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Smoke and Mirrors
A story about a pretty king of a pretty planet.
Who loathes the crown, but loves his new queen.
Who yearns for violence and pain, but settles for flowers and filigree.
Who does his duty.
Who protects his treasure.
Who worships his bride with a rough hand and a brutal kiss.
Who doesn’t realize he’s been tricked—and is about to lose it all.
Smoke and Mirrors is a standalone dark romance set in space about kindred spirits finding each other in the unlikeliest of places. More space opera than sci-fi. 18+ for violence, gore, and heat.
Who loathes the crown, but loves his new queen.
Who yearns for violence and pain, but settles for flowers and filigree.
Who does his duty.
Who protects his treasure.
Who worships his bride with a rough hand and a brutal kiss.
Who doesn’t realize he’s been tricked—and is about to lose it all.
Smoke and Mirrors is a standalone dark romance set in space about kindred spirits finding each other in the unlikeliest of places. More space opera than sci-fi. 18+ for violence, gore, and heat.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2021
About the author
Evie Kent
5 books155 followersEvie Kent is a dark paranormal romance author who loves a possessive anti-hero and a strong-willed heroine. She has been #teamvillain for as long as she can remember, and thinks the dark side definitely has more fun.
Her work errs toward soft dark, and features soulmate-level romances with dubious beginnings, along with a dash of angst and a dollop of kink.
Her work errs toward soft dark, and features soulmate-level romances with dubious beginnings, along with a dash of angst and a dollop of kink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 5, 2022
Considering that the last book by this author that I read was a flop, I didn't expect it to be this good. I honestly couldn't pull myself away from reading it.
It started with a bride selection for this reluctant king of this planet. He didn't want to be a king but forced to after the brutal massacres of his older brother's family. Through the selection, he met our seemingly perfect heroine but already you know she's going to flip the world on his head. This is because the story is told during the period of two years and the present day setting, both of them are separated.
First of all, I love the world building (although some of the side plots were vaguely hinted and not entirely fleshed through) but I'm very satisfied with them. Next, I also love the us-against-the-world vibe that this couple showed since the H really hated all these responsibilities and palace rules that he needed to adhere ever since becoming the monarch. Oh and of course, the smut was excellence. These two, despite their marriage started as a political move, suited each other too well. He found a confidant in her and she tamed the beast in him that wanted to get out from the castle walls.
So yeah, as per dark space romance goes, I think it delivered. Mind you, not everything is super fleshed out but you can still got the gist of the story and the plot also flows very well.
It started with a bride selection for this reluctant king of this planet. He didn't want to be a king but forced to after the brutal massacres of his older brother's family. Through the selection, he met our seemingly perfect heroine but already you know she's going to flip the world on his head. This is because the story is told during the period of two years and the present day setting, both of them are separated.
First of all, I love the world building (although some of the side plots were vaguely hinted and not entirely fleshed through) but I'm very satisfied with them. Next, I also love the us-against-the-world vibe that this couple showed since the H really hated all these responsibilities and palace rules that he needed to adhere ever since becoming the monarch. Oh and of course, the smut was excellence. These two, despite their marriage started as a political move, suited each other too well. He found a confidant in her and she tamed the beast in him that wanted to get out from the castle walls.
So yeah, as per dark space romance goes, I think it delivered. Mind you, not everything is super fleshed out but you can still got the gist of the story and the plot also flows very well.
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December 1, 2021DNF. I have no idea what I'm reading and I'm not invested enough to continue to find out.
November 11, 2021
This book was a wild, genre bending adventure that gripped me from start to finish.
I don’t read books set in space very often, but every time I do read one, I wonder why I don’t read the genre more often. In this book, Evie Kent combines space and other planets with dark romance and I am here for it. The romance was STEAMY AF, and I am for sure a romance reader at heart. It is my tried and true genre of choice… BUT… This book would have held it’s own even without all the steam. The storyline was so good!
This is about Draven, a king with a severe darkness and his new queen, who is nothing like she seems. And his love for her will ultimately be his undoing. I don’t want to go into detail about it because I think it is best to find out about that part for yourself. But the world building and the action packed nature of this book will hook you quick and not let you go. I also really love that it is told mostly from Draven’s perspective. In so many MF romances I feel a level of disappointment at how little the male perspective is featured. This was a fun surprise.
If you love an alpha who ADORES his queen, books set in vastly different settings to the normal contemporary setting and intense writing, this book is for you!
I don’t read books set in space very often, but every time I do read one, I wonder why I don’t read the genre more often. In this book, Evie Kent combines space and other planets with dark romance and I am here for it. The romance was STEAMY AF, and I am for sure a romance reader at heart. It is my tried and true genre of choice… BUT… This book would have held it’s own even without all the steam. The storyline was so good!
This is about Draven, a king with a severe darkness and his new queen, who is nothing like she seems. And his love for her will ultimately be his undoing. I don’t want to go into detail about it because I think it is best to find out about that part for yourself. But the world building and the action packed nature of this book will hook you quick and not let you go. I also really love that it is told mostly from Draven’s perspective. In so many MF romances I feel a level of disappointment at how little the male perspective is featured. This was a fun surprise.
If you love an alpha who ADORES his queen, books set in vastly different settings to the normal contemporary setting and intense writing, this book is for you!
March 18, 2023
DNF @ 15%
I got 3 chapters in and I'm thinking this just might not be for me. See, it is told mostly from the King's POV which is neat, but I don't think I can handle being in his head for most the book. Then all the court aspects and clothing is soooo historical not at all bringing in sci-fi aspects. Like, there are a few mentions-- spaceship, multiple planets, advanced medicine, and for some reason ram = raem, lamb = laemb and there were a few other words like this too that threw me. I was hoping for more spacey/ sci-fi feels.
But the writing feels well done and I am curious as to how we get to the first bit we read that is 2 years later (or present). We know the FMC is more than she seems and I'm so very curious, just... not enough or maybe I'm in a really picky mood. Especially because the King does seem like a possessive asshole I like reading about sometimes.
It is honestly making rating very, very difficult. So, I went 3 stars for a more neutral confused rating haha.
I got 3 chapters in and I'm thinking this just might not be for me. See, it is told mostly from the King's POV which is neat, but I don't think I can handle being in his head for most the book. Then all the court aspects and clothing is soooo historical not at all bringing in sci-fi aspects. Like, there are a few mentions-- spaceship, multiple planets, advanced medicine, and for some reason ram = raem, lamb = laemb and there were a few other words like this too that threw me. I was hoping for more spacey/ sci-fi feels.
But the writing feels well done and I am curious as to how we get to the first bit we read that is 2 years later (or present). We know the FMC is more than she seems and I'm so very curious, just... not enough or maybe I'm in a really picky mood. Especially because the King does seem like a possessive asshole I like reading about sometimes.
It is honestly making rating very, very difficult. So, I went 3 stars for a more neutral confused rating haha.
November 18, 2021
This book was unlike many of my recent reads and I enjoyed trying to figure out what exactly was happening and if my theories were correct. I did guess the ending but it was an interesting adventure and I liked the big reveal at the end.
The point of views in the story are between the male main character and a female who you’re trying to figure out how she fits in the story. Majority of the story was told through the male main character’s POV which was a nice change. I like seeing it how he saw everything and what was happening as he fell in love and…I can’t really say much more without giving it away.
This is a quick read and I liked trying to figure out what was going to happen and which way the story was going to go. A happily ever after that suited the main characters perfectly.
The point of views in the story are between the male main character and a female who you’re trying to figure out how she fits in the story. Majority of the story was told through the male main character’s POV which was a nice change. I like seeing it how he saw everything and what was happening as he fell in love and…I can’t really say much more without giving it away.
This is a quick read and I liked trying to figure out what was going to happen and which way the story was going to go. A happily ever after that suited the main characters perfectly.
November 17, 2021
It took me a bit to finally figure out what was really going on here. A con that turned into finding love. Melinoë is not who she seems. Most of the story she is referred to by her under cover name, Corvina. Melinoë marries Draven as a way to gain her cultures artifacts back. What she didn’t expect was actually falling for Draven.
Melinoë and Draven had immediate chemistry. They spent a lot of time blissfully happy together. Honestly, I wasn’t sure where the story was going until about 60% through. Melinoë is a strong woman, but she has to temper the strength for a large portion of the story. Draven is 100% alpha male. He is a devoted alpha male and completely in love with Melinoë. They have an unconventional happy ending and I really enjoyed how they came together.
Overall - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, great story with strong characters. I enjoyed reading Melinoë and Draven’s love story.
Melinoë and Draven had immediate chemistry. They spent a lot of time blissfully happy together. Honestly, I wasn’t sure where the story was going until about 60% through. Melinoë is a strong woman, but she has to temper the strength for a large portion of the story. Draven is 100% alpha male. He is a devoted alpha male and completely in love with Melinoë. They have an unconventional happy ending and I really enjoyed how they came together.
Overall - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, great story with strong characters. I enjoyed reading Melinoë and Draven’s love story.
November 21, 2021
This was so good and wonderful and amazing... such a pleasant surprise too as it was my first book from this author. I LOVED every single thing about it. The HERO (total swoon omg😩), the heroine, the world-building, the chemistry between them... and the steam of course!! All of it. Do yourself a favor and read this pls! I just wished it were longer, I never wanted it to end.
1000% would recommend
1000% would recommend
November 18, 2021
So I'd just like to preface this review by saying I genuinely wasn't sure I'd like this book. A dark space romance didn't seem my jam, y'know? But I'm a huge fan of this author's other books, so I put my trust in that... And holy hell, it's like all my Christmases have come at once. It's so exciting when a book you expected to be on the fence about absolutely SMASHES it out of the park.
Most of this book is written from the male main character's POV, which was a refreshing change. Draven is like a seething ball of fury at being trapped on a king's throne, yet he's completely relatable for being that way. The relationship with him and the sweet Corvina was also incredibly interesting. Often, dominant/submissive lovemaking in books can be kinda overdone, but here, even though Draven's rough, you can tell he adores his wife and would burn the world down for her.
The book itself was extremely well-written and a pleasure to read. And that ending... whew! Loved it, and would absolutely recommend!
Most of this book is written from the male main character's POV, which was a refreshing change. Draven is like a seething ball of fury at being trapped on a king's throne, yet he's completely relatable for being that way. The relationship with him and the sweet Corvina was also incredibly interesting. Often, dominant/submissive lovemaking in books can be kinda overdone, but here, even though Draven's rough, you can tell he adores his wife and would burn the world down for her.
The book itself was extremely well-written and a pleasure to read. And that ending... whew! Loved it, and would absolutely recommend!
November 12, 2021
Compelled to set aside his warrior-ways and ascend to the throne, Draven must now choose a fitting queen. Too bad his choices are all so alike and boring, until Corvina, who captures his interest at first glance and seems oh-so perfect for him. Perhaps a little too perfect.
I loved this well written dark romance, set in a futuristic galaxy, centuries after the demise of Old Earth. I enjoyed the depiction of life on Gaia Four: the pomp and pageantry of the royal court; the attitude of the courtiers; and the court apparel. I loved Draven’s possessiveness and his singular focus on his queen and her welfare in all circumstances. Their passion was off the charts, and with Corvina untrained in Draven’s dark, carnal preferences, their private moments were sizzling to say the least!
There’s plenty of drama, angst, some action, violence, and mystery along with several seriously steamy, explicit sexual encounters featuring themes of Dominance and submission, with elements of BDSM.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this well written dark romance, set in a futuristic galaxy, centuries after the demise of Old Earth. I enjoyed the depiction of life on Gaia Four: the pomp and pageantry of the royal court; the attitude of the courtiers; and the court apparel. I loved Draven’s possessiveness and his singular focus on his queen and her welfare in all circumstances. Their passion was off the charts, and with Corvina untrained in Draven’s dark, carnal preferences, their private moments were sizzling to say the least!
There’s plenty of drama, angst, some action, violence, and mystery along with several seriously steamy, explicit sexual encounters featuring themes of Dominance and submission, with elements of BDSM.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2022
Smoke and Mirrors by Evie Kent is quite literally out of this world, and it is utterly delicious! It is dark and twisted and riveting and captivating. It's a dark space romance, and I officially need more of these in my life!
This story is EVERYTHING. Amazing world building that captured my imagination. Story that is gripping and dripping with intrigue and drama and history and sizzling chemistry.
There are so many layers to these characters, and I loved getting to know them better, witnessing their journey, the pain, the intimacy, the power, the love, and so much more!
Draven is wicked and overwhelming and powerful and giving and had me squirming in my seat in the best possible way. He is commanding and knows what he wants and gets it by any means. His possessiveness and how it balances with the incredible strong will of his counterpart, well, it is magnificent!
If you're looking for a devious and violent and fascinating space romance full of twists and turns and heat, it is definitely time to be mesmerized by these Smoke and Mirrors!
This story is EVERYTHING. Amazing world building that captured my imagination. Story that is gripping and dripping with intrigue and drama and history and sizzling chemistry.
There are so many layers to these characters, and I loved getting to know them better, witnessing their journey, the pain, the intimacy, the power, the love, and so much more!
Draven is wicked and overwhelming and powerful and giving and had me squirming in my seat in the best possible way. He is commanding and knows what he wants and gets it by any means. His possessiveness and how it balances with the incredible strong will of his counterpart, well, it is magnificent!
If you're looking for a devious and violent and fascinating space romance full of twists and turns and heat, it is definitely time to be mesmerized by these Smoke and Mirrors!
November 12, 2021
My first read of Evie Kent’s and I’ll definitely be hitting the back catalogue after this!
Sooo many twists and turns, I was trying to put it all together and I was coming up with all sorts of theories but bam I did not see the truth of it coming! Very clever…
There is a focus on bloodshed and a fair bit of violence in this and boy does Draven like to play rough 🥵 ! Although shaded in mystery he clearly adores his wife till the very end 🥰 he’s such an intense dominating alpha to her clear submissiveness but they work perfectly!
Having the dual narrative really helped the connection but also feed into the plot twists.. a great read, especially as I’m not normally into spacey themed books - but really enjoyed this one!
Sooo many twists and turns, I was trying to put it all together and I was coming up with all sorts of theories but bam I did not see the truth of it coming! Very clever…
There is a focus on bloodshed and a fair bit of violence in this and boy does Draven like to play rough 🥵 ! Although shaded in mystery he clearly adores his wife till the very end 🥰 he’s such an intense dominating alpha to her clear submissiveness but they work perfectly!
Having the dual narrative really helped the connection but also feed into the plot twists.. a great read, especially as I’m not normally into spacey themed books - but really enjoyed this one!
November 18, 2021
This is straight up one of the best and hottest things I have ever read. I’m still trying to process all the feelings. I am as OBSESSED with this book as Draven is with Corvina (like, kind of an unhealthy amount) and I am more than ready to bow down to the King and Queen. This book somehow manages to toe the exact line between well written,fleshed out storytelling and pure smut and I am so here for it. Speaking as someone who doesn’t even like space or sci-fi, listen to me when I say you should absolutely read the absolute f**k out of this book.
November 14, 2021
I love a story that surprises me. The non-linear storytelling kept me interested and guessing the whole time, and the story did not go where I thought I was being led! That said, the ending was more satisfying than anything I could have dreamed up. Our two main characters each had complex backstory filled in and perfectly fit their motives, but you won't know the details until the very end. While they limitedly involved the minor characters in the plot, that only seemed to heighten the love story between Draven and Corvina.
November 15, 2021
This is a dark romance set in space. Draven becomes king and has to find a queen. He finds that with Corvina.
There is so much amazing world building in this story. A lot of twists and turns and jumps but oh so worth it. Draven was a brutal warrior that channels that intensity into dominance with the submissive Corvina. And it is HOT.
I can’t say much about the story without giving spoilers. This is a quick and easy read that is filled with action, fantastic characters, and great world building. There is a lot of steam with bdsm / dom/sub type elements.
It’s unlike my usual reads and had me completely engrossed and in love from the start!
There is so much amazing world building in this story. A lot of twists and turns and jumps but oh so worth it. Draven was a brutal warrior that channels that intensity into dominance with the submissive Corvina. And it is HOT.
I can’t say much about the story without giving spoilers. This is a quick and easy read that is filled with action, fantastic characters, and great world building. There is a lot of steam with bdsm / dom/sub type elements.
It’s unlike my usual reads and had me completely engrossed and in love from the start!
December 3, 2021
Incredibly good!!
Decadent and delicious! Exactly my type of book. Just enough secrets/ mystery. Not too much that it’s annoying. Great pacing. Great world building. Great characters. Loved that the majority pov is the hero’s. It has that all consuming romance. Like in the way Koschei loves Marya in Deathless. Or the way Azrael loves Lan in Land of the Beautiful Dead. Something you just feel is eternal. And ifykyk…. Also this has the best make up seggs scene of all time.
Decadent and delicious! Exactly my type of book. Just enough secrets/ mystery. Not too much that it’s annoying. Great pacing. Great world building. Great characters. Loved that the majority pov is the hero’s. It has that all consuming romance. Like in the way Koschei loves Marya in Deathless. Or the way Azrael loves Lan in Land of the Beautiful Dead. Something you just feel is eternal. And ifykyk…. Also this has the best make up seggs scene of all time.
November 17, 2021
Okay where do I start...
This is an alien world, dom/sub love story...
As we jump forward & backwards through time & characters... if your sleuth brain is trying to figure it all out.
Just let it go, the story will surprise you & its best to just go with the flow.
Also Draven is one of the most intense characters I've met.
A space commander known for brutality & vengeance becomes king & marries the perfect submissive wife, Corvina.
The planet's disenfranchised race, are planning a war against the monarchy & pampered civilians. But war is exactly what King Draven is blood thirsty for, as long as Corvina is safe.
It's confronting & won't be for everyone as it is definitely rough s3×.
But wow it's also so so hot.
This is an alien world, dom/sub love story...
As we jump forward & backwards through time & characters... if your sleuth brain is trying to figure it all out.
Just let it go, the story will surprise you & its best to just go with the flow.
Also Draven is one of the most intense characters I've met.
A space commander known for brutality & vengeance becomes king & marries the perfect submissive wife, Corvina.
The planet's disenfranchised race, are planning a war against the monarchy & pampered civilians. But war is exactly what King Draven is blood thirsty for, as long as Corvina is safe.
It's confronting & won't be for everyone as it is definitely rough s3×.
But wow it's also so so hot.
November 12, 2021
Exceptional worldbuilding and definite suspense!
Everything may not be as it seems all the way around on this planet!
The second son becomes king. This is not what he wanted! Now, he's at court to choose his queen.
Draven and Corvina's love story grabbed me on so many levels. The dominance and submission, the protectiveness, the love, the secrets.
I absolutely adored Draven, and Corvina was so strong, so smart!
I hope there is more to come from these two!
Everything may not be as it seems all the way around on this planet!
The second son becomes king. This is not what he wanted! Now, he's at court to choose his queen.
Draven and Corvina's love story grabbed me on so many levels. The dominance and submission, the protectiveness, the love, the secrets.
I absolutely adored Draven, and Corvina was so strong, so smart!
I hope there is more to come from these two!
May 27, 2022
3.5 stars
I, honestly, don't know what my feelings are about this book. I loved some of the tropes (touch her and you die & i hate everyone but you)... But the ending is not in my tastes at all haha.
Well written, just not my vibe.
I, honestly, don't know what my feelings are about this book. I loved some of the tropes (touch her and you die & i hate everyone but you)... But the ending is not in my tastes at all haha.
Well written, just not my vibe.
November 18, 2021
Ooh this was a steamy, fascinating space read!! I couldn't put it down.
I've never read anything quite like it, and it was super unique. The characters, and the story too. Corvinas character was brilliant, it was a well thought out plot altogether and I truly enjoyed it.
I've never read anything quite like it, and it was super unique. The characters, and the story too. Corvinas character was brilliant, it was a well thought out plot altogether and I truly enjoyed it.
November 29, 2021
Overall I liked the book. But while the title says it's a dark romance most of the intimate scenes were off page or glossed over.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
Like on their honeymoon we're told they've been at each other for days. And played with toys. We get 1 scene on the space cruiser where he and her touch each other in front of the window that shows their planet, that's it.
We're told he chokes her and leaves bruises her handmaidens have to cover up. But we never see a scene with that happening.
We're told he likes restraints and hitting her. Again, we're told that in 1 sentence we never see a scene.
The ending also came out of nowhere. The book goes back and forth in time and you don't know what is going on.
It turns out she is not Corvina. She is a female Drakan (a race with abilities like telekenesis). She falsified her name and ability to have kids to steal his Drakan horde of artifacts. He is obsessed with the Drakan culture.
She sacrificed her fertility to be a high priestess. The end of the book is him leaving as King, swearing fealty to her Drakan gods, and promising to live with her as a Drakan.
I find this hard to believe. He only became king in the first place because his brother and his family were murdered by pirates. There is nobody else. So he's just going to give it all up for her? No King, and plunge his planet into civil war?
I felt like that was a big plot hole.
I also don't see the point of alluding to all the rough sex they are having and then never showing it on page. It felt like a bait and switch.
I enjoyed the world building details.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
Like on their honeymoon we're told they've been at each other for days. And played with toys. We get 1 scene on the space cruiser where he and her touch each other in front of the window that shows their planet, that's it.
We're told he chokes her and leaves bruises her handmaidens have to cover up. But we never see a scene with that happening.
We're told he likes restraints and hitting her. Again, we're told that in 1 sentence we never see a scene.
The ending also came out of nowhere. The book goes back and forth in time and you don't know what is going on.
It turns out she is not Corvina. She is a female Drakan (a race with abilities like telekenesis). She falsified her name and ability to have kids to steal his Drakan horde of artifacts. He is obsessed with the Drakan culture.
She sacrificed her fertility to be a high priestess. The end of the book is him leaving as King, swearing fealty to her Drakan gods, and promising to live with her as a Drakan.
I find this hard to believe. He only became king in the first place because his brother and his family were murdered by pirates. There is nobody else. So he's just going to give it all up for her? No King, and plunge his planet into civil war?
I felt like that was a big plot hole.
I also don't see the point of alluding to all the rough sex they are having and then never showing it on page. It felt like a bait and switch.
I enjoyed the world building details.
November 22, 2021
Evie has delivered in an alternative dark, space romance that captures your imagination. The world building is exquisite the richness and natural wealth of Dravens home world, the modern clinical world of the spaceship and the cold, rough moon scapes, titilate your senses.
Draven is a fierce alpha male warrior, who lives for the bloodlust of battle but has found himself as a figurehead king without a voice. I love his internal battle between playing the his part and his desire to spill blood.
Corvina is the perfect innocent, golden submissive who everyone adores. She is the perfect queen with a heart of gold however all that glitters is not gold. She is the perfect Queen and the perfect wife.
I absolutely adore the intense dom/sub relationship Dravern and Corvina have behind closed doors, their time together is animalistic, controlling and the complete opposite of their public lives. As their relationship develops the seat of power shifts slowly but Draverns possessiveness is just perfection.
Underneath the mask of perfection and a vast web of lies is the truth buried in their dark hearts. When the truth comes to light will their relationship stand against to changing tides, will it crumble or will it rise from the ashes stronger than ever.
Draven is a fierce alpha male warrior, who lives for the bloodlust of battle but has found himself as a figurehead king without a voice. I love his internal battle between playing the his part and his desire to spill blood.
Corvina is the perfect innocent, golden submissive who everyone adores. She is the perfect queen with a heart of gold however all that glitters is not gold. She is the perfect Queen and the perfect wife.
I absolutely adore the intense dom/sub relationship Dravern and Corvina have behind closed doors, their time together is animalistic, controlling and the complete opposite of their public lives. As their relationship develops the seat of power shifts slowly but Draverns possessiveness is just perfection.
Underneath the mask of perfection and a vast web of lies is the truth buried in their dark hearts. When the truth comes to light will their relationship stand against to changing tides, will it crumble or will it rise from the ashes stronger than ever.
November 20, 2021
Books set in space are not usually something I read. In fact, I can probably count on one hand how many I've read in the past several years. Needless to say, it's not really in my wheelhouse. That said, Evie Kent (along with her other pen names) is very much in my wheelhouse, so when she wrote what she says is more space opera and humans than sci-fi, I jumped in with both feet. And as usual with this author, it didn't take long before I was caught up in this world. Just from past experience, I expected dark romance with plenty of steam, some violence, and maybe a bloody battle or two, and at least one or two knock your socks off twists. And Evie Kent delivered on all of that. Even when I suspected something and got it right, this author takes it just that much further to still keep me guessing.
And that's as far as I'm going so I don't give anything away. What I will say is if you enjoy the genre, this is one you should check out. And if you're like me, this is a pretty good choice for stepping outside the box.
And that's as far as I'm going so I don't give anything away. What I will say is if you enjoy the genre, this is one you should check out. And if you're like me, this is a pretty good choice for stepping outside the box.
November 19, 2021
This dark, paranormal romance was unlike anything I’ve ever read before - and I absolutely loved it!
King Draven must find a suitable bride to become his queen and rule beside him on a throne he never wanted. When he meets sweet, innocent Corvina he falls fast and hard for her. She soon becomes his entire world; the light to his dark - a treasure he never thought he’d find and would give his life to protect. But will their happiness last? Or are some things too good to be true?
This story had me hooked from the very beginning, jumping back and forth in time and told in dual POVs. My guesses and theories were constantly changing throughout the book, and I honestly couldn’t predict what the outcome would be! It was definitely a page turner that kept me guessing until the very end!
King Draven must find a suitable bride to become his queen and rule beside him on a throne he never wanted. When he meets sweet, innocent Corvina he falls fast and hard for her. She soon becomes his entire world; the light to his dark - a treasure he never thought he’d find and would give his life to protect. But will their happiness last? Or are some things too good to be true?
This story had me hooked from the very beginning, jumping back and forth in time and told in dual POVs. My guesses and theories were constantly changing throughout the book, and I honestly couldn’t predict what the outcome would be! It was definitely a page turner that kept me guessing until the very end!
January 21, 2023
A surprisingly good read. A lot of this book is utterly brutal. you have a brutal and bloody military man become a reluctant king of the fashion capital on their part of the universe. Having to select a queen and going through court life is boring and tedious. but this new queen is surprisingly curious and obedient and really stokes his fire even though he has violent and brutal tendencies. this is a sub Dom relationship through most dealing with court politics. the first 40% is kind of slow but it really picks up after that. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this by the end. and a standalone!
tropes: royalty, violence and gore, burn the world down for you, standalone, age gap, "good girl" guy.
tropes: royalty, violence and gore, burn the world down for you, standalone, age gap, "good girl" guy.
November 20, 2021
4.5*
It's been a hot minute since I've started a book and felt like I was going to die if I didn't finish it. I haven't stopped reading since 4pm and good lord was it worth it!
This was a stunning read from start to finish. The depravity, the build up, the plot line and twists, the ENDING. Beautiful writing, truly something that ensnares the senses and won't let you stop until it's done. The way their darkness compliments each other beautifully, how twisted their minds are, and how barbaric these characters are is just *chefs kiss*.
This is how I want my OTT alpha men now, and how fierce my heroines to be from this point on. That is all.
It's been a hot minute since I've started a book and felt like I was going to die if I didn't finish it. I haven't stopped reading since 4pm and good lord was it worth it!
This was a stunning read from start to finish. The depravity, the build up, the plot line and twists, the ENDING. Beautiful writing, truly something that ensnares the senses and won't let you stop until it's done. The way their darkness compliments each other beautifully, how twisted their minds are, and how barbaric these characters are is just *chefs kiss*.
This is how I want my OTT alpha men now, and how fierce my heroines to be from this point on. That is all.
November 28, 2021
This book was definitely an intense and fascinating read. The world building was phenomenal and the characters were in an exquisite dance of life and death. There was action, violence, deception, and lots of steamy darkness. The story grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go until the end. I’m still thinking about it. If you like a dark space romance with a splash of ferocity, this book is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 30, 2021
This book was fun, different, exciting and we'll written. I normally don't enjoy science fiction because they almost always serve a history lesson and names are weird and difficult to follow but this was just right. A well balanced story and the back and forth giving just enough to make you keep reading. Plus, stand alone, as much as I love series, I need books with a start and finish to cleanse my brain in between longer reading journeys.
December 11, 2021
So a dark romance set in space… check ☑️ but this one is something different it really does keep you guessing with a web of lies, whilst jumping back and forth in time and changing POV’s that keeps your mind whirling. I really enjoyed the fantastic world building in this book and the dom/sub relationship between Draven our MMC and Corvina our FMC was something Ioved especially with how for such an alpha male Draven clearly adores Corvina.
November 20, 2021
Wow!! This is one of those stories that sneak up on you. I did not see it coming until it was right there in front of me. The twist and turns!! Corvina is EVERYTHING!! The title of this book perfect!! Draven dark and delicious!! I was sure I wouldn’t like the space setting but it works!! This book was amazing to read!! I wanted more. Evie Kent!!! I’m sold!!
November 25, 2021
Smoke and Mirrors is nothing like I have read before, with the space romance and themes focusing on humans, not aliens. This book was gritty, raw and powerful and has good spicy scenes. It is dual POV but more chapters are from the male POV than his female counterpart.
I enjoyed this book and trying to guess what would happen and how all of the events tied together. You are left until the last few chapters until you are given the answers. The story does end with a HEA for the characters and while it’s not ideal for everyone, it’s perfect for them.
I enjoyed this book and trying to guess what would happen and how all of the events tied together. You are left until the last few chapters until you are given the answers. The story does end with a HEA for the characters and while it’s not ideal for everyone, it’s perfect for them.
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