Fairytale Wrath

The Cross #3

by M.H.B.

They say all men are monsters...

Money means power and power gives your skeletons a taste for retribution
They came for me
Suffocating me, dragging me to my knees
Using my past and my future as a double weapon against me

…I’m not a monster…

Lily Carter envisioned a beautiful fairy tale
But perfect is an illusion
And so, a veil of nightmares stood between us and our happy ending
Leading the dormant beast inside my head to awaken after all

But I will protect what’s mine…

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2020

About the author

M . H . B . graduated law from a Canadian University and loves spending time with her partner and her German Shepherd Dog. She has a passion for animals and enjoys the simple things in life: books, music, chocolate, sunny days and overall wellness. When she is not writing, her mind is in another world, with a book in hand.

Instagram: @mhb.author
Email: mhb.author@hotmail.com
Website: https://mhbmhb.wixsite.com/books
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authormhb

Reviews

[Lym Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linc and Lily had a one night stand three years ago that none of them forgot. They each went their own way, but as fate will have it, they run into each other again. Things are different this time and a relationship evolves.

But Lily has a secret and it’s a big one. Lincoln’s past demons also surface, putting them both at risk and to protect Lily he ends up pushing her away, and putting their love for one another to the test.

This book is filled with lots of drama, steam and twists and turns. I enjoyed this book and the way the author wrote a beautiful ending for this couple.

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooo a great story even if it was book three in the series. Seemed to be a stand alone. But there was some stuff I was questioning that perhaps was in book one and two. But any who, back to what's important.
Characters were strong and stubborn too. Loved Lily's carefree, but bossy-stubborn attitude. Hey she knows what she wants and goes for it. Love it. Lincoln was great to for the main alpha male in this novel. The secondary and third line character's all played a great part in this book and tied everything nicely together. Though I do hope Peppa will get her happy ending...maybe?

Lily's life has never been better. She has a little girl who is the light of her life and that's thanks to a man from her past. She still runs her own company and it's running stronger than ever. Only she's missing something in her life and in her heart. If only she could find that piece she is missing and wants...
Lincoln never forgot that one night with the bossy dragon lady Lily. He may of had a parade of women on his arm since then, but was it really worth it... And his job is driving him nuts. Being a senator is not a easy walk through the park. His anxiety is through the roof and with the threats. He's not sure what to do. Can he ever get a peaceful moment and find that one woman who makes his heart race again?

[Paperbeautiful · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief Synopsis:
Lincoln, a senator, and Lily, an event, meet one night at an event and have a one night stand. They see each other 3 years later and both are still attracted to one another. Pretty soon they begin a relationship, but Lily is holding on to one BIG secret and Lincoln is getting threats. Can their relationship survive?

Review:
This book started out really good, I could not put it down. The chemistry between Lily and Linc was HOT, you could really tell that they liked each other. Even when it picked up 3 years later, you could still feel everything between them. But then...the book got really confusing with the threats and Linc's past. This was book 3 in the series, but it read like a standalone. I wish the author would have explained everything just a little bit more, just a paragraph or two and everything would have been more clear. This book had some suspense which was kept you reading, you knew what Lily's secret was and the internal conflict she dealing with, and also trying to determine who is sending the threats. This book also does a great job of dealing with mental illness. It showed not only how it effects the person, but the people around them. Linc and Lily were beautiful characters. I really enjoyed reading about both of them.

HEA: Yes
Cheating: No
OW/OM Drama: Kinda
Couple Separation: Yes

[Ashley Dang · Rating 3 out of 5]

A politician with a dark past and a part organizer with her own secrets, one night that changed everything, and the consequences of it when they both run into each other again. Lincoln is a politician with a deep dark secret, trying to get over the girl who broke his heart and keep his political career. One day he attends an event organized by Lily, a gorgeous party organizer and one thing leads to another and she’s gone after their one night stand. Three years later, and neither of them can forget the other, and suddenly they run into each other at the airport and now their lives are entangled in more than one way. Lily has a secret she’s been keeping from Lincoln but is afraid of the consequences once he finds out. Lincoln’s past mistake comes back and threatens to tear apart his new relationship and life. Both of them are struggling to be honest with the other and have so many secrets, can this relationship really work? The story was an interesting one overall and the relationship was nice between the characters. The povs switching was a great touch and getting to know both the characters was fun. This is a quick and easy romance read,

*Thanks Netgalley and M . H . B for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wondering how this new to me author has stayed off my radar for so long as I'm totally in love with Fairytale Wrath. Lily is a strong willed woman who isn't shy about going after something she wants, and when this book started up 3 years into the past, she wanted Linc, a senator who caught her eye (as she demanded he help her) at an event she's setting up for where he's one of the guests. They hook up & that's all she wrote as they went their separate ways. Fast forward those 3 years, and fate has them seeing each other again, so that hotness factor they had comes back in spades, only this time, he's not about to let her go. Unfortunately, she has a GIANT secret, and he has some giant secrets of his own, and when those secrets come to light?! Well, let's just say things didn't go well. It added all kinds of angst/drama, twists to get the f-bombs dropping, and straight up had all my emotions out & running amok. I LOVED this story & am so excited to read more by this talented author in the very near future. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing better then getting excited about a new author. I devour books and I’m always in the hunt, yet I’ve never heard of. I wish I had known enough before and had read the previous 2 books. So I’d recommend that. They are lovely and long- my fav kind. Read in order to get the most out of this read. Fairytale Wrath is the story of Lily and Lincoln. Sometimes,mi don’t like it when the readers knows a secret before the intended party and I felt apprehensive about what would happen so I was glad when Lincoln finally learned Lily’s secret but it was at least half way. Lincoln is a character you can not help but root for. I loved the way he stepped up and was a father to Rosie. I didn’t agree with the way Lily handled things but this was a great read. I voluntarily received an arc copy of the book from HiddenGems and purchased a copy as well

[Levia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provoked some deep thoughts for me about some American congress members who have disappointed me. Alongside humanizing congress members, this book takes a wild ride. I also like seeing male representation regarding mental health. This was a beautiful romance, and a thrilling read. What lengths do people go to protect those they love? Or to get revenge? How many people do the wrong thing for the right reasons? I like how they make everyone a bit of a villain and a bit of a hero - reminding that we're all human. A fun sexy read that also has an amazing plot. I'm really impressed and look forward to reading more by this author. I received this book at no cost, and all opinions are completely my own.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairytale Wrath is the story of Lily and Lincoln. Since we as the reader knew Lily’s secret long before Lincoln did, I felt like I spent the first half of the book holding my breath waiting for the other shoe to drop. After it did, the story was SO good! I definitely wanted Lincoln to find his happily-ever-after and I was impressed with his ability to step up and want to be a father to Rosie. I know that Lily did what she thought was best (as any mother would) but I would like to believe I would have handled things differently especially after reconnecting with Lincoln.

The happily-ever-after, the chemistry between Lincoln and Lily, their connection, and love was wonderful to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance started as a sweet and sexy contemporary type of romance. The main characters both had baggage from failed relationships with partners who chose someone else. Finding healing and true love in each other seems natural and easy until this suddenly turns into political suspense, with blackmail, secrets, threats that try to break them apart, etc. His fight against an enemy unknown becomes intense and truly tests the character of their relationship as well as seeing how far he's willing to go to protect it (and the child).

I will say this book sucked me in from the very moment they met at the hotel bar until the resolution. The pacing ass great, never boring, and the characters were interesting.

I got a free copy from hidden gems in return for an honest review.

[Amara | The Literary Indulgence · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author in exchange for a honest review.

This is the 3rd installment in the series, though it could be read as a standalone also.

Our leads, Lily & Lincoln met on night and had a one night stand. They pretty much went their separate way after that but never totally forgot about each other. Then after 3 years they met again and things proceed from there.

The book was quite enjoyable. Author kept the pace very interesting and it captured my interest till the end. You would miss a few things if you haven't read the previous books.

I really loved the dynamics between the couple. Lily has been holding on to a secret which you'll find out as the story progresses.

Do give it a go!

[M H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets

Secret baby books are not easy to write because you best believe the reason for the baby secret truly be life or death in order for a reader to be on board with the secret. Otherwise the heroin looks selfish and pretty much leaves the reader thinking "What the heck? What gave you the right to decide for the father whether he should or should not be a part of the baby's life?" So while the story was good, I did not like that part of the story. As you can imagine it pained him to have missed years and milestones so you find yourself angry with him. Which is good because that means you connected with the character.
He has trust issues while she does too. He has dangerous secrets she has her big one.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a interesting story that is full of intrigue, suspense and secrets. Lily and Linc had a one night stand, but neither could forget the other. They run into each other three years later, and start dating. It's not all love and fun times, because each has a secret that could destroy their happiness. Then Linc gets threatened, and finds out Lily's secret. Linc's past comes back to haunt him so he pushes Lily away. There's a lot of drama, some steamy stuff and a few surprises in the story, it gets your attention and keeps it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[CR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one took a few chapters to grow on me but I ended up falling in love with Lily, Lincoln, and Rosie. I started this not realizing it is book 3 in the series but I never felt lost while reading it so it can be read as a stand alone. Lily meets the handsome senator Lincoln at an event she planned and ended up having a one night stand which was a bit steamy. Fast forward 3 years and she has a chance meeting with him again at an airport. With some crooked politics, secrets from their pasts, and a little mafia action thrown in this book is exciting as the two get to know each other and start falling in love. I loved seeing them find their HEA and become a cite little family.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent romantic suspense!! This series just keeps getting better. Very sensual, intense and emotional story topped with mysteries and shocking secrets. All these attributes come together with a powerful punch of engrossing complications driven by revenge and the revelations of heartfelt love. I was totally captivated by this couple and their complexities of their involvement, both characters are lovable.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ashley Cestra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dove head first into this story and didn’t come up for air until it was done! I really enjoyed the main character, Lily, she was strong and independent and knew what she wanted! It’s hard to find that kind of heroine these days. She wanted the man, but she didn’t NEED him. I very much enjoyed the connection Linc and Lily shared, often I felt like I was the fly in the middle of the room! I have never read this author before, but my attention was held all through out the story, so I call that a win!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just in love with this story. Want to talk about, no matter how successful you are, where you came from, you can still have insecurities. Maybe this is what I'm loving so much about this book; the character's flaws!

There is intrigue. Who is sending Lincoln the texts?

Lily has been keeping a secret from Linc. What will he do when the secret is revealed.

OMG.... so intense.......

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was totally engrossed by Lincoln and Lily’s story. I loved them from beginning to the end and can’t wait for the author’s next book. This book had love, steamy sex and a character driven storyline. The author really knows how to write an intimate scene without the graphic porn. Fairytales do come true ; mine was reading this book. I voluntarily was given a copy for a honest review and it was so good.

[Christine Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

they meet and they have a night together they will never forget. Well more her than her. Years later they run into each other and it is off the charts hot. he is unaware of her secret. When he meets the little girl he does not realize it at all either. They have their ups and downs but in the end it was so perfect

[Shia · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Rating: 4.5

I really enjoyed this story and how it encompasses both protagonists’ struggles and how they overcame their obstacles. Both characters were wrong in some ways, both were right in others. That just made them so real and relatable and made the story impossible to put down. This was also STEAMY!! So so so steamy!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Cross series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Lincoln Black, Lily Carter and their daughter Rosie's story of a second chance. They will have a lot to overcome as they find a way to be together, I enjoyed reading. This is a new Author to me and I want to read more in this series. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amii · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, I was a little lost at times and felt as though I didn’t have the full picture, I’ve not read the first two books so maybe they could fill in the gaps as I read this as a stand alone. The storyline was good, the characters were great and relatable. This was a first read for me from this author and I’m intrigued to read more. I read this book as an ARC.

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very ENJOYABLE!
Oh boy this was a very enjoyable suspense filled Read that was well executed with endless drama attention grabbing twists and turns, thrilling steamy chemistry and a fantastic HEA. An amazing series that I would absolutely recommend.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story.. enjoyable and interesting.. kept me curious and kept me on edge. i liked it

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing really happened but loved the banter. The ending was a bit confusing.

[☽｡⋆ Shells (jlreads_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Sexual contents, trauma and rape

𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁

The story is indeed fast paced and doesn’t left you hanging in every chapter. I was grateful that the p.o.v were both from Lily and Linc, that made it even more exciting and fulfilling as we get to learn both perspective not just from one of them. The writing was very easy to read to as well, not too flowery and not too awkward like the other romance writing I’ve read.

However, I just felt not that satisfied with the story. The vibe that the story is giving me is like those romance wattpad story that I’ve read-not in a bad way but in a good way-however, I was expecting it to be much more darker and more deeper and mysterious like what the synopsis had given but it wasn’t and that just thrown me off. BUT towards the climax of the book, that where all of the dark, suspense and all I want from a Dark Romance.

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀

I’ve got no problems with how the characters were written, I really liked how Lily was written, her traits were really realistic and I just adore how independent she is and is really working hard for herself and for daughter.

There are some parts of the story that I got annoyed with the characters but I understood why it was done, it wouldn’t be realistic otherwise if Lily just dropped that and everything would be fine.

I really liked how human the characters are, they were really well written. From Linc being a senator and seeing the dark side of the government and many more and from Lily’s childhood background to her becoming a parent. I did enjoy that.

I also would mention the mental illness that Lin’s was suffering and how he approached it in the story, from taking a therapy and also being someone who advocates women’s right at the end of the story. It was such a good development there.

I also adore the relationship Lily had with her friends, you can really see true bond there. Jayce and Lin’s as well which an employer and an employee relationship, I really find their relationship dark and also deep in both good and bad way, that really made me more curious of Jayce and I’m hoping that the author might write a story about him. And also the closure that all characters needed here.

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 it was an exciting, steamy and suspenseful read. However, as much as I would love to give this more than 4⭐ , I can’t. Yes, I enjoyed it but I wasn’t satisfied with how it went.

The story starts very fast (not gonna lie, I enjoy it), they had a one night stand and the heroine left before the hero wakes up ( typical wattpad story I read before). They met 3 years after and real, steamy, dark and annoying things happen here.

It would have been much better if it was a slow-burn romance. I really think that it would really fit to the story and would have been much more page turner than it already is.

If the story had go more in that route-like a slowburn plot and romance, it would have been much better, both for the romance and the whole story line. It was just right there but not quiet there and that really threw me off of it.

Aside from the writing and plot, I really liked the relationship of the characters had, the representation of mental illness, the development and closure towards the end at most parts.

Despite enjoying it at most, I just can’t see myself rating this more than 4, I’m still debating if this is a 4⭐ or a 3 ⭐so I would have to settle with 3.5⭐ .

𝙄 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮.

[Isis Ray-sisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sizzling hot read. I enjoyed the characters I enjoyed the plot. Lily and Lincoln were perfect for each other even though they had some issues to navigate. I liked the relationship between them. I didn't like that they kept secrets from each other...though I can totally understand why they felt like they needed to keep them though. The story moves at a steady pace and kept me turning the pages. There was a bit of a mystery and some some thrill to the story as well. I would recommend it to others who enjoy steamy romances with suspense.