Road To Fire

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4.5 Stars!

“I breathe, you inhale, and we both go up in flames.”

This book🙌 it's everything I needed from Maria and more, and I'm dying for the next books. It was darker and grittier, hot, and shrouded in mystery and suspense, and yet out of everything I enjoyed, my favorite parts were between Isla and Saxon. Like really, where could I get my own Saxon?

“You’re my first, Isla Quinn. And my only.”
-totally swooned there.

The book did start out a bit slow, but I understand why. It is a lot of world building and information that was trying to catch the reader up to where the characters were at, unfortunately that is the main reason this isn't a full 5 star book though, but other than that, I completely loved the book. I loved how the romance wasn't necessarily at the forefront of it, meaning we don't get a lot of unnecessary stuff that comes with romance nowadays, but instead we were locked in with the whole world that Maria built for us that kept us guessing and wanting more, whether it be with the romance or with not.

BUT I also can't undersell the love story in itself and the connection and chemistry between the two MCs because holy 🔥 it was so good. I was almost at the point where I just wanted to highlight everything they said about each other because it was super romantic and sweet.

“If I have a heart at all,” I husk out, feeling my face heat, “it’s only because you’ve put it there.”

See?! Although I really liked the heroine, Saxon was AMAZING. He was a romantic at heart and there just is something about him, that you have to read about to get the full picture, but I was obsessed with it because he's just a rare breed in books nowadays. But honestly. I think he's right up there on par with Lincoln and Nick Stamos. Well, at least until Guy or Damien because I was honestly a bit obsessed with them and their craziness in this book. And I'm so so excited for their own books.

Overall, this was a fantastic book. No OTT drama or anything like that. Completely safe for the safety crew, thank you Maria, and your welcome everyone else. And I cannot wait for Guy's book! I'm only guessing who the next two couples will be if their characters have already appeared, but I'm down for whatever Maria throws at us!

*ARC Provided In Exchange For An Honest Review*

Maria Luis

Author 58 books3,071 followers

September 28, 2020

★ Now Available! ★
Read Road To Fire (Book 1) on Amazon/Kindle Unlimited:
https://geni.us/RoadToFire

“If you know what’s good for you,” I murmur, my voice pitched low, “you’ll leave, and you won’t come back.”

She audibly swallows. “I’m not scared of you.”

I meet her blue gaze. “You should be.”

>> I am so excited to be bringing you The Broken Crown Trilogy! This series popped into my head almost two years ago when I should have - admittedly - been writing a different book. But I was gripped by Road To Fire's grittiness and its shocking reveals. This royal romance is not the norm. It's not what many of you might expect from me as a storyteller. But Saxon Priest and Isla Quinn would have it no other way, and I can't wait to share them with you.

★ The Details ★
Sub-genre: Dark Romance; Romantic Suspense/Thriller
Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers/Forbidden Romance

Road To Fire is Book 1 in the Broken Crown world, and will be followed by Sound of Madness (November 2020) and ANK (Early Winter 2021).

Beth

59 reviews

January 18, 2021

Too many errors, not enough world building.

As an English reader and staunch anti royalist I really wanted to like this book, but within a couple of pages I could tell the author had no real grasp on English history.

I wanted a book with complex world building. I can accept that Britain still had an absolute monarchy, but tell me why and how that's changed history. I was expecting references to the Empire and World Wars. But there was nothing. We are just told that it is so with no explanation or reasoning.

I skipped to the end to read about the American author's decision to base this in England and she says: 'I realised it might be difficult to suspend ones disbelief of a modern day America still fighting for it's freedom. England however was the perfect landscape'.

Utter rubbish. If she did just a quick Google search she would have discovered that England threw off absolute monarchy 94 years before the US won the American Revolution (the Glorious Revolution of 1688/9). In fact it was a vote in British parliament that ended the war in America. The monarchy had v little power, no matter what Hamilton tells you. So it would have made much more sense if this had been based in the US with a tyrannical President who won't leave. (as 2021 is currently proving).

But it's not just these big history blunders and lack of understanding of the English political landscape that annoyed me. There was so many language and culture errors. My dnf point was when Saxon takes Isla to an Anglican church to meet a priest in a confession box. The Church of England has vicars and confessions usually happen face to face. Again, a simple Google would have helped with that.

This may seem nitpicky of me, but if you want to write an alternative history then at least do a small amount of research. Or get an English beta reader!

Disclaimer, I love history but usually study 20th century. All the above is from my general knowledge and Wikipedia so please forgive any errors.

Halle Reads

997 reviews184 followers

May 16, 2020

5/5 Stars 🌟

▪▪I breathe, you inhale and we both go up in flames▪▪

And that's exactly what I did, go up in flames beacuse this book was STRAIGHT UP FIRE

I was hooked from the very first page and found that this book was everything I didn't even know I was craving and more. It was gripping, exciting, addicting and intense. It was full of violence, murder, suspense, passion, intrigue, steam, swoon worthy moments and revolves around political struggles involving the British Monarchy.

Saxon was cold, distant and guarded. He was so very stubborn, grumpy and indifferent and often infuriating but for some reason this is my very favourite type of Hero and I fell hard and fast for him as did Isla.

He was conflicted with his loyalty and moral compass but he was also focused and determined to the point that he constantly underestimated Isla's capability to be just as ruthless and cold as him and misjudged her from the get go.

Isla was strong, sassy, stubborn, vengeful, loyal yet broken and plagued by grief and tragedy. She takes on the responsibility to protect and care for her siblings after they lose their parents. She is a total BADASS. She wasn't perfect and had many moments of naivete and doesn't always think rationally before acting which usually lands her in dangerous situations but she is so incredibly tough and passionate and quite possibly one of my favourite heroines I've read recently . She is a true fighter.

Together Saxon & Isla were the best combination of two strong, stubborn individuals who were so similar yet completely different. I loved how they both went toe to toe with each other every single time. The banter, the fire, the heat and passion between these two sizzled. The entire story takes place over a 2 week period so their relationship was definitely fast paced but I didn't mind one single bit.

▪▪She turned to fire and I turned to Ice▪▪

From the beginning til the end this story had me on the edge of my seat with feelings of nervousness and unease with not knowing what was going to happen next but I absolutely loved every minute of this book and if this were a movie I feel like I would rewatch it over and over again.

This is book 1 in a series of interconnected standalones with a storyline that will carry on through each book and ended on a soft cliffhanger that leads us into book 2 and I WANT IT NOW!!

《book aesthetic made by me. I do not own the pictures, all found via pinterest》

20200311-074229

arcs-2020 binge-worthy-authors-or-series book-bfs-guys-i-loved

Tina

116 reviews5 followers

April 2, 2021

Me. After finishing reading RTF. 😳😂😩😍🥰
You guys. I’m not even kidding. This book blew me away. It has ALL of the things.
Murder, Intrigue, Hate, Love, Angst. And the sex. Holy Cannoli! I’m not sure I’m going to recover from this book. I’m not ok. Someone check on me in about 48 hours. Maria Luis has finally broken me.

Jen (jensdreamylittlereads)

966 reviews122 followers

December 1, 2020

Holy wowzers!!! This book... this incredible book....AMAZING!!! I was not ready for this book. It has left me completely speechless. It has to be said that I absolutely love everything Maria Luis writes, and I never could have prepared myself for the unadulterated emotional rollercoaster and the pure visceral feelings this story and its characters brought out in me. Maria crafts such an amazing tale full of murder, lies, mystery and intrigue. And her genius and brilliance shines like no other in this book. Hands down her BEST BOOK YET!! She vividly paints this beautifully eerie, this dark and twisted story, in such painfully exquisite detail that you are not merely just reading a book. You are right there in the story, that the world around you just ceases to exist.

This universe that Maria has stunningly created is unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and it sucked me in from the very start. She sets up a political landscape so treacherous and so fragile. Against the backdrop of an England torn apart never seen before and on the verge of a civil war, a romance between two unlikely souls blossoms. Saxon and Isla are both compelling and memorable that I couldn’t help but love them. Both on opposite sides yet fate somehow brings them together. Both equally complex and layered characters with secrets and lies between them. Their chemistry burns from the moment they meet and reading their inevitable surrender to their feelings for one an other was truly utterly riveting and enthralling.

Maria Luis shocks over and over again with endless twists and turns. Just when I thought I had something figured out, something else completely unexpected took place. And the blindsides were unreal. Undoubtedly this story will suck you into its web of lies and deception. Road To Fire is a true MASTERPIECE...an extraordinary and gut wrenching tale of lies, deception, darkness, and red hot passion. This book deserves all the stars and has landed in my favorite books of 2020. Prepare for one wild, glorious ride. A MUST READ!!!

Siobhan

5,018 reviews597 followers

April 28, 2020

I’m always eager to dive into a new Maria Luis read and Road To Fire had me super excited to dive in. Fortunately, once I started, I devoured it. Now I’m finished, I need the next book in the Broken Crown trilogy.

Road To Fire starts a wee bit slowly, but it’s worth it to get all the information that is to come. It’s a complicated story, with many layers, and there is so much to be introduced to throughout. It may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but it is vital that you take in all that is given. It gives you ideas of what is to come and will have you creating theories about how everything will play out.

Once we get beyond all the information, the story is packed with plenty to keep you turning the pages. As I said, there are many layers to the story. It’s great to watch as these things unfold, to watch as theories are proven correct or new details have you questioning what more is to come. Add in the romance that has you gripped, and you will not be able to put the book down.

As much as I loved this one, I did have one issue. I’m sure it will not distract many, but it’s a pet peeve of mine. The use of British slang, whilst not terrible, distracted me on many occasions. There were times when we went from British slang to using things that are very much American and are never said over here (hello Jell-O, for example), there were times when things were used incorrectly (yes, that is what a certain words mean, but using it in that context is not how it would be used), and there was one repeated detail that really pulled me out of the story when it happened (we use miles, not kilometres). It’s not an attack on this book, it’s a much larger thing – in both indie and traditional publishing. The stereotype the world has of us being super polite means we will happy put you right on these things, as we’re unable to say no to you – not to mention, we’ll then apologise for the confusion you felt beforehand. As I said, it won’t get to many, but it certainly pulled me out of the story on a few occasions.

The other things, not a criticism, is a question I have. Why does everyone use the name Hamish when writing a Scottish character? In all my years of living in Scotland, I have not met a single Hamish. I really want to know where this idea comes from, because if I turned it into a drinking game – a sip for every time the name Hamish was used for the only Scottish character in a story – I would be suffering from alcohol poisoning. As I said, not a criticism, but a legitimate question.

My pet peeve aside, this was an insanely addictive read and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book. I have so many theories about where the Broken Crown trilogy will take us, and I cannot wait to see how everything plays out.

vee

885 reviews398 followers

February 8, 2022

likeable characters who made a perfect pair. but the story, though isnt anything ive read before, dragged

upper-2-stars

Alley Ciz

Author 98 books2,390 followers

April 26, 2020

I am a proud Maria Luis addict and Road To Fire only furthers my addiction.

Ilsa and Saxon burn off the page in enemies-to-lovers sexual tension perfection only Maria is able to weave with a slow burn.

The intrigue and the theories I have are already brewing and just off this book I know this is going to be one of the top series for me for 2020.

You need this book in your life. All the down stars and crowns for it!!

Bookgasms Book Blog

2,863 reviews1,564 followers

Amy [Book Addict Reviews]

* BETA READ *

OMG!! Road to Fire was absolutely magnificent. Filled to the brim with political intrigue and a riveting storyline, I was glued to my seat the entire time! Saxon and Isla were pure perfection. The secrets, lies and double dealings were mind boggling. I loved every word and that ending was just CRAZY!! I can not wait until the second book! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula

ratula

2,653 reviews179 followers

Wendy *cr8zysockbookblock*

This book. I don’t even know where to begin. It took me for a ride that I never wanted to end. From the moment I started reading it I was sucked in to this world and the story.

Saxon and Isla are perfect. Their chemistry is off the charts. These two will worm their way into your very being. Their story is full of twists and turns that will have you guessing the entire time. There is a lot of depth to Saxon’s character has so much depth. He’s had a hard and tragic life and he hides that pain. Isla is feisty, she is strong and she is protective of her family. They butt heads, but are also drawn to each other. You can only avoid temptation for so long before it will win out.

Road to Fire is full of murder, lies, darkness, and heat. I love the bits of history mixed into the suspense and romance of the story. Saxon and Isla will completely suck you and you’ll never want to leave. I can’t wait to see the story continue with Saxon’s brothers in the next two books! This one is a MUST READ!

Brenda Walters

182 reviews1 follower

May 1, 2020

If you like dark, gritty, incredibly sexy thrillers, then this is your series!

Book 1 of The Broken Crown series is incredible! Not at all what I expected. Don’t hesitate, One Click Now!

I love it......It is impossible for me to find the words! The wait for book two is going to be excruciating!

A Deep, dark, a thriller of the highest caliber and my emotions have been on a rollercoaster from page 1 until “The End”! From the highest high to the lowest points! It is deeply moving and so so good!

It has been much anticipated and heart crushing that I have now finished it, and so the wait begins for Book 2!

Definitely Maria Luis’ best work to date! Hurry Book 2!

565 reviews195 followers

alpha-hole-heroes arcs cliffhangers

How in the world do I move on from this book. From Saxon and Isla, characters that have embedded this deep into my heart? Well, I’m not sure that I can, but my hope, my saving grace for my poor heart, is that we hopefully get glimpses of them again in books two and three, Saxon’s brothers stories.

So, prepare yourself my friends, Saxon Priest and Isla Quinn’s story is going to gut you, it will rock you to your core, it will torture you, and I assure you, you will love every.single.word of it!
Road to Fire is book one in the Broken Crown Trilogy and while it is not a standalone and does end on a storyline cliffhanger, our couple Saxon and Isla get a HEA in this book.

I love Saxon Priest , I really, really do. He’s gruff, and gritty and harsh and hides behind that exterior. He is so complex, there are layers upon tragic layers to this man. For those and many more reasons he doesn’t do relationships or attachments. Then you have the gorgeous Isla Quinn. She is sweet, yet feisty and fearless. Like a real booty kickin chick y’all! She hides many secrets and lies behind her eyes and quick witted sarcasm. There are so many reasons they should never fit together. Saxon is dominant and alpha and she’s strong and independent. Those things alone would make them a challenge for each other. She has no problems standing up to him. She’s got grit and a spine of steel. But like two magnets drawn to one another, it was inevitable they would come together. I for one could not wait! This would be an epic throw down when temptation won out, of that I was sure!
"You couldn't handle a man like me and I would never fuck a girl like you."

These two are dynamic. They are off the charts hot.
Everything about these two managed to take my emotions on a trip through the tumble dryer and I came out a bit of a mess. They made me laugh, cry, swoon, scream in frustration, fan myself cause they are oh so HAWT Then I cheered, I cried again, fist bumped the air and then gave a big ol’ southern “hell yeah” ' holler and was breathless again by the end!

Maria Luis crafted such an amazing tale full of murder, lies, darkness and intrigue. But y’all, her brilliance shines more than ever in this book. I would definitely say it’s her BEST BOOK YET!! She vividly painted this beautifully eerie, and twisted story, with rainy and smoggy settings, sounds , smells, sights, in such exquisite details that if I closed my eyes I could almost visualize this playing out like a movie in my head. I’m telling you my friends. YOU MUST READ THIS!!
Maria Luis will shock you over and over again. This story will suck you into its web of lies and deception. When secrets are revealed and choices must be made, will Saxon and Isla overcome all the obstacles mounting against them, can their love conquer all?

Cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐️- MY HEART!! This book O-M-G!! Action, secrets , suspense, angst, hot sex, so much heart, banter, blood and sweat, tears, fight scenes, forgiveness, revenge, and frustration, lies on top of lies! The 180 * change in the H, twists and turns around every corner. These characters are LIFE!💀💀!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥-Holy Hell Y’all!!Saxon and Isla are pure fire and ice perfection! Melted panties and kindles all across the world because of this book. (Maria’s not even sorry either y’all)
🌪Cliffhanger Warning-🌪🌪Holy Cliffhanger Batman! There is a storyline cliffy, but our beautiful couple get a perfect Happy! 😍
🔫 Trigger Warning-This book is a Dark romance feel and does have violent scenes that could be considered triggers for some. If you have concerns you can PM for more information.

Courtney

16 reviews3 followers

“I’m me and you’re you.”

“And that means what?” he bites out. “Good and evil?”

“No, fire and ice.” … “I breathe, you inhale, and we both go up in flames.”

Give me a moment to contain my tears, hold back my expletives, and try to piece together words to accurately describe how this book made me feel.

Going into this, I knew I would enjoy the book simply because it’s written by Maria and I love absolutely everything she writes, but I never could have prepared myself for the emotional roller coaster and the pure visceral feelings it brought out in me. Holy crap, Isla and Saxon left me without words and days later they are all I can think about. Road to Fire is my favorite book of 2020 and let me tell you why.

My first. My only.

This universe is unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and it sucked me in from the get-go. It was so easy to get wrapped up in these characters and their actions, which makes for some of the best books. From chapter one I was hooked, and it got me incredibly excited not only for the rest of the story ahead of me, but for the other two books in the series. I have never had a series do that to me within the first few pages. Right away I wanted to know what was going to happen to these side characters, what I have to look forward to later on, and had me theorizing immediately. So already, before we even were introduced to Isla, I was enthralled.

When it comes to Saxon and Isla as characters, I was so pleasantly surprised by them both. Neither of them was entirely what I expected, and those sides to them I didn’t think of are probably my favorite parts of them both. Isla is sassy and strong but at the same time soft and caring. Saxon is the tough, take no BS guy I thought he would be, but he also has these demons and insecurities I didn’t expect at all. Their soft sides are what make them both so lovable to me, and it made it so easy to fall into their story and how they came together. Maria is so good at making her characters feelings palpable. I felt Isla’s guilt and I felt Saxon’s pain. I smiled and felt so happy when they were happy, and I cried when they were hurting. The entire book messed with my emotions, and I can’t even be mad because it was a wild, glorious ride.

Take a chance on Road to Fire because I guarantee it’ll catch you off guard, pull you in, and make you love the characters and want their happily ever after more than anything else.

I was generously given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

L.J. Evans

Author 32 books1,321 followers

Holy guacamole... holy fire and he**.

This book was a roller coaster of plot, emotions, and steam. It isn't romance. It isn't suspense. It isn't mystery. It isn't a spy novel. It's everything wrapped into this deep, dark, beautiful package.

All I can say is READ IT!

I've put my two favorite quotes below, but I'm going to give it some room because, while they aren't spoilers, I want you to read the words for yourself to really, truly feel the impact of them.
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"I breathe, you inhale, and we both go up in flames." OMG this... repeatedly.
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"I'm not gentle, I break everything I touch, but maybe--with you--I'd piece all the fractures back together. And, if not, then at least we'd be ruined together."

Seline

577 reviews42 followers

September 6, 2021

I don’t think I’ve read this type of book before so it was interesting.

Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Emily

668 reviews51 followers

dnf

October 1, 2022

I am DNFing this book because I cannot look at it on by currently reading shelf any longer. I swear as soon as a put a book on my currently reading shelf on goodreads I never pick the book up again. I got to page 245 and the heroine was pissing me the fuck off #sorrynotsorry.

ku mafia-crime own

S.M. Soto

Author 24 books2,470 followers

April 25, 2020

Let me start by saying I’m not a huge fan of Royals books. Never have been. It’s safe to say that Maria Luis has completely changed my mind. I could not put this book down! Maria’s words are literally EVERYTHING! The prose. The chemistry. The HEAT.
Road to Fire is the perfect combination of dark, gritty and sexy. You do not want to miss this!

Harloe Rae

Author 44 books6,238 followers

Road to Fire is a captivating romance packed with suspense and drama. There’s never a dull moment. This is Maria Luis at her very best! She continues to blow me away with her flawless talent and execution. This book is sure to appear on everyone’s best of 2020 list!

READ ME ROMANCE

616 reviews163 followers

Road To Fire is a deliciously dark read with so many jaw-dropping moments that I kept getting out shocked! Not sure if that is even a thing, but that is what happened to me. This hard to resist page-turner felt it was written in another time–Old England at its best. So suspenseful I held my breath and read many pages with one eye open!

I generally only read sweet rom coms, and stay far away from anything frightening (I won’t even go on the haunted hayride in my town), but am so glad I went out of my comfort zone and read this masterpiece by Maria Luis.

Saxton Priest, just his name gives me goose bumps. I love loving the damaged hero, and he is just everything. Strong and fierce and so damn bossy! As the eldest of three brothers, he is looked up to as a leader, not only in his family, but also by the Royal Family in England as it was engrained in him to always protect "the Crown." Things aren’t always what they seem and I was greatly surprised that the author let us in on some secrets early on. These were just to torture us because we knew and they didn’t! AHHH. We had to wait and see what happened next.

Isla Quinn, our heroine, is a rock star. She is independent, confident, and street smart, and is not afraid to draw blood to protect her family or avenge any wrong doings. She is bad@ss, relentless, and focused, and won’t take no for an answer. She didn't have anyone to depend on and never expected to find a kindred spirit, but found it in Saxton.

He tries hard to keep a distance, but their mutual attraction and need for each other is just too strong. Their sexy times burn up the pages, and their connection resonates deep in their souls. Saxton is brave, broody, and brilliantly calculating, with a heartbreaking vulnerability that will make you fall in love with him. These two forbidden lovers seem like opposites, but have more in common than they know.

Their relationship is intense, and they are not only intimate physically, but also emotionally as they each have scars and buried secrets. How he learns to trust her and protects her is so hero worthy! Swoon!

Road to Fire is enemies-to-lovers, a political thriller, a murder mystery filled with spies and espionage, and a slow-burn romance all tied into one beautiful package centering around the Royal family. Although this is a standalone, you will need to read all three books for the full story as our hero has two brothers who were featured throughout book one and you will want to find out what happens with them as well as the Queen. Trust me, this book does not drag on. It’s one decadent detail after another. Boom. Boom. Boom. Can’t wait for book two!

Kari

271 reviews5 followers

I've read everything Maria has published, from her sexy and fun loving Put a Ring On It series to the crazy world of the Boston Blades to NOLA Hearts and the Blood Duet, which showcase two very different sides of New Orleans. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that an author of such great romantic comedy and one dark duet could pull off this amazing, murderous plot full of twists, turns, and one heck of a cliffhanger.

Isla Quinn is a product of circumstance. After losing her parents and her job, she finds herself wrought with grief and guilt, charged with caring for her two younger siblings in a London that's fraught with political unrest.

Saxon Priest was born into a world that he would never choose, but nonetheless one that he can't escape. Bookended by brothers very different from himself, he struggles to find who he is underneath what his birth has destined him to be. Saxon is a hero like no other. He can best be described by one word - enigma. On one hand, he's a ruthless killer, never hesitating to eliminate whatever is in his path. Conversely, his life is marked by a striking innocence that endears him to the reader in unexpected ways.

Isla and Saxon coming together is nothing short of explosive. Think Romeo and Juliet...star crossed lovers the world wants to tear apart. Is it their fate to be together, or are their destinies, loyalties, and consciences set on paving them in paths that travel in opposite directions?

As a former English teacher and lover of Shakespeare, I'm a huge, huge fan of dramatic irony. Not surprisingly, Maria uses it masterfully in RTF. The reader knows things about both main characters that the other doesn't, creating a tension beyond the sexual and inciting a conflict that seems utterly impossible to overcome.

Maria's use of London is beyond that of a typical setting. London comes alive with her description, becoming akin to another character in the book. As someone who has been fortunate enough to spend time in that city, I felt an odd sense of nostalgia at its description. The book feels authentic in all ways possible, including using British slang that I had to look up (baps and bellends...fabulous additions to my vocabulary!)

The themes of testing seemingly infallible loyalty and the dangers of seeking revenge made this book impossible to put down. I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment in this fantastic trilogy.

Monica Gutierrez-Felix

38 reviews

Road to Fire in unlike anything I’ve read before and it gave me all the feels. I felt on edge, anxious to know what happens next, finger tips burning to turn onto the next page. Maria Luis is a genius, if I could give this book 100 ⭐️ I would, hands down the best book I’ve read thus far this year. Saxon is imperfectly perfect, he’s been through so much from such an early age that he’s jaded and is just living through the motions. Isla is so different from all the heroines’ I’ve read before, she’s unaware of her strength, she’s a Quinn through and through and sees past the facade that Saxon tries so hard to put up. In their eyes they couldn’t be more different not truly knowing how similar they truly are. He’s ice and she’s fire, she breathes, he inhales, and together they go up in flames 🔥

Susan (susayq ~)

2,523 reviews132 followers

1st-in-series 2020books ebooks

Oh my! If I could give more than 5 stars, I would bestow them on this gem!

This was sexy, action-filled, hot, with twists and turns all through! Saxon was amazing. Isla was just as strong and amazing as Saxon. I LOVED this and can not wait for the next book.

Long Live the Queen!

Book Snob Sue

1,414 reviews136 followers

March 4, 2023

Dayum....this book was so damn good, phenomenal. Like crazy good. One of the sexiest and all consuming couples I’ve ever read. “I breathe, you inhale, and we both go up in flames.” This was their saying, and it says so much. I want to burn and combust with Saxon and Isla too. Saxon is everything you want, and everything you shouldn’t. Together they are 2 gritty warriors with enough heat to combust everything, and you won’t be able to put them down. Seriously, phenomenal.

I am continually in awe of Maria Luis writing. From her quirky romantic comedies, where the heroine is in the street in her Tweety Bird pj’s to the grit and all consuming love of Saxon and Ilsa. I am always in awe of her writing, but this book blew me away. I knew going in this was going to be a darker read than her normal, and honestly, I couldn’t wait to read it. She totally nailed it and I can’t say enough about these two tough as nails characters, that are perfectly in sync in the dark.

Safe read with an all consuming dark, gritty and passionate couple that will leave you on the edge of your seat and have you wanting more. Fantastic storyline complete with all the twist and turns, that will leave you saying wtf. From the first page to the last, you won’t be able to put this down, fantastic read. These two, they are sexy af with so much raw passionate heat. You can just feel it when you are reading them. Not gonna lie, their heat had me blushing....and I loved every minute of it. So. Damn. Good. I did a bit of an impromptu live review about this book right after I read it...like literally right after I read it, because it’s that good. I said that I wouldn’t be able to do a written review that could do this book justice, and I can’t, but trust me when I say the book is phenomenal. From the suspense, to the action, to the politics, to the intense gritty heat, I felt every emotion that a person could feel, and I got it in one book. This book comes out the 30th and for me this is definitely a must read. Great job Maria Luis...you nailed it. Oh, and is it July yet😉?

#SubtleLikeAMackTruck #BookAddiction #BookHangover

2020-favorites all-the-emotions book-crack-series

Ree

2,512 reviews53 followers

5 O.M.G. stars!

This book is everything unexpected and then more! Maria Luis sets up a political landscape so treacherous and so fragile, yet beckoning. Against the backdrop of an England on the verge of a civil war, a romance between two unlikely souls blossoms.

Isla Quinn is the female warrior that women hope to be - strong, fearless & selfless. At her wits end, and beside herself with the pain of her parents' deaths, she does what she feels must be done. Wanting to ensure her siblings' survival, she turns to Saxon Priest for help.

Saxon? He's the tortured, broken anti-hero that you can't help but love. He's been loyal for years to a cause he doesn't truly believe in, yet all it takes is Isla's light - and sass - to make him realise that he'd been merely drifting through life until she came along.

The thrill, danger & heat levels were so good! If you love hot, dark thrillers, jump in on this. Road To Fire is gritty & dark but Isla & Saxon light it up quite nicely.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.

queen_of_the_books_18

887 reviews242 followers

April 28, 2020

Road to Fire is book 1 in the brand new Broken Crown series by Maria Luis.

As soon as a read the blurb for this I knew that I needed it. It was filled with mystery and suspense that had me hooked. I will admit that it took me a few chapters to really get into it but I don’t know if that’s because of me and my concentration or because of the actual book and the amount of world building and information that the reader needed to know to get into the story.

I grew to love Saxon and Isla’s characters as the story went on and from about half way in I was hooked and needed to know what the hell was going to happen. I also found myself getting quite emotional at some points during the story which I didn’t expect.

If you love enemies to lovers, Royal romances with an edge of dark mystery and suspense then pick up Road To Fire, you won’t regret it.

Kandi Steiner

Author 79 books14.8k followers

Want to read

I’m not scared of you.
I meet her gaze. “You should be.”
Saxon & Isla are LIVE and Free to read with KU. Road To Fire is a dark and gritty royal romance like you’ve never read before. It’s the first book in the Broken Crown world.

What You Can Expect:
🔥 A brave AF heroine who is a fierce warrior
🔥 A broken anti-hero with the SWOONIEST heart
🔥 A brand new world of murder and mayhem, twists and betrays
🔥 The royal romance no one ever expected
🔥 And allllll the bring-me-the-fan heat you could ever ask for!

Are you ready to meet your next anti-hero obsession??
Read Now on Amazon/Free with Kindle Unlimited:
➔ amzn.to/35kbiq1

Emma

169 reviews31 followers