Burn the Kingdom Down: one woman seeks revenge and discovers twists she never expected

Burn the Kingdom Down by Addie Thorley is an enemies to lovers romantasy with intrigue and action. Rowenna Harrack, the crown princess of Tashir, left her homeland as the bride to the prince of Vanzador. One year later, she is dead and her sister, Indira, is demanded as her replacement for the prince. Indira only agrees to figure out the truth behind her sister’s death, convinced it was no accident, and take revenge on those responsible. It’s a simple plan to play nice and gather the necessary intel to avenge her sister and free herself and her country from the iron grip of Vanzador. However, when she arrives, nothing is as it seems or as terrible as Rowenna described in her letters home. As Indira develops friendly terms with her maid, a courtier and even grows closer to her new husband, Prince Alaric, she is unsure who or what to believe. She learns that everyone has secrets, even deadly ones.

Burn the Kingdom Down promised to be “action-packed” with romance that would leave readers “breathless” and “betrayals” that would rip their hearts out. It is an interesting premise and the opening chapter certainly grabs your attention. However, the story gets confusing from there. The enemies part of enemies to lovers was done well. The animosity between Indira and Alaric was excellent. The lovers part was a bit more unbelievable and sudden, given their intense animosity. Indira herself was a bit annoying as she refused to see that what she knew about the situation wasn’t what she thought it was. I liked the magic system in this story. Overall, it was an interesting story with lots of action. Though I wasn’t breathless at the romance or my heart wasn’t ripped out by the betrayals. I feel teen readers might enjoy this story more. If you enjoy romantasy stories, you may enjoy this one. I recommend Burn the Kingdom Down. 

Burn the Kingdom Down is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Twisted Games: a slow burn, bodyguard royal romance

Twisted Games by Ana Huang is the second book in the Twisted romance series. Rhys Larsen is ex-Navy Seal and an elite bodyguard who lives by two rules. One, protect his clients at all costs and two, do not become emotionally involved. He has never broken those rules. That is until her. Bridget von Ascheberg is a princess with a stubborn streak a mile wide and a fire that would turn anyone into ash. Even a stoic bodyguard. As they spend time together, Rhys’ defenses begin to fade and they begin a mutual friendship as they ignore the growing desires flaring between them. When Bridget’s older brother abdicates the throne, she realizes she faces a loveless, politically motivated marriage and a role she never expect to have. Now she is thrust into the minefield of politics and she must hide her desire for a man she cannot have. 

I loved Twisted Love and eagerly looked forward to continuing the series. Twisted Games is a slow burn, at first, then to an inferno as Rhys and Bridget eventually give in to their desires. I loved this story much more than Twisted Love, and I loved Twisted Love! Rhys is a man with a deeply painful past. Despite her confident facade, Bridget carries her own painful scars. I loved every minute of these two together as bodyguard/client, friends and then eventually lovers. There were plenty of moments of great banter, swoon worthy flirty moments and spicy scenes. While technically you do not need to read Twisted Love before reading Twisted Games; however, I highly recommend it. There is some overlap and references that make great Easter eggs but not necessary to enjoy Rhys and Bridget’s love story. If you love a slow burn romance, I highly recommend Twisted Games. 

Twisted Games is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Twisted Love, book 1, is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook