Review – A Dream Of Blood And Magic by Olivia Boothe @TheOliviaBoothe

Posted on June 12, 2024 by fundinmental

MY REVIEW

Olivia Booth is a must read author for me, ever since I read her Hell’s angel series, which I highly recommend if you love apocalyptic/dystopian fiction. A Dream Of Blood And Magic, we are dealing with vampires and witches. Vampires vs vampires. Witches vs witches. Vampires vs Witches. Vated Ordo vs Sisterhood. Good vs Evil.

We begin with the Prologue. I love Prologues…don’t you? Allorn, a realm outside Earth, 5,000 years ago

Rayne wasn’t only fighting to save herself. She was fighting to protect her daughters from the most ruthless queen her realm had ever known. The queen had no idea there were two daughters, twins. To through the queen off the scent, they separated the girls. Rayne says:

“I don’t know how to be without you, Enid. Who will sing sone with me at night? Or tease the lily hoppers by the pond?”

Enid leaned in. “When the wind brushes against your cheek, sister, it will be me sending you a kiss.” As if speaking in a silent language only they could hear, they smiled and embraced one last time.

That was soooo sweet and soooo sad. What will become of them?

Present Day, New York City: We are at the underground club, Requiem run by Luther, an evil vampire. As he drains the last drop of blood from his blood host, there is a knock on the door. His debt has come due and Lilluth is there to collect. She is a member of Vates Ordo, the most powerful dark arts witch hive in the world.

As long as Avery could remember, people had thought her crazy. She shares a home with her best friend, C J. They have much in common, alone and raised in a series of foster homes.

Avery’s dreams are nightmares. She spends many hours drawing detailed images from them. They feel more like memories than dreams. A crow crashes through her window. She mends his broken wing….and her life is changed forever.

Kane knew something was wrong and headed to New York. The ‘family’ will come together. Luther, Kane and Azael. All of them desire Avery for different reasons. Where Avery, a Spirit Marked Witch, ends up depends on the winner of the battle to come.

I wrote and highlighted so many notes, I am having to decide which to share and which to toss out. The battle for dominion over the realm is fought to the death. Who will be left standing will not be decided until the end.

As Avery’s magic awakens, the danger increases, through no fault of her own. The Prophecy has come true.

A Dream Of Blood And Magic by Olivia Boothe is told from multiple points of view. Each character has their story to tell and it didn’t take me long to figure out what side I stood on. Olivia is not afraid to kill off her characters. Even though I knew some would fall, I was crushed at one in particular.

Olivia Boothe can pen a story that captures my heart and mind. The tempo and pacing of The Spirit Marked Witch kept me reading until the last word was read. I was so engrossed in the story, I never saw the end coming. Avery shone through Olivia’s words as she grew into the Prophecy. Her innocence may have been swept away, but her maturity and sense of right and wrong will carry her through the worst of times. I can understand some of the cruelty, but her mother? I am eager to meet the other guardians that will come to protect her. I know I have already seen the second one. There are those that will stand beside her, and those that want to use her, and I can hardly wait to read more of her story. The series does need to be read in order…and I intend to be there at the end.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos — 4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Underworld meets Kingdom of the Wicked in this forbidden love, rivals to lovers, high stakes, slow-burn gothic contemporary fantasy romance.

A SINISTER DARKNESS BREWS, SOWING THE SEEDS OF WAR. AND AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL IS A YOUNG WITCH WILLING TO RISK IT ALL TO SAVE THOSE SHE LOVES.

When a mysterious crow crash-lands through Avery Jaxon’s Brooklyn apartment window, awakening the elemental magic dormant in her veins, Avery soon discovers her entire life has been a skillfully woven lie, and that even her new avian friend holds secrets of its own, including the answers to her shrouded past.

But pulling back the veil is only the beginning. An ancient prophecy has been set in motion, thrusting Avery into a centuries-old supernatural war between witches and vampires.

Seeking to harness Avery’s rare and ancient power, the most notorious dark arts witch hive in the world is on the hunt to find Avery before she’s captured by Kane, a vampire sworn to protect humankind from the next Spirit Marked—a foretold witch with such immense, raw magic, it will threaten to destroy all life on Earth.

Now, to save humanity and protect her friends, Avery must learn to control her potent magic, all while building an alliance with the warrior vampire sent to seize her. Their destinies are more entwined than either could have ever foreseen. But despite the magic that binds their paths and the enigmatic attraction growing between them, Avery struggles to trust the man born to be her enemy.

However, Kane’s not the only vampire thirsting for the honeyed taste of Avery’s blood…someone else also seeks to wage a war against her heart.

In the end, Avery must not only grapple with the painful truth behind her family’s past, but she’ll need to accept the journey laid out before her. For not only do the lives of those she loves depend on it, but so do the lives of every mortal and immortal creature alike.

Intended for audiences 18 years+ Please check the author’s website for a full list of CW/TW

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic, Magic, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Witches, Vampires
429 Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 12, 2024 by Three Brothers Press

ABOUT OLIVIA BOOTHE

REAL LOVE AS IT IS. MESSY, COMPLICATED & SINFULLY ADDICTIVE.

Born in Colombia and raised in New Jersey since the age of eight, Olivia always dreamed of becoming a story teller.

If you enjoy deadly-hot romance novels with deep, layered plots, she’s your gal. Because it’s not just about the first kiss and the happily ever after, it’s about everything in between.

In addition to writing contemporary and paranormal romance, Olivia is currently working on an adult contemporary fantasy.

Fun Facts: When not locked away in her writing tower at the wee hours of the night, Olivia works a government 9-5 job and manages a house full of males (a husband, three sons, and a doggo named Hunter). On occasion, she summons her tribe for a night of wine and shenanigans. Dark chocolate is her kryptonite, she hates/loves to ugly cry during movies, and is a die-hard Bon Jovi fan.

Don’t forget to subscribe to her newsletter to receive exclusive news and updates such as book releases, giveaways, sales, events, sneak peeks and bonus material for upcoming projects.

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MY OLIVIA BOOTHE REVIEWS

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Review – Falling For Mr Wright by Olivia Boothe @TheOliviaBoothe

Posted on December 11, 2023 by fundinmental

Amazon / Kindle Unlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

This one is for the girls who still believe in modern fairytales and in a prince who not only spoils you rotten, but knows where to find the spot….

And I smiled. This is the opening to Falling for Mr Wright by Olivia Boothe. Does it make YOU smile?

I do not actively seek out contemporary romance novels, but when it is by a favorite author of mine, I will give it a go. Good writing is good writing and able to draw me into the book, as Olivia Boothe did with Falling For Mr Wright.

Sara works for the Rebecca Fitzgerald Dance Company. Why she isn’t a dancer herself, is a story I am not in a position to tell, but we all have baggage, don’t we? Her boss is a dragon, and I don’t mean the paranormal kind. She is mean, cruel. Everything about the workplace makes me want to tell her it’s time to move on.

When her favorite coffee shop is closed, she is forced to go the next closest one. There’s no way she can go to work without a coffee for her boss. That’s where Tom met Coffee Girl and he couldn’t get her out of his mind.

I definitely got the Pretty woman vibe. Vivian and Kit. Edward and Phillip. I loved their cat and mouse game, at times wondering who is the pursued and who is the pursuer. Their need to control their emotions had me smiling. We all know, the heart wants what the heart wants. Sure we have some baggage and guilt, and all that angst, but I believe love will win out.

Tom was so blindingly beautiful, my retinas stung.

“I’ll tell you what the problem is. Your hoo-ha has cobwebs.”

And that is what I mean by some great writing. I loved the description and dialogue.

Recommended for adults and you can get the list of warnings on her website. Also, Falling For Mr Wright was written under another title, Wicked Dance, I had never read it, so it wasn’t an issue for me. There will be two books in the series and seeing I enjoyed this one so much, I can hardly wait to get my hands on the next one. Hmmmm, I wonder what couple it will be.

GOODREADS BLURB

Protective alpha billionaire meets shy contemporary dancer in this spicy, slow-burn, billionaire who spoils, touch her and you perish, contemporary romance.

After my high school sweetheart up and leaves me one day without a single explanation, I vow never to let myself love another man. I’ve managed to keep that promise for the last four years—that is, until I inadvertently fall into the arms of New York City’s most eligible bachelor, and now my whole world is flipped upside down. Tom Wright is everything I don’t need in my life, but stars above, he’s everything I never knew I wanted. The man is intoxicating, and I can’t seem to resist the way he looks at me or the way his touch makes me feel alive again. But one dark secret could ruin everything, and I don’t know if I’m prepared to endure that kind of pain all over again.

My life is pretty simple. I work hard and I party even harder. I own New York City’s most reputable real estate agency, catering to the filthy rich and notoriously famous. There’s no shortage of beautiful women willing to share my bed, though everyone knows I have one golden rule: No commitments. Ever. But when Sara Hart unexpectedly falls into my life, something about her timid smile and gorgeous brown eyes makes me want to throw the damn rule book out the window. Every time she’s near, my blood spikes with a raging fire I can’t contain. So, when my shadowed past resurfaces, unearthing ghosts I’d rather remain buried, I’m forced to make a decision that may cost me the only woman I’ve ever truly loved. And that’s a price I’m not ready to pay.

Intended for mature audiences 18 years+ Please check author’s website for a comprehensive list of content warnings.

Previously published as Wicked Dance, Falling For Mr. Wright is the 1st book in Olivia Boothe’s popular steamy contemporary romance duet. This new edition sports a new title, glow-up cover, fresh edits, re-imagined scenes, and additional chapters in the MMCs POV.

Genre: Contemporary, Literary, Romance
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2023 by Three Brothers Press

ABOUT OLIVIA BOOTHE

REAL LOVE AS IT IS. MESSY, COMPLICATED & SINFULLY ADDICTIVE.

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Bookbub

MY OLIVIA BOOTHE REVIEWS

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Apocalyptic Excellence – Descension by Olivia Boothe @TheOliviaBoothe

Posted on October 10, 2023 by fundinmental

Olivia Boothe found me through Book Sirens and I cannot stress how happy I am that she approached me. Her Hell’s Angels series is MIND BLOWING! I can’t get enough of it!

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I LOVED this book soooo much I am sitting here, trying to think of a quick hook to share with you to express how much I loved it. I looked for synonyms for excellent: very good, outstanding, magnificent, exceptional. and fantastic are only some of them…and they still don’t fit the bill.

Descension: Knights Of The Serphim by Olivia Boothe is the second book of the Hell’s Angel series. I gave the first book, Afterworld: Road To Redemption 5 stars. I did the same for Descension, but if there were more stars, I would have given them. This may be my favorite book of the year, but you do need to start with Book I. It will be so hard to not spoil anything for you, so I can only tell you my feelings as I read.

It’s five months later. As Jax and the others are out scavenging, thoughts of The Walking Dead enter my mind. They need gas for the next push to Sanctuary. They don’t even know if it exists, but it is their best hope. They have gotten too comfortable in the quiet town…

The demons that attack are constantly changing, as Olivia Boothe uses her creative imagination to bring forth the creatures from Hell. Angels battle angels. I love that Samael holds a prominent place in Descension. So much is easier to visualize because I have watched Lucifer.

The action was at a fast pace, never letting me catch my breath. The danger surrounds us, I mean them. The characters will put their lives on the line, repeatedly, never wanting to lose one of their ‘family’. The romantic scenes were sizzling hot…adults only please.

Want to know why Samael fell? Has God forsaken them? Who will survive?

At page 2223 on my ereader, when the beast is stalking Jax, the descriptive writing of the step by step stalking, painted such a vivid picture, it was imprinted on my mind. Another outstanding moment was at 2254 when…well, I can’t tell you. It would spoil such a fantastic part of the story that caught me so off guard.

Fuck this. Sometimes when you needed to get shit done, you’re better off doing it yourself. Tightening my ponytail…

It’s writing like this that adds those personal realistic touches, that makes me love this book so much. That, and Kate is such a badass warrior.

I was a woman…..And the cursed demons who took my family were going to hear my roar.

That is the last line and it has me salivating…wanting the next book. I HAVE TO KNOW. I sure hope Olivia is writing fast.

BUT, there is a bonus chapter. I do love that. It tells Samael’s story.

Descension has all the good bits and pieces of novels I love. Add Supernatural, The Walking Dead and Lucifer together, do a little tweaking here and there, with Olivia Boothe laying her personal mark on it with her excellent writing and storytelling, and consider my MIND BLOWN!

I don’t think this review came close to telling you how much I love this story, this series. If fantasy, angels and demons, paranormal and supernatural, and apocalyptic, dystopian books are your jam, you gotta grab this series!!!!!!

GOODREADS BLURB

WE BELIEVED THE APOCALYPSE WAS THE END. WE WERE DEAD WRONG.
THE WAR FOR MANKIND HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN.

Five months ago, we won the battle for New York City, but the streets are once again overrun with the Damned, the zombie-like creatures carrying the deadly virus meant to wipe-out the world’s population. Except this time, they have evolved. They are no longer the mindless husks left behind by the infection.

Hungry, depleted of resources, and believing Mikha’el and his legion of angelic warriors have forsaken us, Jax and I lead a group of survivors to Albany in search of The Sanctuary, a community that promises protection and the hope for a new future.

But things quickly tip south when our group is ambushed by a brand-new enemy, and Jax and I are once again thrust into the fight to save humanity.

We may have defeated three of the four Horsemen and delayed Samael’s escape from his fiery prison, but Beleth, the Horseman of Death and the Devil’s mightiest lieutenant, is still at large, and he’s amassing an army far more dangerous than anything we could have conceived.

With a bounty on my back and a cadre of holy assassins on my tail, Jax and I are running out of time. We must collect all four Creation Stones and close the Gates before Samael escapes Hell and completely rips open the veil between our worlds, obliterating what remains of Earth’s last survivors.

Get ready for another action packed ride full of thrills and steamy romance as Kate, Jax, and their canine companion, Hank, return in this post-apocalyptic tale.

*For audiences 18 years+ Please check author’s website for full list of CW/TW

Genre: Adult, Angels and Demons, Apocalyptic, Dark Romance, Dystopian, Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 10, 2023
Series: Hell’s Angels, Book II

ABOUT OLIVIA BOOTHE

REAL LOVE AS IT IS. MESSY, COMPLICATED & SINFULLY ADDICTIVE.

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Bookbub

MY OLIVIA BOOTHE REVIEWS

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Afterworld by Olivia Boothe & Victoria Liiv @TheOliviaBoothe #victorialiiv

Posted on September 21, 2023 by fundinmental

Goodreads

MY REVIEW

WOW, such an amazing cover for Afterworld: Losing Salvation by Olivia Boothe and Victoria Liiv. There is no way I could say no when Olivia asked me if I wanted to read the series. Sure, there are a lot of trigger warnings that readers need to be aware of, but I love the dark world the authors have created.

Afterworld: Losing Salvation by Olivia Boothe and Victoria Liiv is not available for purchase. It is a bonus that I received from the Olivia Boothe and is included as part of a special edition Afterworld hardcover and Renegade City anthology.

I want to thank Olivia Boothe for allowing me to get my introduction to Jax and Kate through Afterworld: Losing Salvation, a prequel. I was immediately drawn into this dark world that made me think of Supernatural and The Walking Dead. I love it!

A virus is spreading throughout the city creating zombie like creatures that can only be killed by a blow to the head or decapitation. Sound familiar? But, how they came to be…well…

I love the dog!

Everything comes full circle and we are on to the next ‘adventure’ in the Afterworld series.

Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

EIGHTEEN MONTHS AGO, THE WORLD LEARNED THE UGLY TRUTH:
GOD EXISTS. HE JUST DOESN’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT US.

Afterworld: Road To Redemption by Olivia Boothe and Victoria Liiv is Jax and Kate’s love story. It was a traumatizing meeting for her…and him…

In the beginning, we bounce between Kate’s journal and Jax’s Grimoire in the year 2031.

I love one of Kate’s first entries…out scavenging and she scores some tampons. Aunt Flow still flows, even during an apocalypse. AND, she meets Hank, a service dog who lost his master. They become hard and fast companions. As they fight the beasts, there comes a blinding light…an angel, who gives his life to save hers.

Jax sees the light, knows it’s an angel, and races to get there. It’s his only hope of getting rid of the demon, War, one of The Four Horsemen, who resides inside him. When he sees her fight, he realizes she is more than a woman.

We do have that gruesome, brutal, blood and guts going on, The Walking Dead vibe, but we also have the, sort of, lightness of Supernatural. I found myself laughing in the middle of danger. Couldn’t help myself.

I would think if there is any kind of attraction, sex would arise. After all, how often do you come across a human that doesn’t want to kill you? She found it easy to trust him, but he has yet to tell all to her and how dangerous he can be. I feel there is even a dash of Fifty Shades of Grey…some smoking hot scenes.

At 65% an amazing surprise came to light…and I loved it.

There is one scene with rats in the sewers that The Walking Dead made it so easy to visualize. Also, the movie references made me think of Denizzo on NCIS. So many things I referenced to TV shows made the book even more special because it had those familiar elements that had me smiling or cringing.

Well, I read and read and read, slept, then read and read and read. It was so hard to put the book down, but I couldn’t get it read in one sitting. The pace and danger kept rising, the suspense off the charts, the action so fast paced near the end I was shouting out loud…NO, NO, NO…I was so fearful, but…well…all I can say is, if you love the dark side of paranormal romance, some Supernatural, some Walking Dead, some angels and demons, the Four Horsement of the Apocalypse…..this is a must read.

The story does end with a happy ever after, but there is more to come and I can hardly wait to begin. Bring it on!!!!!!!!!!!

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Afterworld: Road To Redemption by Olivia Boothe & Victoria Liiv.

GOODREADS BLURB

EIGHTEEN MONTHS AGO, THE WORLD LEARNED THE UGLY TRUTH:
GOD EXISTS. HE JUST DOESN’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT US.

After a deadly virus wipes out most of the world’s population, those of us who survive are left as food for the Damned, the walking corpses ravaged by the infection.

Yet, something far more sinister stirs in the bowels of New York City. The Four Horsemen are prowling the streets, kidnapping young girls and dragging them back to their lair. And when a supply run becomes a rescue mission turned deadly, I’m left at the mercy of a sexy stranger.

Jax Constantine weaves himself into my life with blood tingling charisma and a smile that rekindles my hope in love. But a dark secret lurks beneath his penetrating gaze and sizzling touch. One he’s not willing to share, leading me to believe he might not be the man I thought.

Now, humanity’s last stand rests in my hands. To save a world consumed by evil, I must choose between stopping Lucifer from claiming an already scorched Earth as his own or saving the man I love.

The same man destined to curse my soul.

This is a dark apocalyptic paranormal romance and is intended for audiences 18 years+.

Please see below for the full list of content/trigger warnings:
Angels and demons, biblical lore, zombies, Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, blood and gore, PTSD, trauma, profanity, graphic violence, explicit sexual content, and kidnappings.

Reader discretion is advised.

While Afterworld can be read as a standalone and has a resolution, this is a planned series, and the book ends with a Happily For Now.

Genre: Angels and Demons, Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural
Format: 378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published: September 16, 2022 by Three Brothers Press
Language: English
Series: Hell’s Angel, Book I

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

OLIVIA BOOTHE

REAL LOVE AS IT IS. MESSY, COMPLICATED & SINFULLY ADDICTIVE.

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Bookbub

VICTORIA LIIV

Victoria Liiv is a writer, reader, nature lover and traveler at heart. She has been traveling through magical worlds since a very young age and wants more than anything to share the wonder with everyone else eager to escape from all things mundane. Let it be a magical adventure through slowly darkening Earth or a soul crushing fight for survival and love while the world burns. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of romance.

She self published her debut novel Through Hell & Highwater on 2020 when the pandemics keeping her isolated gave her the reason to follow her dream of becoming an author. She hasn’t looked back since.
Afterworld: Road to Redemption is Victoria’s second novel. She is grateful for the opportunity to be able to co-write it with Olivia.
This February 2023, she’ll also be releasing Treasure Me, a contemporary romance, as part of Tease Me box set.
With many more ideas and characters keeping her awake at night this is only the beginning of her writing career.

In her everyday life she found the magic in her partner, who gave her courage to move out of Estonia, the country she was born in, to an equally small but more known The Netherlands. He was also the one who encourages and supports her throughout her writing process.

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