Review: The ​Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The ​Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Blood and Ash #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 20th 2021
Links: EbookPaperbackHardcoverAudibleGoodreads
Source: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

She’s been the victim and the survivor…

Poppy never dreamed she would find the love she’s found with Prince Casteel. She wants to revel in her happiness but first they must free his brother and find hers. It’s a dangerous mission and one with far-reaching consequences neither dreamed of. Because Poppy is the Chosen, the Blessed. The true ruler of Atlantia. She carries the blood of the King of Gods within her. By right the crown and the kingdom are hers.

The enemy and the warrior…

Poppy has only ever wanted to control her own life, not the lives of others, but now she must choose to either forsake her birthright or seize the gilded crown and become the Queen of Flesh and Fire. But as the kingdoms’ dark sins and blood-drenched secrets finally unravel, a long-forgotten power rises to pose a genuine threat. And they will stop at nothing to ensure that the crown never sits upon Poppy’s head.

A lover and heartmate…

But the greatest threat to them and to Atlantia is what awaits in the far west, where the Queen of Blood and Ash has her own plans, ones she has waited hundreds of years to carry out. Poppy and Casteel must consider the impossible—travel to the Lands of the Gods and wake the King himself. And as shocking secrets and the harshest betrayals come to light, and enemies emerge to threaten everything Poppy and Casteel have fought for, they will discover just how far they are willing to go for their people—and each other.

And now she will become Queen…

We’re now three books into this epic fantasy romance series! I’ve enjoyed each book in the Blood and Ash series so far, and this third book was no different. I had extremely high expectations, especially after reading that ending from A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, and Jennifer L. Armentrout didn’t disappoint. We’ve got all the action, steam, reveals, and more in this newest installment and I already can’t wait for the next one!

It’s hard to talk about this book now that we’re midway through the series without spoiling anything, but I’ll try. It’s finally revealed that Poppy is more that she – or anyone else – ever thought she was, and now she has to navigate this new role alongside her new husband, Cas. In TCOGB, we learn more about Poppy, her powers, Cas’ family, the Ascended, the war between the two kingdoms, the gods…. there’s A Lot. And in the midst of this is our favorite power couple who are now married(!!!) and being all cute and hot as husband and wife. For the Kieran fans, you will be very happy to know he’s constantly by their side.

I wish I could shout about what happened at the end of this book because SO MUCH IS GOING ON, but I will just say I’m so freaking excited for everyone to read TCOGB. It’s another fantastic installment in this fantasy romance series that I just can’t get enough of!


lacey


Reading Order: Blood and Ash series

#1 ~ From Blood and Ash: My ReviewEbook • PaperbackHardcover • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire: My ReviewEbookPaperbackHardcoverAudibleGoodreads
#3 ~ The Crown of Gilded Bones: EbookPaperbackHardcoverAudibleGoodreads


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Review: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Blood and Ash #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: September 1st 2020
Links: EbookPaperbackAudibleGoodreads
Source: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

Is Love Stronger Than Vengeance?

A Betrayal…

Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice….

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret…

But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.

Ever since I finished From Blood and Ash, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire shot up to the top of my most anticipated sequels of 2020. FBAA is one of my favorite books this year and the ending absolutely killed me. I NEEDED to read more of Poppy, Cas, and this epic fantasy world full of gods, magic, and vampires! Thankfully, this much-awaited sequel did not disappoint. I loved being back with our main characters, who have such great banter and chemistry together, and learning more about this new world Poppy is discovering.

AKOFAF literally picks up right where FBAA left off, with the wildest proposal ever. Poppy is rightfully hurt and angry at Casteel for his lies and betrayal, so their relationship, or what’s left of it, is on thin ice. Now to add in a marriage? It’s crazy – but it just might work. They both have something at stake and will do anything, even marry each other, to reach their goals. And in the midst of this marriage of convenience(!), Poppy also has to deal with being an outsider and despised by the Atlantians for being the former Maiden.

I was expecting a ton of angst and tension after what happened in FBAA and JLA dishes all of that out SO well. I was feeling so much for Poppy and Cas – they don’t want to want each other, but the lust and chemistry that developed while they were Poppy and Hawke is still there and only gets stronger the more time they spend together. JLA nails the push and pull of the romance, the longing, the heartache, and the love. Poppy and Casteel are both fantastic characters and there was never a time I didn’t root for them or want them to get their HEA. And I just gotta say, our vampire prince hero is even hotter this second time around! I loved him as Hawke but he’s way more compelling as Casteel.

We do get much more of the world-building, as expected in a fantasy sequel. There isn’t as much action and the pacing of AKOFAF is definitely slower, as it focuses more on fleshing out this fantasy world and developing Poppy and Cas’s relationship. But one of the things I love about JLA is that her writing is so easy to read. I never felt like there was too much info-dumping and despite how much more detailed and in-depth we get into the Atlantian world, I never felt like I was lost reading it all.

AKOFAF is a fantastic follow-up to one of my favorite reads of the year. Poppy is more of her badass self, the romance is steamyyy (I am HERE for all the hot fantasy romances!), and I just love this world JLA has created so much. If you thought the FBAA ending was awful (in the best way), prepare for AKOFAF’s! The cliffhanger will have you screaming!


lacey


Reading Order: Blood and Ash series

#1 ~ From Blood and Ash: Ebook • PaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#2 ~ A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire: EbookPaperbackAudibleGoodreads


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Review: From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Blood and Ash #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: March 30th 2020
Links: Ebook • PaperbackAudible • Goodreads
Source: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

Oh. My. Gosh.

What was that ending????

I need book two STAT.

WOW. What an incredible read. I’ve been a fan of JLA since Obsidian, but From Blood and Ash without a doubt is her best work to date. This new adult fantasy romance was absolutely incredible. The world-building is fantastic and not at all too much info dumping. I loved our main characters Poppy and Hawke. To be honest, about 80% of the book was a solid 4 star read for me, until the last 20% blew everything out of the water. The last hundred pages is truly EPIC. I could not put this book down and would highly recommend it for anyone who loves fantasy romance or wants to get in to the subgenre!

Poppy is known as the Maiden. She’s basically the “chosen one,” waiting for the day of her Ascension, where humans ascend to become immortal and powerful. Since losing her parents, she’s been kept under lock and key, unable to communicate with anyone other than her guardians and bodyguards. Her life is… not her own. But when she gets a new bodyguard after the tragic death of her last one, her life starts to get turned upside down, no thanks to Hawke.

I won’t get too much into the details of this book, because I truly believe it’s so much better to experience the story if you go into it blind. The twists and turns that happen in the last 100 pages are jaw-dropping. I’m in awe of how JLA was able to blow my mind away! Poppy made a kickass heroine, so headstrong, intelligent, and caring. I loved how she knew how to defend herself and would kill to protect those she loved. Hawke is a bit of a mystery, gorgeous and alpha and so intrigued by Poppy. They made a fantastic couple together with lots of great banter.

I am now currently dying to get my hands on the sequel. JLA really did us dirty with that cliffhanger. Just kidding, I still love her. FBAA is now one of my favorite reads of 2020 and I can’t wait to see what else JLA has in store for us in this world!


lacey


Reading Order: Blood and Ash series

#1 ~ From Blood and Ash: Ebook • PaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#2 ~ A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire: EbookPaperbackGoodreads (Sept. 1, 2020)


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ARC Review: Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: de Vincent #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 30th 2018
Links: Ebook • PaperbackAudible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout delivers the unforgettable story of a woman whose new life has just begun—but may end in murder . . .

Julia Hughes has always played it safe until she learned a very painful lesson. Now Julia’s starting over with a job in the Louisiana bayou—and a scorching encounter with a stranger, only to discover he’s Lucian de Vincent . . . her new employer. The de Vincent brothers share a massive fortune and a dark reputation. Julia cares for their troubled sister, but a menacing presence in the mansion—and the ever-present temptation of Lucian—prove dangerously distracting.

Lucian’s grandmother claimed de Vincent men fall in love once—and hard. Apparently, it’s Lucian’s turn. Julia’s compassionate care of his twin makes Lucian want to lay himself bare. But some secrets are better for Julia not to know.

The recent “suicide” of Lucian’s father is the latest in a string of deaths on the estate. Someone is eliminating the de Vincents. And the best way to get to Lucian may be through Julia. . . .

I have yet to be disappointed by JLA – she’s a talented, versatile writer of various romance genres. Moonlight Sins is the first I’ve read of her romantic suspense novels and I have to say that I was incredibly impressed by the way she set up the story! Not only did I love the fantastic chemistry and romance between the main characters, but JLA kept me on my toes and guessing what would happen next. If you love a healthy dose of mystery and suspense with your romances, I highly recommend you give Moonlight Sins a try!

Julia Hughes is starting anew in the Louisiana bayou as a live-in nurse for a wealthy family. At her send-off party, she meets a guy she feels an intense connection with… but when arrives at the location of her new job, it turns out he’s none other than one of her employers and one of the de Vincents. The de Vincents are the American royalty of the South. They’re wealthy beyond measure and can have anything they could possibly want… but looks can be deceiving. Because inside the mansion they reside in lies a broken family with a dark, mysterious past and a curse that causes tragedy with each generation.

Despite being his employee, Julia can’t help but still want Lucian, the youngest of the de Vincent brothers. He is dark, dangerous, charming, and sexy as hell. He’s alpha to his core, which means he’s used to getting what he wants – and what he wants is Julia. He’s wanted her since the second he saw her and he’ll do anything to make her see that the spark between them is worth fighting for.

In between the hot chemistry and slow romance is the mystery and intrigue I’d been expecting in this romantic suspense. They mysterious “suicide” of the de Vincents’ father and the return of a long-lost sibling had me turning the pages to find out what really happened. JLA really amazed me with the way she was able to weave in the suspense seamlessly with the romance. I honestly couldn’t guess what would happen next!

Overall, Moonlight Sins is a fantastic start to what I know will be an incredible series. With a steamy romance, thrilling suspense, and a gripping mystery, this book had it all. I love Julia and Lucian, and am so intrigued by the two other de Vincent brothers. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!


lacey


Reading Order: de Vincent series

 

#1 ~ Moonlight Sins: Ebook • PaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Moonlight Seduction: Ebook • PaperbackGoodreads (June 26, 2018)


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Blog Tour + Character Interview & Giveaway: Fire in You by Jennifer L. Armentrout

fire-in-you-tour

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for FIRE IN YOU by Jennifer L. Armentrout!! Check out a character interview below with Jillian!

Character Interview: Jillian Lima

What it was like growing up with your father?

It was never boring growing up with Andrew Lima. Since my father is a famous ju-jitsu and mixed martial arts expert, I grew up in the MMA world and the Academy. That was interesting to say the least.

What do your friendships with the other couples mean to you?

I love that I’ve found such wonderful female friends, but I also love that our significant others are close, too. It works out that we all get along.

How has your past shaped your future?

I eventually realized that I have to live in the present because there is no promise of tomorrow.

What’s your favorite holiday Starbucks order?

Pumpkin Spice Latte

If you and Brock could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?

Traveling anywhere with Brock is an adventure. It really doesn’t matter where we travel because we enjoy all of our time together.

Fire in You by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Wait for You #6 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 28th 2016
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From the #1 New York Times and International bestselling author comes a richly moving story about heartbreak and guilt, second chances and hope. Full of familiar, fan-favorite characters and no two people more deserving of a happy ending, Fire In You will burn bright beyond the last page…

Jillian Lima’s whole world was destroyed in a span of a few hours. The same night her childhood love, Brock ‘the Beast’ Mitchell, broke her heart, her life was irrevocably altered by the hand of a stranger with a gun. It takes six years to slowly glue together the shattered pieces of her life, but Jillian is finally ready to stop existing in a past full of pain and regret. She takes a job at her father’s martial arts Academy and she’s going out on her first date since a failed relationship that was more yuck than yum. Jillian is determined to start living.

She just never expected Brock to be a part of her life again. But he’s firmly back in her life before she knows it, and not only is he older, he’s impossibly more handsome, more teasing and more everything. And when he sees Jillian, he’s no longer capable of thinking of her as the little girl who was his shadow growing up or the daughter of the man who gave him a second chance at life. He sees the woman who’d always been there for him, the one person who believed in him no matter what.

Brock knows she’s the one he should’ve made his, and what begins as a tentative friendship quickly turns to red-hot chemistry that sparks a flame that burns brighter than lust. Falling for Brock again risks more than her heart, because when the sorrow-filled and guilt-ridden past resurfaces, and a web of lies threatens to rip them apart, the fallout could lay waste to everything they’ve fought to build together, and destroy the dreams of those they care most about.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & NobleiTunes

Pre-Order a digital or paperback copy of FIRE IN YOU by Jennifer L. Armentrout, writing as J.Lynn, AND fill out THIS FORM, and get an exclusive bonus scene-an Epilogue featuring POVs from all the major couples throughout the Wait For You World!

FIRE IN YOU will be available in paperback and eBook November 28th, 2016!

Just enter your name, age, email address, and the order number from your digial or paperback pre-order receipt at https://a.pgtb.me/M7KhMCto receive your exclusive FIRE IN YOU bonus scene! All entrants will receive the bonus scene on December 5th, 2016 through email using the email given when the entrant filled out THIS FORM.

Reading Order: Wait for You series

Wait For You by Jennifer L. Armentrout Trust in Me by J. Lynn Be With Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout Stay with Me by J. Lynn
Fall With Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout Dream Of You by Jennifer L. Armentrout Forever with You by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

#1 ~ Wait for You: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Trust in Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Be with Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Stay with Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Fall with Me: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Dream of You: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Forever with You: EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Fire in You: EbookPaperback • Goodreads (Nov. 28, 2016)

about the author button

Jennifer L. Armentrout#1 New York Times and #1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA.

She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

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Signed Set of the Wait For You Saga (not including FIRE IN YOU) for 1 winner

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

November 21
The Book Bratz-Review
This Wacky Mama Reads!-Review & Excerpt
Booklovers For Life-Character Q & A-Jillian

November 22
The Reading Geek-Review
Words With Sarah-Review & Author Interview

November 23
Grown Up Book Reviews (MundieMoms)-Review
Krista’s Dust Jacket-Review & Excerpt
Oh My Growing TBR-Review & Excerpt

November 24
A Bookish Escape-Review
Star-Crossed Book Blog-Review & Author Interview

November 25
Book Bitches Blog-Review & Excerpt
The Irish Banana Reviews-Review & Author Interview

November 26
Stuck In YA Books-Review & Top 5 List
Step Into Fiction-Review & Excerpt

November 27
Less Reality, More Books-Review & Character Q & A-Kristen
My YA NA Book Obsession-Review & Author Interview

November 28
RentasticReads-Review
Stuck in Books-Dual Reviews
Mrs. Leif’s Two Fangs About It-Review
MEReadAlot-Review

November 29
Milky Way of Books-Review
Love Between the Sheets-Review & Character Q & A-Brock
Book Boyfriend Reviews-Review

November 30
The Cover Contessa-Review & Top 5 List
Deity Island-Review & Excerpt
All Romance Reviews-Review & Excerpt

December 1
Cocktails and Books-Review
Readers Live 1000 Lives-Review & Character Q & A-Avery & Cam
K-Books-Review

December 2
Tome Tender-Review & Excerpt
The Book Hookup-Review & Excerpt

December 3
Nose Stuck in a Book-Review & Excerpt
Kimberlyfaye Reads-Review & Top 5 List


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