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Broken Crowns #1
Beauty & Rage
Crumbled castles. Napalm skies.
Ancient oaths and exiled royals.
Nowhere to run from this. No way to forget.
All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put her back together again....
Reyes Straykova is an abomination.
Born of death and madness, he’s only satisfied by bloodshed and destruction.
His tyrannical uprising has cloaked the sun in an impenetrable darkness. The savage and corrupt pledge loyalty to his rule, causing more blood to spill whilst striking fear in the masses.
Duvessa Vasiel wasn’t ready to be a queen.
Her crowns been snatched away and replaced with another, along with her freedom.
Claimed by the volatile and ruthless beast responsible for bringing the world to its knees, she becomes ensnared in a court of hellish nightmares.
Sleeping with the enemy takes on a whole new meaning when her life is held within their treacherous hands.
As Reyes immerses her in endless obscenity and wickedness, something slumbering deep within begins to wake.
Lines are blurred and truths become questioned.
When every word and action could bring about her demise, how can she ever reclaim what was stolen?
Murder. Betrayal Sinister schemes.
Bow to the king and watch chaos reign.
Completely revamped-this story has been extended and rewritten.
Dark fantasy/PNR horror.
Ancient oaths and exiled royals.
Nowhere to run from this. No way to forget.
All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put her back together again....
Reyes Straykova is an abomination.
Born of death and madness, he’s only satisfied by bloodshed and destruction.
His tyrannical uprising has cloaked the sun in an impenetrable darkness. The savage and corrupt pledge loyalty to his rule, causing more blood to spill whilst striking fear in the masses.
Duvessa Vasiel wasn’t ready to be a queen.
Her crowns been snatched away and replaced with another, along with her freedom.
Claimed by the volatile and ruthless beast responsible for bringing the world to its knees, she becomes ensnared in a court of hellish nightmares.
Sleeping with the enemy takes on a whole new meaning when her life is held within their treacherous hands.
As Reyes immerses her in endless obscenity and wickedness, something slumbering deep within begins to wake.
Lines are blurred and truths become questioned.
When every word and action could bring about her demise, how can she ever reclaim what was stolen?
Murder. Betrayal Sinister schemes.
Bow to the king and watch chaos reign.
Completely revamped-this story has been extended and rewritten.
Dark fantasy/PNR horror.
Unknown Binding
First published March 7, 2019
113 people are currently reading
897 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Bennett
111 books2,668 followersLover of all things pǝʇsıʍʇ & unusual.
I write unconventional 'romance' with strong elements of horror.
Find all my links here!
linktr.ee/AuthornatB
I write unconventional 'romance' with strong elements of horror.
Find all my links here!
linktr.ee/AuthornatB
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
March 5, 2019
Sigh...I pretty much enjoy everything this author writes, so when I found out she was venturing into the dark paranormal genre I knew I had to get my hands on a copy of this book. And, I enjoyed it quite a bit. There were a couple small issues I had that kept it from being a complete 5-Star read. Those were minor issues and more like personal preferences than anything that took away from the story. The other small issue I had was that this ended SO abruptly. Obviously it was meant to end on a cliffhanger, but the book just kind of STOPPED in the middle of a scene. It was a bit jarring.
Those small issues aside I LOVED this book. The same great writing I have come to expect from this author. It is a relatively short book (two hours reading time), so it moved at quite a fast pace. The plot was super interesting. It was told in a dual POV format. The world building was good. It was darkish. It was twisted. It held a bit of mystery. There wasn't any OW or OM drama. The sex was smokin' hot. Duvessa was a likable and strong heroine. Reyes I am still unsure about. (lol) He was sexy as f-ck, and he seemed to be all about Duvessa, but he was also twisted and cold. I didn't feel like we got to know him very well in this book. However, I am fairly sure there are two more books coming, so I assume the author will develop his character more going forward. There were also an intriguing cast of secondary characters. Duvessa's two friends who it appears will probably be paired with Reyes's two brothers. Dylan also intrigued me, and I have a strong feeling I know who he is.
So yea, not a lot left for me to say about this one. It had a couple teensy issues, but overall it was a fantastic read and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
March 21, 2019
***4,5 "Remember your duty!!!!" stars***
"Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown -"
OH. MY. DEAR. LORD.
I think that i just loved this book, even though it was dark and twisted in a way... It certainly was a fucked up paranormal fairytale with lots of angry sex and hateful feelings!!!
Fucked up to the core, but I liked it.... So damn much!!!!
"Freedom is a burden. You should be glad I took it from you."
Well, let me start by praising the beautiful cover, which made me pick this book up!!!! Yep, sometimes, i choose my books just from the covers!!!
Then the crown word and image on the cover sealed the deal, because I'm a sucker of fairytales, even if they are dark and messed up!!! The darkier, the better, right???
Also, this was my first book by Natalie Bennett, but I can assure you that this was just the beginning!!!! I'm way too curious about the stories that this author's mind can make up!!!!
Seriously, I'm thrilled!!!! WOW!!!
"I will have all of you, Duvessa, whether you willingly give it or forcefully take it."
Well, as i already told you this was a twisted, dark fairytale.... A hate to love??? Or hate to lust(!!!) paranormal romance with many political games and many unexpected twists...
Well, Duvessa's princess world changed in an instant... And after some time, she is deciding to walk into the wolf's den and ask help from a mortal enemy...
Somewhere along the way, the things are not going according to her plans... Something is going seriously wrong and she is finding herself in a very difficult position....
Now, she is litterally forced to stay beside the enemy and she has no other option but to follow his commands!!!! But she will try to stay her true defiant self, no matter what will happen at the end...
She just want her land and her people back, to give them a better future...
"As a princess. I was afforded many privileges. As a queen, I lost nearly all of them."
The POV is splitting between Duvessa and Reyes, the man in question... The savage... The monster... The King of Purgatory!!!!
He had abilities that could make you bow in his demands and near to Duvessa, he was showing a more soft side of him...
But don't fool yourselves (Yeah, I'm talking to me here!!!), he is full of darkness, full of secrets and a very ruthless and savage man.
But what is really happening here??? Why he has a soft spot for her and where that thing between them can lead them???
"My heart, it rattled in its cage knowing Reyes and I would never be anything more than a lustful, angry tragedy."
Well, Duvessa and Reyes are bounded together... She was an unwilling participant, or weren't she after all???? The lust between them was unbearable at some point, and it made me hot and bothered...
The secrets that are lying between them were too many... They are both means to an end for the other, but it's only that between them???
Duvessa is a prisoner in a way and Reyes is doing too many unexplainable things!!!! I can characterize him as a barbarian, but damn me, i still liked the guy!!!! I'm crazy, i know!!!!
"My queen, take a good look around you. This is hell, and I am king.... You have two choices in my court: kneel or bleed."
Also, there were too many other things that were playing out in the background and other people that i want to understand better, except the main couple...
The truth is that i have too many unanswered question in here and the things were very complicated to fully be explained... So, i can not say more...
But I'm dying here!!!! I really need the second book and i need it to be a little bit longer....
Please, if somebody knows when the second book will be released, please, please inform me too!!!!
"You have given me your body countless times. It's when I look in your eyes and see I no longer have your heart that I am reminded of who we are."
***Oh! I just want to warn you that if you like PNR books, this have mature contents in it and hard language... Also, it may have triggers for some of you!!!
If you have not problems with the above, go for it!!!!
If it's the opposite... just stay away!!!
"Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown -"
OH. MY. DEAR. LORD.
I think that i just loved this book, even though it was dark and twisted in a way... It certainly was a fucked up paranormal fairytale with lots of angry sex and hateful feelings!!!
Fucked up to the core, but I liked it.... So damn much!!!!
"Freedom is a burden. You should be glad I took it from you."
Well, let me start by praising the beautiful cover, which made me pick this book up!!!! Yep, sometimes, i choose my books just from the covers!!!
Then the crown word and image on the cover sealed the deal, because I'm a sucker of fairytales, even if they are dark and messed up!!! The darkier, the better, right???
Also, this was my first book by Natalie Bennett, but I can assure you that this was just the beginning!!!! I'm way too curious about the stories that this author's mind can make up!!!!
Seriously, I'm thrilled!!!! WOW!!!
"I will have all of you, Duvessa, whether you willingly give it or forcefully take it."
Well, as i already told you this was a twisted, dark fairytale.... A hate to love??? Or hate to lust(!!!) paranormal romance with many political games and many unexpected twists...
Well, Duvessa's princess world changed in an instant... And after some time, she is deciding to walk into the wolf's den and ask help from a mortal enemy...
Somewhere along the way, the things are not going according to her plans... Something is going seriously wrong and she is finding herself in a very difficult position....
Now, she is litterally forced to stay beside the enemy and she has no other option but to follow his commands!!!! But she will try to stay her true defiant self, no matter what will happen at the end...
She just want her land and her people back, to give them a better future...
"As a princess. I was afforded many privileges. As a queen, I lost nearly all of them."
The POV is splitting between Duvessa and Reyes, the man in question... The savage... The monster... The King of Purgatory!!!!
He had abilities that could make you bow in his demands and near to Duvessa, he was showing a more soft side of him...
But don't fool yourselves (Yeah, I'm talking to me here!!!), he is full of darkness, full of secrets and a very ruthless and savage man.
But what is really happening here??? Why he has a soft spot for her and where that thing between them can lead them???
"My heart, it rattled in its cage knowing Reyes and I would never be anything more than a lustful, angry tragedy."
Well, Duvessa and Reyes are bounded together... She was an unwilling participant, or weren't she after all???? The lust between them was unbearable at some point, and it made me hot and bothered...
The secrets that are lying between them were too many... They are both means to an end for the other, but it's only that between them???
Duvessa is a prisoner in a way and Reyes is doing too many unexplainable things!!!! I can characterize him as a barbarian, but damn me, i still liked the guy!!!! I'm crazy, i know!!!!
"My queen, take a good look around you. This is hell, and I am king.... You have two choices in my court: kneel or bleed."
Also, there were too many other things that were playing out in the background and other people that i want to understand better, except the main couple...
The truth is that i have too many unanswered question in here and the things were very complicated to fully be explained... So, i can not say more...
But I'm dying here!!!! I really need the second book and i need it to be a little bit longer....
Please, if somebody knows when the second book will be released, please, please inform me too!!!!
"You have given me your body countless times. It's when I look in your eyes and see I no longer have your heart that I am reminded of who we are."
***Oh! I just want to warn you that if you like PNR books, this have mature contents in it and hard language... Also, it may have triggers for some of you!!!
If you have not problems with the above, go for it!!!!
If it's the opposite... just stay away!!!
March 11, 2019
So I adore this author's dark and twisted mind and I also love paranormal so I was really interested to see how this author would handle this particular genre seeing as it's her first foray into it.
Well, it was actually really good, the author managed to switch genres seamlessly slipping into this landscape like an old pair of slippers.
Expect all the usual blood, gore and truly reprehensible behaviour that you would normally get as this is just as extreme and out there as usual.
This gripped me catching my imagination almost instantly from the onset here.
There were such mysteries here just waiting to be untangled and solved and what clues we were drip-fed here in regards to Duvetta and Reyes shared pasts was so very intriguing indeed.
I have so many out-there theories at this time fighting for space inside my head and I do hope I have somewhat guessed some while others I'm probably barking right up the wrong tree entirely.
For now, I will just watch this space and wait and see what comes to fruition.
What I will say is that the premise behind this new series is ever so fresh and imaginative so I am really looking forward to what's looming on the horizon here.
So Reyes himself seems a complete contradiction almost harsh and soft at the same time but that softer aspect seemed solely reserved for his Queen.
There's almost at times a glaring disparity between the brutality and cruelty that Reyes is capable of and the almost loving regard he has towards Duvessa.
She likes his Achilles heel.
On a final note, I found the ending here a tad abrupt I was expecting a cliffhanger of course but the finale felt just extremely sudden like it stopped mid-sentence maybe it was just me.
Anyway, this was a fantastic and tantalising enigma of a start to this new series and I am looking forward to the next instalment here.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Beauty & Rage (Broken Crowns #1).
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
June 25, 2023
Natalie’s writing is so dry now, you need to add more sprinkles in this bitch.
March 16, 2019
3.5 stars
I have been struggling to write this for DAYS!
I love this author's writing and her style of grit and gore always gets me. Bennett is one of the queens of crazy and messed up and this paranormal was no different. She has created a whole new world that is reminiscent of the Badlands with its blood-filled streets and a king who has a taste for blood. Only this time Reyes, the king of Purgatory, a place unlike any I have experienced and it seems that the there are dark corners that have yet to be explored. His queen is Duvessa, who's whole world has gone up in flames, literally.
Duvessa travels to Purgatory with her two friends in hopes to gain some sense of control back over the destruction of her subjects and land. What she doesn't anticipate is the dark web she goes down with Reyes and mysteries are a plenty. Duvessa is smart and knows something is amiss but can't put her finger on what it is. What she knows for sure though is the explosive chemistry that she and Reyes share. Reyes is not overly forthcoming with his plans and I am sure that is so us readers can experience the secrets as Duvessa does. We just didn't get any answers this time around, only about a million questions.
What was most interesting about this take on a paranormal world was the uniqueness of the characters and places. They are not your typical vampire, fae or witch, they are something else. I wanted the "what else" they were to be explained a bit more because I did struggle with how to categorize these characters in my head. Overall this was a wild ride and I feel like there is so much more to explain. I also felt there were ideas that were a bit underdeveloped and I am hoping that they are further delved into in the future. Because there has to be more of this erotic, bloody and dark tale.
I have been struggling to write this for DAYS!
I love this author's writing and her style of grit and gore always gets me. Bennett is one of the queens of crazy and messed up and this paranormal was no different. She has created a whole new world that is reminiscent of the Badlands with its blood-filled streets and a king who has a taste for blood. Only this time Reyes, the king of Purgatory, a place unlike any I have experienced and it seems that the there are dark corners that have yet to be explored. His queen is Duvessa, who's whole world has gone up in flames, literally.
Duvessa travels to Purgatory with her two friends in hopes to gain some sense of control back over the destruction of her subjects and land. What she doesn't anticipate is the dark web she goes down with Reyes and mysteries are a plenty. Duvessa is smart and knows something is amiss but can't put her finger on what it is. What she knows for sure though is the explosive chemistry that she and Reyes share. Reyes is not overly forthcoming with his plans and I am sure that is so us readers can experience the secrets as Duvessa does. We just didn't get any answers this time around, only about a million questions.
What was most interesting about this take on a paranormal world was the uniqueness of the characters and places. They are not your typical vampire, fae or witch, they are something else. I wanted the "what else" they were to be explained a bit more because I did struggle with how to categorize these characters in my head. Overall this was a wild ride and I feel like there is so much more to explain. I also felt there were ideas that were a bit underdeveloped and I am hoping that they are further delved into in the future. Because there has to be more of this erotic, bloody and dark tale.
January 29, 2022
***4 "Bow or Bleed!!!" stars***
AVAILABLE!!!
"I will have all of you, Duvessa. Your body, your heart, and your crown whether you willingly give it, or I forcefully take it."
This isn't the first time that I've read this book...
Actually this was my very first book by Natalie Bennett and the one that made me seek everything that she had writes before and after!!!
Even though this was a paranormal story, the darkness weren't missing from here...
To be totally honest with you, I have loved the first version a little bit more, this polished version didn't make my blood pumping wildly like before, but enough with the comparisons...
Either way, this is a very dark, fucked up and intriguing story and I can not wait for the next parts for this twisted puzzle to complete!!
"What good was a powerless creature in a world where it was all about power and prestige?"
This was a very twisted and dark fairytale.... A hate to love??? Or hate to lust(!!!) paranormal romance with many political games and many unexpected twists...
Duvessa's world changed in an instant... And she is deciding to walk into the wolf's den and ask help from a mortal enemy...
She just want her land and her people back, to give them a better future...
But things are not going according her plans... Something is going seriously wrong and she is finding herself in a very difficult position....
Now, she is forced to stay beside the enemy and it doesn't help the fact that she is kind of attracted to him...
"So, this is your plan? Steal my kingdom and keep me locked away like a prisoner?"
...
"There's no need to be upset. Freedom is a burden. You should be glad I took it from you."
Reyes is the King of Purgatory!!!!
He is a very ruthless and savage man, full of darkness, secrets and bad intentions.
Along with his brothers, they are ruling with an iron fist and he is determined to have Duvessa all to himself, no matter how he will succeed it.
What is really happening here??? What is the connection between Duvessa and Reyes???
Which secrets are they both hiding???
"Take a good look around you. This is hell, and I am your king."
"You will never be my king..."
"You continuously test my patience. I'm going to give you an ultimatum... Bow or bleed."
"I bow to no one."
Duvessa and Reyes were bound together... He made sure of that!!!
The lust was always there lingering in between, but the secrets that are lying between them are too many... They are both means to an end for the other, but is it really only that there is between them???
Duvessa is a prisoner in there and Reyes is doing too many unexplainable things!
I can characterize him as a barbarian, but damn me, i still liked the guy!!! LOL!
"Never did I think there would come a day I'd be locked in a power struggle with the King of Abaddon."
There were too many other things that were playing out in the background and I can not wait to see where this story will lead us.
I have so many unanswered questions in here and the things were very complicated to fully understand them.
The only sure thing is that I need more of this world and more of the crazy chemistry between Reyes and Duvessa!!! I really can not wait!!!
"You're going to regret this."
"Are you threatening me?"
"I'm promising you that you're going to wish you never touched my crown with your filthy hands."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
AVAILABLE!!!
"I will have all of you, Duvessa. Your body, your heart, and your crown whether you willingly give it, or I forcefully take it."
This isn't the first time that I've read this book...
Actually this was my very first book by Natalie Bennett and the one that made me seek everything that she had writes before and after!!!
Even though this was a paranormal story, the darkness weren't missing from here...
To be totally honest with you, I have loved the first version a little bit more, this polished version didn't make my blood pumping wildly like before, but enough with the comparisons...
Either way, this is a very dark, fucked up and intriguing story and I can not wait for the next parts for this twisted puzzle to complete!!
"What good was a powerless creature in a world where it was all about power and prestige?"
This was a very twisted and dark fairytale.... A hate to love??? Or hate to lust(!!!) paranormal romance with many political games and many unexpected twists...
Duvessa's world changed in an instant... And she is deciding to walk into the wolf's den and ask help from a mortal enemy...
She just want her land and her people back, to give them a better future...
But things are not going according her plans... Something is going seriously wrong and she is finding herself in a very difficult position....
Now, she is forced to stay beside the enemy and it doesn't help the fact that she is kind of attracted to him...
"So, this is your plan? Steal my kingdom and keep me locked away like a prisoner?"
...
"There's no need to be upset. Freedom is a burden. You should be glad I took it from you."
Reyes is the King of Purgatory!!!!
He is a very ruthless and savage man, full of darkness, secrets and bad intentions.
Along with his brothers, they are ruling with an iron fist and he is determined to have Duvessa all to himself, no matter how he will succeed it.
What is really happening here??? What is the connection between Duvessa and Reyes???
Which secrets are they both hiding???
"Take a good look around you. This is hell, and I am your king."
"You will never be my king..."
"You continuously test my patience. I'm going to give you an ultimatum... Bow or bleed."
"I bow to no one."
Duvessa and Reyes were bound together... He made sure of that!!!
The lust was always there lingering in between, but the secrets that are lying between them are too many... They are both means to an end for the other, but is it really only that there is between them???
Duvessa is a prisoner in there and Reyes is doing too many unexplainable things!
I can characterize him as a barbarian, but damn me, i still liked the guy!!! LOL!
"Never did I think there would come a day I'd be locked in a power struggle with the King of Abaddon."
There were too many other things that were playing out in the background and I can not wait to see where this story will lead us.
I have so many unanswered questions in here and the things were very complicated to fully understand them.
The only sure thing is that I need more of this world and more of the crazy chemistry between Reyes and Duvessa!!! I really can not wait!!!
"You're going to regret this."
"Are you threatening me?"
"I'm promising you that you're going to wish you never touched my crown with your filthy hands."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
November 26, 2021
Natalie Bennett and PNR sounds like a delicious treat, and I was not disappointed. This book had me rapidly turning pages- and it's every bit as dark and twisty as I've come to expect from her work. We have the macabre and bloody and all the depravity, but we also have an alluring story. Dove trying to save her kingdom- which may include succumbing to the ruthless and savage Reyes, who has built his own kingdom. As always, we have a complicated pairing- a lot of push and pull- and a bunch secrets that keep us on our toes. Excited for more.
**This is a revamp of a 2019 title.
**This is a revamp of a 2019 title.
March 10, 2019
Plunged right in to this brand new world had me biting my nails and reading furiously to learn about everything having to do with these characters. Vividly descriptive, it was fairly easy to see it in my head and didn't stop until I got to the end! As always, unconventional, but completely hot and satisfying!! I can't wait for more!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
March 5, 2019
***4.5 Stars***
I’m definitely intrigued.
Confused on some level, which is actually what I believe the author somewhat intended because confusion does tend to turn to interest/intrigue and make the reader NEED to know just what the hell is going on.
So, she wins. She totally wins in this case.
What we get here is a nice little intro to a world, and story, that’s filled with sex, drugs, blood and intrigue (rock n roll would have come next had this taken place in our world) and quite a few characters ~ both good, bad and craycray ~ that I want, and need, to know more about because there be quite a few questions I need answered ~ especially with where things dropped off.
So, time to #practicepatience and see just what the author has up her sleeve for these characters!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
I’m definitely intrigued.
Confused on some level, which is actually what I believe the author somewhat intended because confusion does tend to turn to interest/intrigue and make the reader NEED to know just what the hell is going on.
So, she wins. She totally wins in this case.
What we get here is a nice little intro to a world, and story, that’s filled with sex, drugs, blood and intrigue (rock n roll would have come next had this taken place in our world) and quite a few characters ~ both good, bad and craycray ~ that I want, and need, to know more about because there be quite a few questions I need answered ~ especially with where things dropped off.
So, time to #practicepatience and see just what the author has up her sleeve for these characters!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
January 20, 2022
A Beautifully Horrific Fairytale
From supes,, demise, chimeras...this is an amazing adaptation of a grand fairytale. Such creativity. It's paranormal like I've never read before. The downfall of humanity creates the rise of the paranormal. Supes are a pure breed. Vampire, Lycan, Demon...so many in this world. Demis. A mix breed. Princess Duvessa is a demi. Her kingdom has fallen. She has no choice but to seek help from the King of Abbadon. Reyes. A chimera, he is every supe together in one powerful being. He rules with cruelty but his affection for Duvessa has a history. But she can't remember how. Reyes and her are not seeing eye to eye. She questions everything. She will make decisions for herself. Hopefully it will not end in her death. Wonderfully written. Great story.
From supes,, demise, chimeras...this is an amazing adaptation of a grand fairytale. Such creativity. It's paranormal like I've never read before. The downfall of humanity creates the rise of the paranormal. Supes are a pure breed. Vampire, Lycan, Demon...so many in this world. Demis. A mix breed. Princess Duvessa is a demi. Her kingdom has fallen. She has no choice but to seek help from the King of Abbadon. Reyes. A chimera, he is every supe together in one powerful being. He rules with cruelty but his affection for Duvessa has a history. But she can't remember how. Reyes and her are not seeing eye to eye. She questions everything. She will make decisions for herself. Hopefully it will not end in her death. Wonderfully written. Great story.
January 25, 2022
Beauty & Rage lives up to its name. I absolutely love the atmosphere, eerie, gruesome, downright violent and decadent. The beauty and sometimes erotism in this ambiance absolutlely struck me. Once again, the author created a unique paranormal world, with an intrigue that kept me on the edge of my seat from page to page.
I am still not sure what's exactly happening but I enjoyed the rhythm of this first opus of the Broken Crowns Trilogy. I screamed and cringed, and kept wondering, which is a delight.
The romance part, not exactly a romance after all, is highly sexual, don't seek the feelings, you won't find them here. The connection between the characters will evolve and mature in the next installments, I'm sure.
If you like thrilling stories, strong heroines, ruthless villains, scorching hot scenes, and you don't mind cliffhangers, this book is for you!
I am still not sure what's exactly happening but I enjoyed the rhythm of this first opus of the Broken Crowns Trilogy. I screamed and cringed, and kept wondering, which is a delight.
The romance part, not exactly a romance after all, is highly sexual, don't seek the feelings, you won't find them here. The connection between the characters will evolve and mature in the next installments, I'm sure.
If you like thrilling stories, strong heroines, ruthless villains, scorching hot scenes, and you don't mind cliffhangers, this book is for you!
March 8, 2019
3.5 Stars
I am a HUGE fan of Natalie Bennett and absolutely love her books, which makes her an automatic one-click for me. I love her darkness and the twisted spin she puts on words. When I found out she was writing a dark paranormal romance, I almost died. I love PNR and I love dark, and combining those two genres with my favorite author is a definite win in my book.
However, with that being said, I’m so confused yet also intrigued by this book. I hate giving one of my favorite authors a less than stellar review but I have to be honest or my reviews would mean shit to those who follow them.
I did enjoy this book, after about 40% when things started picking up, but the initial world-building was lacking. Even after I finished it, I still had no idea what kind of world these characters were living in and all of the supernatural creatures dwelling in it. I felt like we were just kinda thrown to the wolves in the beginning and the knowledge about everything is assumed. But this book was only a prelude and I’m pretty sure we will be getting more answers as each book in the series comes out.
Duvessa is a princess turned Queen of Zenith after her father has died. The people in her region are dying and she needs help, so she turns to the only person she believes can save her people - Reyes, the evil and sadistic King of Purgatory, and he wants Duvessa as his Queen. As soon as she meets Reyes, he marks her and claims her as his… but we are dropped tiny little breadcrumbs giving us clues that these two share a past that only Reyes remembers.
These two were absolute FIRE together. There were several steamy scenes were Duvessa was taken daily by the hottie despire/demon/vampire, or whatever the hell he was. I even started clenching my thighs at one point. And it’s not a Natalie Bennett book if there isn’t a delicious dose of darkness added to it… and this one had some cringeworthy depravity going on. Reyes sure was a sick and twisted bastard, but damn if I still didn’t find him hot af.
While this wasn’t a favorite for me, mainly because I don’t fully understand the world yet or what’s actually going on with the plot (Natalie tends to do this with her series...feeding us tiny morsels of info but still keeping an air of mystery by not giving anything away to keep us dangling on the edge in suspense), yet I kept craving more with every turn of the page. It’s an interesting start to the series and I’m definitely curious to see what’s in store for these characters, because that ending? Holy shit, way to leave a girl hanging!
I am a HUGE fan of Natalie Bennett and absolutely love her books, which makes her an automatic one-click for me. I love her darkness and the twisted spin she puts on words. When I found out she was writing a dark paranormal romance, I almost died. I love PNR and I love dark, and combining those two genres with my favorite author is a definite win in my book.
However, with that being said, I’m so confused yet also intrigued by this book. I hate giving one of my favorite authors a less than stellar review but I have to be honest or my reviews would mean shit to those who follow them.
I did enjoy this book, after about 40% when things started picking up, but the initial world-building was lacking. Even after I finished it, I still had no idea what kind of world these characters were living in and all of the supernatural creatures dwelling in it. I felt like we were just kinda thrown to the wolves in the beginning and the knowledge about everything is assumed. But this book was only a prelude and I’m pretty sure we will be getting more answers as each book in the series comes out.
Duvessa is a princess turned Queen of Zenith after her father has died. The people in her region are dying and she needs help, so she turns to the only person she believes can save her people - Reyes, the evil and sadistic King of Purgatory, and he wants Duvessa as his Queen. As soon as she meets Reyes, he marks her and claims her as his… but we are dropped tiny little breadcrumbs giving us clues that these two share a past that only Reyes remembers.
These two were absolute FIRE together. There were several steamy scenes were Duvessa was taken daily by the hottie despire/demon/vampire, or whatever the hell he was. I even started clenching my thighs at one point. And it’s not a Natalie Bennett book if there isn’t a delicious dose of darkness added to it… and this one had some cringeworthy depravity going on. Reyes sure was a sick and twisted bastard, but damn if I still didn’t find him hot af.
While this wasn’t a favorite for me, mainly because I don’t fully understand the world yet or what’s actually going on with the plot (Natalie tends to do this with her series...feeding us tiny morsels of info but still keeping an air of mystery by not giving anything away to keep us dangling on the edge in suspense), yet I kept craving more with every turn of the page. It’s an interesting start to the series and I’m definitely curious to see what’s in store for these characters, because that ending? Holy shit, way to leave a girl hanging!
July 23, 2022
★4 raging stars★
~𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈~
A lavish tale set in a faraway dark, desolate land, rich of sensuality, gore and blood. A strong headed heroine who would sacrifice everything to save her kingdom, a broody ruthless hero who wears darkness like a tailor made suit.
My first book by Ms Bennett, I have been wanting to get a taste of her writing for some time, I finally succumbed to temptation. I was transported into an eerie atmosphere where I could get up close and personal with a world where humans, if any survive at all, are cattle only useful as juicy meal, ah don’t you wish all those creatures were vegan! However, that’s not the case, the author expertly portrays a dystopian reality, a land where only sorrow and despair reign. Amidst all this gloom King Reyes rules without mercy, he flaunts his wretched persona with pride and bravery, nobody dares question his boundless power.
Queen Duvessa is plunged into Reyes’ clutches, her attempts at resisting him are futile, her destiny is set, the energy flowing through her veins begs to be free, her dormant darkness tired of being neglected demands to be let out, forgetting isn’t an option, letting go may be the only way forward.
~𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒐𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍~
Told in dual POV Ms Bennett did a good job in depicting this universe and its enticing characters, my first experience with her writing was definitely worth it, I also loved all the graphics accompanying each chapter they complemented the story beautifully, truth be told I’m a goner for visuals and when it comes to dark fantasy this only cements my keenness. This is a PNR romance and although I don’t think this is the darkest or most twisted story this author has concocted, that’s still not some sunshine fairy tale, so I’d say to check the CW if you’re sensitive to certain topics.
Bearing in mind that my “dark” or “devious” metre is quite non-existent when it comes to PNR, the fact that it’s all unreal ticks my “anything goes” box and provided a story is well written, my brain can literally welcome some dubious scenarios without being triggered or questioning the clusterfuck taking place.
That cliffhanger at the end was a brutal wake up call! Just when things were starting to get interesting. I’m curious to see how Ms Bennett will develop all those threads she started weaving. I hope we’ll get some answers and depth beyond the unquestionably hot smut.
Before wrapping this up I have to voice what didn’t work for me. Hearing about this author’s unconventional tales I was expecting a new perspective, yet the patriarchy still comes on top. We still see the male population occupying the higher seats, having the upper hand, predictably being the rapists… I’m not asking for female superiority, I’d love to see some equality, why can’t these creatures play on the same level? Why it’s always the females who pay the price? I’m still waiting for the tables to be turned…
~𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈~
A lavish tale set in a faraway dark, desolate land, rich of sensuality, gore and blood. A strong headed heroine who would sacrifice everything to save her kingdom, a broody ruthless hero who wears darkness like a tailor made suit.
My first book by Ms Bennett, I have been wanting to get a taste of her writing for some time, I finally succumbed to temptation. I was transported into an eerie atmosphere where I could get up close and personal with a world where humans, if any survive at all, are cattle only useful as juicy meal, ah don’t you wish all those creatures were vegan! However, that’s not the case, the author expertly portrays a dystopian reality, a land where only sorrow and despair reign. Amidst all this gloom King Reyes rules without mercy, he flaunts his wretched persona with pride and bravery, nobody dares question his boundless power.
Queen Duvessa is plunged into Reyes’ clutches, her attempts at resisting him are futile, her destiny is set, the energy flowing through her veins begs to be free, her dormant darkness tired of being neglected demands to be let out, forgetting isn’t an option, letting go may be the only way forward.
~𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒐𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍~
Told in dual POV Ms Bennett did a good job in depicting this universe and its enticing characters, my first experience with her writing was definitely worth it, I also loved all the graphics accompanying each chapter they complemented the story beautifully, truth be told I’m a goner for visuals and when it comes to dark fantasy this only cements my keenness. This is a PNR romance and although I don’t think this is the darkest or most twisted story this author has concocted, that’s still not some sunshine fairy tale, so I’d say to check the CW if you’re sensitive to certain topics.
Bearing in mind that my “dark” or “devious” metre is quite non-existent when it comes to PNR, the fact that it’s all unreal ticks my “anything goes” box and provided a story is well written, my brain can literally welcome some dubious scenarios without being triggered or questioning the clusterfuck taking place.
That cliffhanger at the end was a brutal wake up call! Just when things were starting to get interesting. I’m curious to see how Ms Bennett will develop all those threads she started weaving. I hope we’ll get some answers and depth beyond the unquestionably hot smut.
Before wrapping this up I have to voice what didn’t work for me. Hearing about this author’s unconventional tales I was expecting a new perspective, yet the patriarchy still comes on top. We still see the male population occupying the higher seats, having the upper hand, predictably being the rapists… I’m not asking for female superiority, I’d love to see some equality, why can’t these creatures play on the same level? Why it’s always the females who pay the price? I’m still waiting for the tables to be turned…
November 15, 2021
“A Kingdom of anguish and suffering, that is what I had succeeded”.
Duvessa woke up to her entire home and parents burning in a fire. Leaving her only home, Vita behind, was something she never envisioned.
Her mother was dark fae, father was one of the nine classes of demon, Duvessa is a halfbreed. Known as Demi. The mixture caused her to be dormant - society looked at Demi’s with distaste.
“What good was a powerless creature in a world where it was all about power and prestige?”
This book. Oh my god! Freaking amazing. Duvessa must head to Abaddon kingdom. Ran by a vampire King, Reyes Straykova. She needs to find out what Happened to her kind. Only what she finds out, it’s bad. And what’s worse, Reyes has set his eyes on Duvessa. He wants her. Claims her.
And he’s set on making her his Queen.
There’s more to the story. You need to read it to understand. I don’t want to spoil it. It’s dark. It’s hot. It’s full of sex and vampire bite claiming. It does leave off on a huge plot twist and cliff hanger!
“You have given me your body countless times. It’s when I look in your eyes and see I don’t have your heart but I know my work is far from done.”
“Why do you want my heart when you’ve already taken everything else?”
With a mad vampire King, and a unwilling halfbreed Queen, who will kneel for the other? Or will they work together after all?
Duvessa woke up to her entire home and parents burning in a fire. Leaving her only home, Vita behind, was something she never envisioned.
Her mother was dark fae, father was one of the nine classes of demon, Duvessa is a halfbreed. Known as Demi. The mixture caused her to be dormant - society looked at Demi’s with distaste.
“What good was a powerless creature in a world where it was all about power and prestige?”
This book. Oh my god! Freaking amazing. Duvessa must head to Abaddon kingdom. Ran by a vampire King, Reyes Straykova. She needs to find out what Happened to her kind. Only what she finds out, it’s bad. And what’s worse, Reyes has set his eyes on Duvessa. He wants her. Claims her.
And he’s set on making her his Queen.
There’s more to the story. You need to read it to understand. I don’t want to spoil it. It’s dark. It’s hot. It’s full of sex and vampire bite claiming. It does leave off on a huge plot twist and cliff hanger!
“You have given me your body countless times. It’s when I look in your eyes and see I don’t have your heart but I know my work is far from done.”
“Why do you want my heart when you’ve already taken everything else?”
With a mad vampire King, and a unwilling halfbreed Queen, who will kneel for the other? Or will they work together after all?
November 22, 2021
Beauty and Rage by Natalie Bennett
I Give this Book a 4/5 Star Rating.
Cliffhanger(?): Yes!
Relationship Type: MF
Heat: 3.5/5
Romance: Currently One-sided, 2.5-3/5
Pacing: Mid.
Dark(?): 1.5/5
Drama: 4.5/5, Things are not what they appear to be which is very interesting, snd there are a lot of unanswered questions that I hope that at least some will be answered in the next book.
Suspense: 4-4.5/5
Paranormal(?): Yes.
Honestly I have zero idea on what really going on in this book and I enjoy books that keep me on my toes.
I Give this Book a 4/5 Star Rating.
Cliffhanger(?): Yes!
Relationship Type: MF
Heat: 3.5/5
Romance: Currently One-sided, 2.5-3/5
Pacing: Mid.
Dark(?): 1.5/5
Drama: 4.5/5, Things are not what they appear to be which is very interesting, snd there are a lot of unanswered questions that I hope that at least some will be answered in the next book.
Suspense: 4-4.5/5
Paranormal(?): Yes.
Honestly I have zero idea on what really going on in this book and I enjoy books that keep me on my toes.
October 7, 2025
2.75/3✨
I have so many questions. Yet, I do not know if I care enough to continue onwards to get them.
Three years have gone by since Princess Duvessa's world was casted in flames. She ventures deep into Purgatory to meet King Reyes. He has long awaited her arrival and has no plans of releasing her. Duvessa, forced to play Queen, quickly learns there is much more at play in the shadows.
Something heavily lacking here is descriptiveness. Things that should be portrayed vividly or intricately come across plain. Mind you there is a good amount of violence/gore/blood. Almost makes me imagine how Bennett would do writing horror. It should be seeping through the pages. Instead it's just kinda there then it's gone.
I don't see a fiery passion between the two. Stockholm syndrome more likely comes to mind. What did interest me was the major subplot of mysterious political intrigue. Reyes' plans were always in the back of my mind and one of the few things that pushed me to finish reading. When it comes to Duvessa, I think she was as confused as I was with what the heck was going on. Her inner strength is beyond measure though.
This is also filled with immense darkness. To be honest it feels like a rushed novel. If the author took more time pulling on that darkness and going into more detail, I would have given this a much higher rating. Give me the darkness and brutally of this world. I can see only glimpses of its true teeth. I verbally said "huh" at the very abrupt cliffhanger.
I have so many questions. Yet, I do not know if I care enough to continue onwards to get them.
Three years have gone by since Princess Duvessa's world was casted in flames. She ventures deep into Purgatory to meet King Reyes. He has long awaited her arrival and has no plans of releasing her. Duvessa, forced to play Queen, quickly learns there is much more at play in the shadows.
Something heavily lacking here is descriptiveness. Things that should be portrayed vividly or intricately come across plain. Mind you there is a good amount of violence/gore/blood. Almost makes me imagine how Bennett would do writing horror. It should be seeping through the pages. Instead it's just kinda there then it's gone.
I don't see a fiery passion between the two. Stockholm syndrome more likely comes to mind. What did interest me was the major subplot of mysterious political intrigue. Reyes' plans were always in the back of my mind and one of the few things that pushed me to finish reading. When it comes to Duvessa, I think she was as confused as I was with what the heck was going on. Her inner strength is beyond measure though.
This is also filled with immense darkness. To be honest it feels like a rushed novel. If the author took more time pulling on that darkness and going into more detail, I would have given this a much higher rating. Give me the darkness and brutally of this world. I can see only glimpses of its true teeth. I verbally said "huh" at the very abrupt cliffhanger.
March 12, 2019
This book put me on edge right from the beginning. Right from the first page, Natalie makes you wondering what is going on, and there is a mystery in these characters that makes you flip these pages as fast as your eyes can go. By the end of this book, I was sad to see it end and can't wait for the next one.
Duvessa becomes the queen at the start of the story, and I loved her character. She is a fighter and doesn't take crap from anyone, including the king of the underworld Reyes, the King of Purgatory who is evil and sadistic. For some reason (we have yet to find the full reason) Reyes has made sure that Duvessa doesn't leave him or the underworld. Reyes makes daily visits to Duvessa's bed, and they have diffidently had some significant heat in the bedroom.
As with all of Natalie's books, there are some twisted issues in this book. But isn't that what makes her books awesome?! And isn't that what makes you want her leading men?
March 10, 2019
I'm pretty new to paranormal romance, but I couldn't pass a Natalie Bennett book. Having read her "Badlands" series, I'm totally hooked on her twisted stories!! This book was nothing less of what I expected from her! Another crazy twisted story to keep me in love with her writing!
I can't really explain the whole paranormal background of the story because it's pretty complicated; I still have some questions myself! Both Duvessa and Reyes are supernatural beings, but Reyes was made and not born. Duvessa is a royalty in this world but she can't take her rightful place because someone is hunting her down. Reyes is a self-proclaimed king on his own land, commanding people with fear. When she seeks him out for help, he takes her as his queen without her agreement.
I had the feeling through the whole book that Reyes has his own agenda. His actions are confusing Duvessa and she can't decide if she wants to trust him or not. They are both strong opinionated, so they constantly fight for dominance.
This book sets the mood perfectly for the next one. It gives us information about the world we are reading about but leave us with so many questions at the end. The author definitely succeeded on building up interest and left me wanting the next book now!!
I can't really explain the whole paranormal background of the story because it's pretty complicated; I still have some questions myself! Both Duvessa and Reyes are supernatural beings, but Reyes was made and not born. Duvessa is a royalty in this world but she can't take her rightful place because someone is hunting her down. Reyes is a self-proclaimed king on his own land, commanding people with fear. When she seeks him out for help, he takes her as his queen without her agreement.
I had the feeling through the whole book that Reyes has his own agenda. His actions are confusing Duvessa and she can't decide if she wants to trust him or not. They are both strong opinionated, so they constantly fight for dominance.
This book sets the mood perfectly for the next one. It gives us information about the world we are reading about but leave us with so many questions at the end. The author definitely succeeded on building up interest and left me wanting the next book now!!
March 13, 2019
I don't get it.
I felt like I'd come into this a book too late, the characters didn't grow throughout the book, it was slow, confusing and just not up to Natalie's usual standards.
I know she's got a pretty heavy schedule at the minute, as far as publishing goes, and I feel like this book might be feeling some of that pressure.
There are a fair few things that just don't add up and too many things left open to speculation. And it ended so abruptly. Total full stop. Not even a hint that it might be nearing the end.
I'm guessing, as the series continues it will ramp up but I'm not sure I'll be going any further.
I felt like I'd come into this a book too late, the characters didn't grow throughout the book, it was slow, confusing and just not up to Natalie's usual standards.
I know she's got a pretty heavy schedule at the minute, as far as publishing goes, and I feel like this book might be feeling some of that pressure.
There are a fair few things that just don't add up and too many things left open to speculation. And it ended so abruptly. Total full stop. Not even a hint that it might be nearing the end.
I'm guessing, as the series continues it will ramp up but I'm not sure I'll be going any further.
Read
March 12, 2019I had such high hopes for this book - the cover and blurb were great but alas the execution fell flat. I like Ms Bennett's books and therefore was surprised that this one read like it was by a new author still trying to find their feet. Instead of getting to know 'Purgatory' it was mostly the h and H going at it because H had 'awakened' her dormant demon (which basically translates into she want to jump his bones all day long). Not a bad thing, but there was an expectation of all this darkness and strange world...and we only got snippets of it (the heads decorating the thrones made of bones etc). The h was meant to be a queen yet she seemed weak, didn't really act like someone now in charge of a kingdom (i.e. worry about her subjects or try and actually do something about it...as she was just busy having sex with the H who was killing her subjects here and there for unknown reasons). Sigh.
November 30, 2021
Honestly there is nothing that this author can’t write that I won’t love ! I’m absolutely obsessed with this world and characters it’s sexy dark with a PNR twist and I’m so here for it! Dove is trying to save her falling kingdom and she has to seek assistance from Reyes to keep it from falling there’s a lot of push and pull it’s dark it’s sexy it’s honestly sooo good I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough ! This story consumed me from beginning till end! I can’t wait for more! Amazing! Definitely recommend!
March 11, 2019
Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a H-U-G-E Natalie Bennett fan! I'm all about dark reads, the darker the better, and Natalie is the QUEEN of dark reads! So of course when I found out she was writing a dark paranormal story, I jumped all over it! As always, Natalie did not disappoint!
Beauty and Rage is book one in the Broken Crown series. It's a prelude so it moved along pretty quickly. The story is told from dual POV but mostly from Duvessa's POV. This was the perfect intro into a whole new world! There's magic and powers, Lycan's, Vampires, and all kinds of different types of supernaturals.
Duvessa once had it all as the Princess of Zenith. But one tragic night took everything from her. Now she's the Queen and running for her life. There is a trader in the mix and she's going to need help if she wants to save her people. The only problem is the only person that she can go to for help is the one that just may kill her himself.
Reyes The King of Purgatory is the ultimate bad guy and a total badass. No one really knows what exactly Reyes and his 2 other brothers are, but whatever it is... they are powerful. Reyes is a cruel dictator and for some reason, he wants Duvessa for himself. So when Duvessa is "captured" and brought to him, he takes her in.
Even though there is definitely more to the story, Reyes has a soft spot (sorta, there's nothing soft about that man!🔥) for Duvessa and not long after she arrives they become bonded. She’s drawn to him and with the bond, she wants him even more.
But Duvessa can’t accept that Reyes is ultimately killing her subjects, the very people she came to him to help her save, so she fights her attraction. There’s something inside of her that aches for him and when she’s with him things just seem so familiar... too familiar.
That ending… I literally woke my husband up at 2 A.M saying “NO WAY!” over and over again! I couldn’t believe that there wasn’t more and the way it ended…HOLY CRAP, I can’t wait to find out what Reyes next move is going to be now!
I can already tell that there is soo much more to this story then what meets the eye and soo many secrets that have yet to be revealed. We are left with a lot of questions and more confused by the end of it then we were at the beginning. Natalie did an excellent job of giving you just enough and then snatching it all away before you got to close to the answers. So needless to say I am impatiently waiting for the next book in the series, Beauty & Wreckage.
The secondary characters were intriguing, Duvessa's two friends that she was "captured" with seem to be pairing off with Reye's two brothers so that will be interesting to see how all that plays out, especially after that ending...
This book was freaking awesome! As per usual with a Natalie Bennett novel, it was filled with hot, almost violent sex, blood, and gore, and a whole lot of secrets and twists and they usually get darker the more the story evolves so I'm really excited to see where she's going to go with this one!
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March 11, 2019
Intense- Twisted - Engaging
I honestly do not know how Natalie does it. I read this in one sitting, devouring every scene like it was the last ( a small warning here this ends like an alley with a brick wall!)
The characters - Even the ones we spend so little time with seemed to make a dramatic impact on the story line, keep your eye on the details. We are also given glimpses into the timelines of the other brothers at the same time. A small taste of what is to come.
Duevessa our resident princess is a blend of personalities. She has the strength required of a ruler the ability to make the choices and sacrifices. The story opens when Duvessa is awoken from her slumber to find her kingdom in flames and her life as she had known it forever altered. As her world is slowly destroyed and her people brutally slaughtered she has to make a choice -Ask her enemy for help and hope he accepts or stands back do nothing and watch her kingdom fade to nothing
Will her sacrifice save her kingdom or will it expose a darker more sinister truth?
Reyes- The king The antihero
He has no morals, no concept of mercy- what he does have is the key that unlocks the truth. I am still reeling from his character and the secrets that he only allows us to glimpse. He does not see what he does as evil or unjust - it is who he is and he makes no apologies for it
There are some pretty intense breadcrumb trails that are tossed out for the reader leaving you with all kinds of possibilities, questions, and no answers!
Besides the abrupt ending, ( it was like slamming into a wall) and IMO the length (that is me being greedy)
If you enjoy dark paranormal with lots of intense scenes and dark villains then I recommend you one click now
I honestly do not know how Natalie does it. I read this in one sitting, devouring every scene like it was the last ( a small warning here this ends like an alley with a brick wall!)
The characters - Even the ones we spend so little time with seemed to make a dramatic impact on the story line, keep your eye on the details. We are also given glimpses into the timelines of the other brothers at the same time. A small taste of what is to come.
Duevessa our resident princess is a blend of personalities. She has the strength required of a ruler the ability to make the choices and sacrifices. The story opens when Duvessa is awoken from her slumber to find her kingdom in flames and her life as she had known it forever altered. As her world is slowly destroyed and her people brutally slaughtered she has to make a choice -Ask her enemy for help and hope he accepts or stands back do nothing and watch her kingdom fade to nothing
Will her sacrifice save her kingdom or will it expose a darker more sinister truth?
Reyes- The king The antihero
He has no morals, no concept of mercy- what he does have is the key that unlocks the truth. I am still reeling from his character and the secrets that he only allows us to glimpse. He does not see what he does as evil or unjust - it is who he is and he makes no apologies for it
There are some pretty intense breadcrumb trails that are tossed out for the reader leaving you with all kinds of possibilities, questions, and no answers!
Besides the abrupt ending, ( it was like slamming into a wall) and IMO the length (that is me being greedy)
If you enjoy dark paranormal with lots of intense scenes and dark villains then I recommend you one click now
March 6, 2019
Beauty and Rage (Broken Crown #1) Natalie Bennett is a paranormal story of Duvessa. She is the Princess of Zenith. She lives is a world of demons, shifters, vampires and other creatures. The story begins with a Duvessa finding herself dealing with the death of her father and the destruction of her kingdom. Trying to save her people she turns herself into the king of Purgatory. It is hell on earth and all supernaturals live there. The place is hedonistic and everything and anything take place. This is a strange story. Reyes is the king of Purgatory and wants Duvessa as his queen. He is an evil and cruel being. Now that he has Duvessa he uses his sexual wilds on her. The sex is definitely incredible and causes Duvessa to struggle with her feelings about Reyes. Something isn't right about Reyes and his plan. It is this secret plan that has me looking forward to the next book. There were a few hints dropped during the story and the ending definitely cemented my need for this story. 4 stars for me.
March 13, 2019
I’m intrigued as I am confused.
3.5 Stars here for me.
The beginning was great, it was easy to follow, we got the suspense and a queen who wanted to help her people.
Halfway I was confused. I gathered that there was a lot and I mean a lot of back story that we are missing. Which for me isn’t the funnest. World building was also lacking. I thought I knew what world the story was set in the beginning but as I got further it was lacking and contradicting.
The sexy stuff was good. Alpha lover and submissive lover. I did enjoy that.
I am also still somewhat intrigued about what’s going to happen next. It was a good cliffie that definitely wanted more of even with all the confusion.
The PNR aspect was lacking, the horror and suspense was on point, as was the sexy times.
We shall see how the next book goes.
3.5 Stars here for me.
The beginning was great, it was easy to follow, we got the suspense and a queen who wanted to help her people.
Halfway I was confused. I gathered that there was a lot and I mean a lot of back story that we are missing. Which for me isn’t the funnest. World building was also lacking. I thought I knew what world the story was set in the beginning but as I got further it was lacking and contradicting.
The sexy stuff was good. Alpha lover and submissive lover. I did enjoy that.
I am also still somewhat intrigued about what’s going to happen next. It was a good cliffie that definitely wanted more of even with all the confusion.
The PNR aspect was lacking, the horror and suspense was on point, as was the sexy times.
We shall see how the next book goes.
March 9, 2019
I have lost count of goe many novels ive read by Natalie Bennett now. She never lets a dark reader down. She the queen.
Beauty and Rage is different and new from what ive read by Natalie. Because this is a paranormal novel. It's a great read. And im glad that she rewrote and tweaked it a bit. Because now the writing is amazing.
I only gave this book a 3.75/4 stars because i was getting a little bit confused when i read it. But or course i know everyone else loved it entirely. So dont just take my word for it but it's definitely worth the read
Beauty and Rage is different and new from what ive read by Natalie. Because this is a paranormal novel. It's a great read. And im glad that she rewrote and tweaked it a bit. Because now the writing is amazing.
I only gave this book a 3.75/4 stars because i was getting a little bit confused when i read it. But or course i know everyone else loved it entirely. So dont just take my word for it but it's definitely worth the read
March 10, 2019
👀
Another interesting story by this amazing author. Be warned that if you’re looking for a nice romance this isn’t for you. But if you want a dark story with secrets and possible betrayal that have you wondering what is happening then you should definitely read this. The moment you feel like you’re going to finally get answers the book ends😂😂 I was so into it that I didn’t even realize it was the end. That’s how juicy it was getting! This was a wonderful start for a paranormal series, definitely a page turner. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
Another interesting story by this amazing author. Be warned that if you’re looking for a nice romance this isn’t for you. But if you want a dark story with secrets and possible betrayal that have you wondering what is happening then you should definitely read this. The moment you feel like you’re going to finally get answers the book ends😂😂 I was so into it that I didn’t even realize it was the end. That’s how juicy it was getting! This was a wonderful start for a paranormal series, definitely a page turner. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
April 12, 2019
3 & 1/2 - 4
My two reasons for loosing a star and a half are this, the beginning is slow then as the story progressed it felt as if us readers should've been preavy to information that despite going back time after time I didn't find.
However this did not discouraged me on continuing and finishing this book, I actually look forward to book 2 and hope to find answers to the many questions I was left with.
My two reasons for loosing a star and a half are this, the beginning is slow then as the story progressed it felt as if us readers should've been preavy to information that despite going back time after time I didn't find.
However this did not discouraged me on continuing and finishing this book, I actually look forward to book 2 and hope to find answers to the many questions I was left with.
November 20, 2021
Beauty and Rage by Natalie Bennett
I Give this Book a 4/5 Star Rating.
Cliffhanger(?): Yes!
Relationship Type: MF
Heat: 3.5/5
Romance: Currently One-sided, 2.5-3/5
Pacing: Mid.
Dark(?): 1.5/5
Drama: 4.5/5, Things are not what they appear to be which is very interesting, snd there are a lot of unanswered questions that I hope that at least some will be answered in the next book.
Suspense: 4-4.5/5
Paranormal(?): Yes.
Honestly I have zero idea on what really going on in this book and I enjoy books that keep me on my toes.
I Give this Book a 4/5 Star Rating.
Cliffhanger(?): Yes!
Relationship Type: MF
Heat: 3.5/5
Romance: Currently One-sided, 2.5-3/5
Pacing: Mid.
Dark(?): 1.5/5
Drama: 4.5/5, Things are not what they appear to be which is very interesting, snd there are a lot of unanswered questions that I hope that at least some will be answered in the next book.
Suspense: 4-4.5/5
Paranormal(?): Yes.
Honestly I have zero idea on what really going on in this book and I enjoy books that keep me on my toes.
December 5, 2021
Beauty & Rage is book one in the Broken Crowns series. There aren’t many authors that I’ll read PNR by but I’ll read anything this author writes. Beauty & Rage is a brilliant read.
I will say as I don’t read PNR too much I did have to think while reading this but this is about me and nothing to do with the author. I still loved it.
From start to finish I was literally sucked in from start to finish. I read this in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down.
I will say as I don’t read PNR too much I did have to think while reading this but this is about me and nothing to do with the author. I still loved it.
From start to finish I was literally sucked in from start to finish. I read this in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down.
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