This feature is for short reviews, reviews of books in a series where it might feel repetitive, or (as Michelle suggested) books I was too lazy to write a “real” review for. Today’s books I read for Can You Read a series in a month (in June… which I failed to finish in time but I did finish!).
Secrets by Aleatha Romig Series: Web of Sin #1
Published by Romig Works LLC on September 7, 2020
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Dark Romance, Suspense & Thriller
Pages: 312
Format: eBook
Source: Library
Goodreads
OK Ms. Romig, you have my attention! Wow what a fantastic read. Thanks to Brandee for recommending Aleatha Romig from my massive list of Book Bonanza Authors I needed to read. If you like your romance dark and steamy with a side of DOM and an extra helping of suspense, this will hit the spot.I’m Sterling Sparrow, kingpin of Chicago.
I rule the world you see and the one good people pretend they don’t.
Nearly two decades ago, my father showed me a photograph—a girl with golden hair and light brown eyes—and told me that one day, if I proved myself, the girl would be mine.
Seasons turn to years and years pass.
Chicago is now mine.
It is time to claim my queen.
“Araneae McCrie, I’m Sterling Sparrow, and you’re my queen.
I get what I want and I want you.”
By New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig, the twisted and intriguing storytelling that you loved in Consequences and Infidelity is back in the Sparrow Webs. Web of Sin is a dangerous, gritty romance, complete with an all-new alpha anti-hero who will haunt your dreams and your fantasies.
“Have you been Aleatha’d?”
SECRETS is book one of Sterling and Araneae’s story, Web of Sin. Their story continues in LIES and concludes in PROMISES.
Secrets took a running start and pretty much never stopped. Beginning with a quick prelude to when Kennedy / Araneae was 16 years old and her entire world was swept away and she learns that she’s not who she thought she was and her life is in danger. Then we fast forward 10 years, where she’s made a life for herself but (because of 1 fatal decision) it’s all about to shatter. The secrets and mysteries surrounding her are all very interesting and kept me guessing from beginning to end.
And then there’s Sterling. Can he be trusted? I honestly still don’t know. And he’s a total DOM, something I was not expecting when I started reading this. I always have the same response to DOM stories – they piss me off in the BEST way. I’m irritated for the subs being bossed around and punished and yet it’s somehow so HOT. And Ms. Romig definietly delivered the hotness.
I’m trying to read this series for Can You Read a Series in a Month so hopefully the next two will be following fast and I’ll get all answers! This last one ended with me doubting everything I thought I knew and I’m excited to see what’s next.
Lies by Aleatha Romig Series: Web of Sin #2
Published by LLC on September 7, 2020
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Dark Romance, Suspense & Thriller
Pages: 404
Format: eBook
Source: Library
Goodreads
The twisted and intriguing storytelling that you loved in Consequences and Infidelity continues with an all-new alpha anti-hero in the dark romance series Web of Sin, by New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig.
I am...
That’s no longer an easy statement.
Who am I?
Since Sterling Sparrow, a man so handsome he takes my breath away and so infuriating he pushes me in ways I’ve never known, came barreling into my life like a category five hurricane, I can’t even finish that simple statement.
In twenty-six years I’ve lived three lives—been three different people.
Renee. Kennedy. And now, Araneae.
They say that I was named after the spider to make me resilient.
Sparrow would then be a bird.
Birds eat spiders.
I prefer to consider myself a cat. It ups my chance of surviving the world I’m now living.
Maybe that’s only wishful thinking because according to Sterling, my number of lives is running out.
There are people who want to harm me, to learn the secrets they claim that I possess.
The only person to offer me protection is Sterling Sparrow.
Can I trust a man who willingly put me in the sight of danger?
What is real?
What are lies?
Have you been Aleatha’d?
LIES is book two of the Web of Sin trilogy and book two of the Sparrow Webs. Sterling and Araneae's story concludes in PROMISES, book #3 Web of Sin.
I now fully understand why they say you’ve been “Aleatha’d” because damn does she weave a web that gets you all kinds of anxious… not to mention hot & bothered LOL! This really plays with the DOM-sub romance but it really is just playing on the edges.
There were so many twists and turns in this book, particularly towards the end. I read it in just 7 days (which if you know me and print books, that’s fast) — mainly because I stayed up WAY too late reading, unable to put the book down.
We got some really great development in this book – particularly on Arenae’s past/mother – and I was definitely there for it. I also love the other characters – from her friends at Sinful Threads to the apartment “family” of Reid, Lorna, and Patrick — I’m thrilled to see that there are more books to take me down those stories!
Sterling can be so incredibly HOT and so incredibly FRUSTRATING. Typical DOM honestly. Like he bosses he around and it’s so ARGHHH but at the same time it’s motivated by caring and he doesn’t ever do anything that is harmful to her (physically or emotionally) so I do love him, even while be infuriated at him. He definitely has some shade to him – he’s a leader in Chicago’s underworld – but he’s one of those “good bad” guys, if you know what I mean. I do love their chemistry and the way Arenae stands up to him.
The book was addicting and I was so glad I was able to immediately hop into book 3.
Promises by Aleatha Romig Series: Web of Sin #3
Published by LLC on September 7, 2020
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Dark Romance, Suspense & Thriller
Pages: 464
Format: eBook
Source: Library
Goodreads
The twisted and intriguing storytelling that you loved in Consequences and Infidelity continues with the epic conclusion of the all-new alpha anti-hero in the dark romance series Web of Sin, by New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig.
Have you been Aleatha’d?
The dramatic conclusion to the Web of Sin trilogy is here.
Araneae McCrie has lived her entire life without knowing the truth.
Deceived by so many, is Sterling Sparrow able to keep his promise?
Even if he does, will it be too much?
What promises should be kept and which ones should be left in the dark?
*Promises is book three—Sterling and Araneae’s epic conclusion—of the acclaimed Web of Sin trilogy. The Sparrow Webs continue with Tangled Web trilogy.
What a FANTASTIC conclusion. It gave me everything I was looking for to grip the book to final page and then happily set it down, content with how everything was wrapped up. And yet, there’s little threads of interest in the other characters that I very much look forward to exploring in spin off series.
First off this was one hell of a tangled web and unraveling those pieces kept me glued to the book from beginning to end. But we got there! All of the secrets and lies that have shrouded Aranae’s life were finally resolved and in a truly satisfying way — some that I thought we’d never get to even managed to be resolved in a believable way.
And admist all the action and drama and honestly, danger, there’s some incredibly character growth. Sterling has grown from someone who doesn’t even consider Aranea’s opinions, to someone who thoughtfully bossed her around, to FINALLY someone who asks. And Araena for her part understands why he’s asking and is able to make peace with requests that he once would have forced upon her — and as a result their relationship also has grown so much stronger. So yeah, the character and relationship growth in swoonworthy.
I really loved the way romance and suspense were intertwined (throughout the whole series, but this book in particular). In this book we’re given a lot more flashbacks and that adds so much to the story, helping to unwind some of that web, but also adding a parallel story of tension because of the questions the past holds.
I flew into this book with a TON of questions and worries and was really thrilled to reach an HEA that was both satisfying and complete. I was shocked to find such a satisfactory resolution. I hope I’ll manage to pick up the others before too long! 
These sound so good !!
I’m glad you enjoyed these. I’m not sure these are my sort of thing. I have some of her books as freebies so I’ll try them at some point.