only to be tempted by the goddaughter he hasn’t seen in almost twenty years.

Hades

Vindictive, malicious, some would even say sadistic…

I couldn’t argue with any of those assessments. We are who we are. I’m a vengeful assassin who will stop at nothing to make those who wronged me pay. And I’m thirsty for revenge.

Eighteen years ago, I took the fall for a man who was like a brother to me. I even vowed to protect his daughter by becoming her godfather— and then he betrayed me.

Two decades later, his daughter, now a stunning woman strolls into my life, having no idea who I am or what I’m capable of. Capri takes an unhealthy interest in me, the older and dangerous man, and I don’t do anything to discourage her. I welcome her obsession because it suits me.

When her infatuation with me grows stronger, I prove just how vindictive, malicious, and sadistic I really am. Is she the opportunity I need to enact my revenge against her father or is she the reason I finally let this vendetta go?

Don't miss the start of this bold dark romance series by USA Today Bestselling Author Ella Jade. Hades' Revenge is a dark age gap rom com that may contain content that is disturbing to some readers. It is a standalone with no cliffhanger and has an HEA.

This book is not a Greek Mythology retelling.

BOOK LINKS 🔗 

Only $2.99 for a limited time!

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BOOKBUB LINK: 

Other book 🔗 

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/4b50A9m

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/4b0fPAq

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/4aZxOqF

B&N: https://bit.ly/4rWHIQQ

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3OS5nDt

Apple Books: https://apple.co/4rc8Ryj

Universal: https://books2read.com/u/479POg

 

 

REVIEW

  Hades' Revenge by Ella Jade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book cover first drew me in, then the blurb sold me...

Capri was quite audacious in her pursuit of Hades, she was a mixture of naivety and brashness in her quest to find out why the owner of a Greek Nightclub and her father had identical tattoos.
From her first encounter with him at his club, which was a suspenseful scene in itself, to the following encounters, we are swept into the pages as they explore their attraction.
When Hades learns what her father has planned for her future, his plans change.
When the storyline switches to New York, the tension and attraction mounts.
He has every right to exact revenge, but will he give that up for love?

Well you will have to read the book yourself and find out 😁.

My thoughts:
This is only the second Age Gap romance That I have read. But I actually picked up the book because the plot hooked me first.
I'm a sucker for a suspenseful story and so the age gap was a secondary trope that was something different.
In the beginning I thought Capri was a bit naive with her surveillance of Hades ( I'm sure she thought she was in some undercover cops show) the way she acted in the beginning, she could have gotten herself into trouble - luckily Hades had his eyes on her. Then her second attempt to me highlighted her fixation on Hades. Stalker much!
Luckily Hades might be one of the most elite assassins who has a reputation he also has honour.
Capri intrigued him, and what started as a way to exact revenge on her father soon had his once frozen heart thawing.
I liked how their relationship helped both of them grow. The background suspense story from Capri's fathers business associations ties the story together and a HEA.
I've enjoyed this book and it leads into Zeus's story which sounds like it's another intriguing book, I've added it to my TBR 😉.

Thanks to the author and Give Me Books PR for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest opinion.

View all my reviews

AUTHOR BIO 

USA Today Bestselling author Ella Jade writes dark mafia romances with dominating mob bosses, the strong women who challenge them, and suspenseful twists that keep her readers turning the pages.

When she isn’t reading or writing sexy, angsty, and intense words, she indulges in a well-crafted martini and binge watches episodes of Dallas, Falcon Crest, and Dynasty, where she learned at an early age how to spin an old-school cliffhanger. She also enjoys spoiling her two chihuahua writing companions.

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Stolen Days in by Maria Lorca Review

 Cover design: Cherie Fox Design. 

 BLURB 

Laura Valdés is a 22nd -century time agent when the Consortium and the Opposition fight in a generational war for the last resources on a devastated Earth. In a world that’s moved underground, Laura longs for the 20th century, where love, life and loss proceed in the open, come rain or shine.

When a mission to Occupied France arises, Laura volunteers to jump to 1944 to stop Opposition agents from killing Le Renard, the charismatic leader of the Resistance. To let that happen would mean to change the course of history. The last thing she expects is to meet Henri Beaumont, whose movies have become an obsession – a preoccupation that could put her usual by-the-book approach to the test.

Laura and Henri are thrown together into a dangerous operation through Aquitaine to save their comrades. Not only must they avoid German patrols, they must avoid their feelings too.

In the face of isolation and danger, they’re on the verge of falling for one another. But unless Henri can be convinced to marry Marie and preserve the timeline, Laura and Henri might never meet in the first place.

Can a woman from the future and a man living a lie history chose for him be destined for each other?

Only time will tell.

BOOK LINKS 🔗 

AMAZON - GOODREADS - STORYGRAPH 

REVIEW

 

Stolen Days : How far would you go for the right person in the wrong century? by María Lorca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK: Stolen Days by Maria Lorca (Format: ebook)

TITLE: Stolen Days  
Author: Maria Lorca  
Status: Read  
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

QUICK IMPRESSION  
"How far would you go for the right person in the wrong century?"
As a fan of time-travel agents (Star Trek: Picard’s watcher Tallinn comes to mind!), I was immediately hooked by the premise of Stolen Days.
In a bleak future, becoming a Time Agent comes with severe risks—but also massive perks, like traveling to eras where clean air and fresh food were abundant. Agent First Class Laura Valdés loves the early 1900s, using surviving classic cinema to prep for her missions. Her newest assignment takes her to WWII-era France near Bordeaux, where she must stop an assassination targeting Le Renard (The Fox), a key figure in the French Resistance.

QUICK NOTES  
One of my thoughts on the subject of going back in time, is how little or how much should the agent interact...
One intense scene really hurt, but I understood the moral dilemma of why Laura couldn't intervene.

QUOTES TO KEEP  
• “If it weren’t for duty and responsibility, I would say let’s take our boat and sail it to a desert island. Live on the island and make love all day.”

• “I’m a time traveller from the future!”

• “But the way I see it, is that every minute with you is a gift. We were never meant to be, but despite this, we found each other. Our love transcends time and space. That’s how strong it is.”

• “We were always meant to be and not even time and space could keep us apart. But it’s still not enough time.”

• “Maybe we meet in passing in this life, and I will see you in the next life,”

• “I’m ninety-seven years old. Most people don’t reach that age. I had a good life and have made my peace with dying. We all die one day and the rest of the days we don’t.”

• He kissed me again, and this time, the kiss was everything.  

KEY CHARACTERS  
• Character 1: Laura Valdés: Role/Class: Time Agent First Class. History major, has the knowledge that is crucial to adapt to the challenges of WW2, loyal to her supervisor Mike, she prefers her own company but has a best friend, Time Agent Second Class Lizzie Rossi is there to support her when needed. Her latest mission is to stop the 'Opposition' from assassinating the leader of the French Resistance near Bordeaux. His code name is Le Renard, (The Fox).
• Character 2: Michael Nelson, or just Mike: Role/Class: Supervising Time Agent. Mike has feelings for Laura, but she's oblivious to it at first. He is supportive of his agents and well liked. He is willing to go up against his superiors to ensure his team are ok.
• Character 3: Henri Beaumont: Role/Class: Principal in the Time mission objective. Henri worked for the French Resistance during World War II, and afterwards creates a career in Hollywood. Married to Marie and father to Sylvie. Laura is a big fan of his movies.

FINAL THOUGHTS  

• The Good:

• Seamless Worldbuilding: Multi-timeline stories can get convoluted, but the pacing and timeline shifts flowed naturally.
• Smart Protagonist: Laura uses her knowledge as a history major and classic film enthusiast to adapt to WWII challenges.
• Emotional Depth: The story presents genuine moral dilemmas around interference in the timeline—one scene in particular was heart-wrenching, yet completely understandable.
• The Bad: There really wasn't anything in particular.
Room for More:
I would love to explore more of the future timeline in upcoming books—specifically why neither the Consortium nor the Opposition uses their time-travel technology to fix their degraded present. Hoping for answers in Book 2.
• Verdict:A refreshing departure from standard Romantasy and a fantastic sci-fi romance read. Recommended for fans of time travel, WWII espionage, and star-crossed romance. "How far would you go for the right person in the wrong century?" That says it all...

TROPES  
• ⏳ Right person, wrong time
• ✨ Star-crossed lovers
• 🔒 Forced proximity
• ⚖️ Moral dilemma & war conflict

View all my reviews 

AUTHOR BIO

Maria Lorca is a Spanish author who lives in Germany. Raised between two cultures, she is a native speaker of Spanish and German. Maria began writing poetry in her teens before transitioning to short stories and novels. She also co-wrote the libretto for an award-winning musical. Introduced to fantasy and science fiction by her older brothers at a young age, her fascination with these genres never faded. In her free time, she enjoys flamenco and salsa dancing, as well as reading classic literature. She is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree in English, with a focus on English literature.

AUTHOR LINKS 🔗 

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