Ketley Allison

4.5 stars

The very first thing I did when I finished this book was login to see how long I had to wait for book two. I know, I know, it just released, but it was so good! This will absolutely be a book I will have to revisit a time or two, because I had so many feelings! For now, I will just go ahead and one-click buy all of Ketley Allison's other books. Ah. Okay, I owe you all a review, a proper review, sorry about that.

Scarlet has no fears; if it looks ominous, sounds ominous, is probably show more ominous, she's running towards it. She's left behind her previous life of happiness and friendship after a terrible trauma and turns towards the underbelly of New York to find her new self. There's more than just poker taking place in the underground world of New York, there's crime, hustling, and the handsome face of Theo Saxon, mobster's son. Theo thinks he can scare Scarlet away from the savages of his life, but each savage task he puts her through just draws her into him. She seems him for what he really is and she's willing to push the limit for him.

Scarlet is an excellent character; Ketley Allison did a great job of creating a MC you can't help but like. Sure, she's pushed away her friends, but you feel the pain she's got trapped inside and if the ugly side of New York brings her back to life, then you're absolutely 100% behind it. I really enjoyed reading from Scarlet's perspective as she studied poker, encountered less than lovely people, and found herself feeling for the least likely person. Her slow development as she moves from traumatized Scarlet to alive and emotional is definitely one of my favorite parts of this book. Which brings me to Theo, our alpha male, I felt like I could see his facial expressions. I just want to see what he really looks like, I mean he sounds ridiculously attractive. He has the whole bad boy thing going for him, but Scarlet sees right through him and pushes him past his comfort zone. Their interactions were sexy, dramatic, and totally swoon worthy. The volatility of their relationship brought so much to this book, it felt normal, the pull of wanting someone so much and wanting to save them from heartbreak as well.

The story line of Paper Dolls is totally new for me. It isn't just a mobster style book, but a look from the outside in at the good and the evil that make up a family of criminals and the growth of a character after finally facing the trauma that has affected her for so long. The poker room subplot brings a lot of depth to this book, because it takes the readers out of the romance and into the world of New York's secret thrills. It allowed the readers to focus on who Scarlet is individually, brought a lot of great minor characters to life, and provided a backbone for the story of who Theo really is. The twists in this books are so good, especially as the Saxon family gets involved. I didn't expect any of it, though I feel like I should have, and that is definitely what keeps me turning pages in a book. I won't give anything away, but when I say I had feelings, I mean it. I full on cried when Scarlet cried as she found herself again and gasped as the events unfolded between Theo and Scarlet.

If you're looking for roller coaster romance, look no further than Scarlet and Theo. I finished this book with an empty hole in my heart, because I want to know what happens right now. Yes, it has a sort of cliffhanger, but this book is a complete story and I wasn't left feeling upset with the cliff, like I so often am. I hope Ketley Allison is banging away on her keyboard on book two, because I am not sure how long I can wait.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Ketley Allison for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review. show less

Holy cow! I'm on a roll with assassins and their prey and the Scythe is one deadly dude. Layla and Kaden are two individuals from starkly different worlds who find their fates intertwined in a web of vengeance, deception, and corruption.

Kaden Black "Scythe" is a ruthless hitman who has long forsaken his humanity in pursuit of revenge. His quest for vengeance has become a personal mission, driving him to a relentless pursuit of justice. However, when a hit crosses his path that challenges show more his usual MO, he finds himself torn between his instincts for self-preservation and an unexpected desire to protect the target.

Layla Verona finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. After overhearing a conversation that endangers her life, she becomes the subject of an assassin's assignment. However, instead of carrying out the hit, the assassin becomes her unlikely guardian, evoking both fear and attraction within Layla.

The passion is over the top with Kaden and Layla as they struggle with their feelings and battle unseen forces determined to kill them. Kaden's story is heartbreaking and I wanted him to succeed in his vengeance. Layla is brave and surprisingly adept at surviving as she thwarts adversity. Her loneliness is palpable and complements the part of Kaden that wants to protect. I desperately wanted these two to find peace, but the shocking ending has me begging for the next book in the series.

If you love gripping tales of suspense, intrigue, and smoldering passion, pick up this book. It won't disappoint.

Thank you to Ms. Allison for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review. show less

I couldn't get enough of this book! This gothic fantasy romance had me totally hooked. Clover, a passionate student of witchy history, stumbles upon a hidden fortune, and guess what? Her four mysterious men are on the hunt too! The characters are deliciously unhinged, and the dark romance setting is a perfect fit. It felt like a binge-worthy TV series, and that cliffhanger ending left me desperate for more. Even though it's not my usual genre, I was captivated by every suspenseful moment. show more I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Titan Falls University! show less

Now we are getting somewhere with the story. The story line in Sin moved along faster than the previous book in the series. And I'm loving it so much more now.

These characters are so interesting and complex. Just when I think that I have them all figured out and know who's side they are on and what they have been doing, the author throws another curve ball in and I'm back to square one again. I just can't figure out how some of them are turning into complete opposite of themselves.

And don't show more get me started on some of the revelations. There are some pretty big ones in this story. The secrets and lies that they are all telling each other and themselves. I just want to shake them all out of them silly selves.

But that ending! Did not see that coming at all. Give me more! show less