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Underestimated #5
The Crown of Fools
The fates hadn’t always been kind to Sunshine...
Abandoned as a baby with nothing more than a blanket and a name
Katia ‘Sunshine’ Jones knows what it feels like to be alone.
With her childhood spent navigating the foster system,
She finally finds a home in the arms of a boy who becomes her entire world.
But six years later, a devastating tragedy rips her fairy tale to shreds,
And plunges Sunshine’s life into darkness.
Falling in love had been easy.
But trying to live without him is like trying to breathe without air.
Until they walk into her life and change everything,
Now the woman who clawed her way out of the dark
Might just get a second chance at finding her happily ever after
But with a war heading for Carnage
It seems fate hasn’t finished with her yet…
Please be advised that this book may cause shallow breathing, exploding ovaries, and spontaneous disintegration of panties. As a result, all readers should be over the age of 18 and refrain from reading in public places.
Trigger warning: This book contains swearing, violence, and scenes that some readers may find uncomfortable. As with the previous books in the series, Sunshine ends up with more than one love interest, but you'll have to read The Crown of Fools to find out who they'll be because I'm sneaky like that.
Abandoned as a baby with nothing more than a blanket and a name
Katia ‘Sunshine’ Jones knows what it feels like to be alone.
With her childhood spent navigating the foster system,
She finally finds a home in the arms of a boy who becomes her entire world.
But six years later, a devastating tragedy rips her fairy tale to shreds,
And plunges Sunshine’s life into darkness.
Falling in love had been easy.
But trying to live without him is like trying to breathe without air.
Until they walk into her life and change everything,
Now the woman who clawed her way out of the dark
Might just get a second chance at finding her happily ever after
But with a war heading for Carnage
It seems fate hasn’t finished with her yet…
Please be advised that this book may cause shallow breathing, exploding ovaries, and spontaneous disintegration of panties. As a result, all readers should be over the age of 18 and refrain from reading in public places.
Trigger warning: This book contains swearing, violence, and scenes that some readers may find uncomfortable. As with the previous books in the series, Sunshine ends up with more than one love interest, but you'll have to read The Crown of Fools to find out who they'll be because I'm sneaky like that.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2021
477 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
March 25, 2021
Sunshine's (Kat FMC) life is spiraling downward with the loss of her Soulmate - Alex (Pike). Pregnant, grieving and having to cope with a life on her own. With her only help coming from unexpected sources - bikers Conan & Inigo. One gentle giant and one going through his own grief. These two burly bikers made me melt with how they were so caring and respectful (Conan more so than Inigo at the beginning) they were of Sunshine. Seeing everything she was going through and they just wanted to help and make sure her and the baby weer taken care of. Sunshine certainly goes through the wringer in this book and you live through it all with her. I found myself laughing and crying in equal measure with her throughout. From the lows of her drowning in her grief and not wanting to live to growing in confidence and taking on backstabbing bikers like a one woman vigilante. I loved Sunshine and the way she put violent, scary bikers in their place without a care in the world. As well as all the men in her life.
A dark read with plenty of blood, laughs, love and tears. A bloody brilliant read with a great cliffhanger ending
A dark read with plenty of blood, laughs, love and tears. A bloody brilliant read with a great cliffhanger ending
May 30, 2023
I absolutely adore Sunshine. Her story made me cry then rejoice in her journey through her grief. I've never read a book by Candice Wright that I didn't like. And Crown of Fools may be her best one yet. Her attention to detail in building up the characters in the world they live in is flawless. I knew Sunshine's story was gonna hurt, and it certainly did. Candice broke our hearts with the grief that almost swallowed Sunshine whole. Seeing her find love after everything she had been through was amazingly satisfying. Crown of Fools has become my new favorite book in the series, and Sunshine is right up there with Viddy, vying for my favorite Candice Wright character. I would love to have more of Sunshine's story because it feels nowhere near finished. So many surprises await readers in this book, and just when you think you have it all figured out, you are totally knocked on your butt. Alex's letter about did me in. Just read it. You'll cry, you'll laugh, and you'll be glad you did.
January 19, 2022
And I thought that The Crown of Fools was emotional! Kat's story was such a roller-coaster! It was just perfect, I have no words! I just LOVE these series! The epilogue of this book was just ...WOW. I don't was to spoil it, but it was just PERFECT.
July 11, 2021
Pet Peeves: the usual for this series, pregnancy 🤰 & a cliffhanger ending.
Trigger ⚠️ warning: Grief
Spoiler: If I’m not mistaken Garret’s daughter knows about the CIA & King. I believe their was some foreshadowing in her book &/or maybe during Pike’s funeral.
Trigger ⚠️ warning: Grief
Spoiler: If I’m not mistaken Garret’s daughter knows about the CIA & King. I believe their was some foreshadowing in her book &/or maybe during Pike’s funeral.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2021
Felt rushed and unfinished.
From the beginning I could not remember any of the characters/events that happened that lead to this book. Therefore, I was confused from the beginning.
I did enjoy the characters; Sunshine with 4 older, Alpha that would anything to protect her. However, towards the end two lovers were introduce d and their relationship development with the heroine felt rushed.
Plus the ending felt unfinished; we didn't get to see King and Sunshine relationship in detail.
From the beginning I could not remember any of the characters/events that happened that lead to this book. Therefore, I was confused from the beginning.
I did enjoy the characters; Sunshine with 4 older, Alpha that would anything to protect her. However, towards the end two lovers were introduce d and their relationship development with the heroine felt rushed.
Plus the ending felt unfinished; we didn't get to see King and Sunshine relationship in detail.
April 16, 2021
I cannot put into words just how much I loved this. Between the beautiful healing, growth and comfort that takes shape in the relationship itself and the mega, mega plot twists my mind is blown. Candice did such an incredible job, again! I can’t wait for the next one to come out!
-Sinead (DLS)
-Sinead (DLS)
September 19, 2023
HOLY FREAKIN MOLY!
I LOVED THIS BOOK! This book had everything I love in a book. Kat is a beautiful woman who is nicknamed Sunshine because she's such a sweetheart and she lights up a room with her presence but has had a hard lonely life in foster care until she met Alex better known as Pike who is a member of Kings of Carnage MC and whom she claims as her soulmate and he does the same of her. Pike loves Kat more than his life but as we know from book 4, Pike/Alex is killed in an explosion at the Kings of Carnage clubhouse leaving Kat with his legacy who he'll never get to meet. At times and on more than one occasion I was crying so hard I couldn't see to read. Whenever Kat cried, I cried and that was often, it was heartbreaking. But on the other hand Kat can be a total bad*ss. Who knew? Well bad*ss is and understatement, she can best be described as a sassy sarcastic spitfire who stands up for the people she loves and for those who can't help themselves and she definitely kicks some serious *ss. I absolutely love her character. At times I was cracking up laughing at her sass. Conan and Inigo are two members of the Kings of Carnage also and they both have an attraction to Kat and have a strong need to protect her. At times the excitement and suspense had me so consumed my insides were jittery and I couldn't read fast enough. It was so heartwarming how the whole club and old ladies never gave up on Kat and kept watch over her throughout her pregnancy. Now, when these Conan, Inigo, and Kat are in the same room together there's enough sexual tension to boil a pot. When a ghost from the past reappears it had me thinking WHAT?!! How is that even possible?! As things begin to be revealed it was kind of confusing and yet all through the revelation I still have a question but I can't ask it without giving them away. Lol. Kat with the RPG had me laughing out loud just picturing it in my head. Blade the President of the Raven Souls MC and his request was a bit of a shock. But he is SAF. This is an angsty, gut wrenching, emotionally charged story and I loved every minute of it. I EXTREMELY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES TO EVERYONE!
March 26, 2021
****SPOILERS****
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It took 5 books for it all to start making sense! Whew.
This is one crazy puzzle. Amazing how 1 girl is the connection to everything.
Indigo,Conan,Blade and now King.....damn poor Sunshine is gonna need some TLC for her kitty after being with all those men.
Still a bit confused about King’s involvement in this fiasco of a storyline. So, he is CIA but faked his death so the alphabets would leave his family alone. Kermit was a cray cray stalker because of a brain tumor. Pike had a terminal cancer and was gonna die within a year except for him being cut in half in book 4. Pike and Kermit were friends and Kermit promised to look after Kat. Wes/King has the hots for Kat. That was part of the reason he was having Friday visits at the park on Alex’s bench. Indigo and Conan fell in love with Kat from the first time seeing her after Alex’s death. Then there is Blade. Not sure what to make of him just yet. But with all of these guys trying to keep everyone safe they merge both clubs with the common denominator between them is...you guessed it...Kat. Did I get it all? Am I missing anything?
There is sooooo much going on here. And there is a 6th book coming in July. Hopefully it will wrap up all of the loose ends and help make sense of this HUGE ball of yarn.
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It took 5 books for it all to start making sense! Whew.
This is one crazy puzzle. Amazing how 1 girl is the connection to everything.
Indigo,Conan,Blade and now King.....damn poor Sunshine is gonna need some TLC for her kitty after being with all those men.
Still a bit confused about King’s involvement in this fiasco of a storyline. So, he is CIA but faked his death so the alphabets would leave his family alone. Kermit was a cray cray stalker because of a brain tumor. Pike had a terminal cancer and was gonna die within a year except for him being cut in half in book 4. Pike and Kermit were friends and Kermit promised to look after Kat. Wes/King has the hots for Kat. That was part of the reason he was having Friday visits at the park on Alex’s bench. Indigo and Conan fell in love with Kat from the first time seeing her after Alex’s death. Then there is Blade. Not sure what to make of him just yet. But with all of these guys trying to keep everyone safe they merge both clubs with the common denominator between them is...you guessed it...Kat. Did I get it all? Am I missing anything?
There is sooooo much going on here. And there is a 6th book coming in July. Hopefully it will wrap up all of the loose ends and help make sense of this HUGE ball of yarn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2021
Love!
Another genius story. So many twists and turns. I had an idea of who Wes was but ended up wrong, which only added to my love of the story. I had an idea of who Chester was (forgetting past character names didn’t help) and turned out to be wrong.
This story, like the four books before, has me on the edge of my seat. Candice Wright will always be one of my go to authors. Her writing is everything and her storytelling is so, so good that I feel as though I’m there.
I can’t wait for book 6 and that’s saying something, as I normally tire of the same series before book three.
Five outstanding stars.
Another genius story. So many twists and turns. I had an idea of who Wes was but ended up wrong, which only added to my love of the story. I had an idea of who Chester was (forgetting past character names didn’t help) and turned out to be wrong.
This story, like the four books before, has me on the edge of my seat. Candice Wright will always be one of my go to authors. Her writing is everything and her storytelling is so, so good that I feel as though I’m there.
I can’t wait for book 6 and that’s saying something, as I normally tire of the same series before book three.
Five outstanding stars.
March 25, 2021
Oh man where do I start with this review.... I read a lot of books but this one captured me and kept me reading to the end. I felt so bad for Kat and all the things she goes through. Coming from a foster home and having to fight for her life and her love had me in tears.
When something tragic happens to her she just picks up and moves on. She is hurt but she will not let anyone stop her. Her new love interest is interesting and had me reading faster to find out what was going to happen to her.
When something tragic happens to her she just picks up and moves on. She is hurt but she will not let anyone stop her. Her new love interest is interesting and had me reading faster to find out what was going to happen to her.
March 25, 2021
All I can say is.....WOW! Crown of Fools is so heartbreakingly wonderful.
Sunshine has been put through the wringer and is struggling so much after the death of her love. Her grief is palpable but it’s her strength that reels you in to read more. Her men are yummy silver foxes and they’re there for her when she needs them the most. Sunshine and her men fit so perfectly together.
This book is full of heartache, grief, love, steamy goodness, twists and turns. I really enjoy this series and I can’t wait for the next one.
Sunshine has been put through the wringer and is struggling so much after the death of her love. Her grief is palpable but it’s her strength that reels you in to read more. Her men are yummy silver foxes and they’re there for her when she needs them the most. Sunshine and her men fit so perfectly together.
This book is full of heartache, grief, love, steamy goodness, twists and turns. I really enjoy this series and I can’t wait for the next one.
July 30, 2025
So good
I loved this one. The story of Sunshine broke my heart in the last book, but this shattered it. I felt so heartbroken for her. She's so strong, trying her hardest to hold on. I loved her secret rendezvous with her "friend," who I did suspect it to be, but it was hard to picture him being close to any FMC in this series. Lots of secrets came out in this book, which I enjoyed. Loved all of the growth between Sunshine and her guys. Really loved the HEAish ending and can't wait to see what happens with Mercy next.
I loved this one. The story of Sunshine broke my heart in the last book, but this shattered it. I felt so heartbroken for her. She's so strong, trying her hardest to hold on. I loved her secret rendezvous with her "friend," who I did suspect it to be, but it was hard to picture him being close to any FMC in this series. Lots of secrets came out in this book, which I enjoyed. Loved all of the growth between Sunshine and her guys. Really loved the HEAish ending and can't wait to see what happens with Mercy next.
March 26, 2021
I still have no idea what to say in this review other than that I LOVED this book so much. It went in a direction I wasn't sure of, but I loved the connection Kat shared with all of her men, and how even though these are all badass, alpha male bikers, the way they all adore and love their Sunshine girl with everything in them made me turn into a big pile of goo! And the heat between all of them?! Holy. Shit.
The start of this book was really emotional, especially since Kat is just trying to make it through each day after burying the love of her life, and carrying on for their unborn child. Then there is the suspense element that just raises the hair on the back of your neck, even though you KNOW who it is. Candice's talent is just amazing!!
I know I've already said it before, but all of Kat's men -- Inigo, Conan and all the surprises at the end made my reverse harem heart so happy! Gosh, I just can't get enough of this series! And that cliffy?! oh my gosh, I need the next book right meow!!
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Candice definitely knows how to write a steamy RH with all the feels and twists. I can't get enough of this series!!
**full RTC.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions**
The start of this book was really emotional, especially since Kat is just trying to make it through each day after burying the love of her life, and carrying on for their unborn child. Then there is the suspense element that just raises the hair on the back of your neck, even though you KNOW who it is. Candice's talent is just amazing!!
I know I've already said it before, but all of Kat's men -- Inigo, Conan and all the surprises at the end made my reverse harem heart so happy! Gosh, I just can't get enough of this series! And that cliffy?! oh my gosh, I need the next book right meow!!
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Candice definitely knows how to write a steamy RH with all the feels and twists. I can't get enough of this series!!
**full RTC.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions**
March 25, 2021
Beautiful story
Such a beautiful story about coming back from heartbreak. I personally lost a husband and let me tell you there were sooo many tears when I read this. The story also builds hope and if this author can give that to even one person this whole book was worth every minute Candice slaved over it.
Such a beautiful story about coming back from heartbreak. I personally lost a husband and let me tell you there were sooo many tears when I read this. The story also builds hope and if this author can give that to even one person this whole book was worth every minute Candice slaved over it.
March 25, 2022
Not a favorite.
I’ve enjoyed books 1-3 but now the series is slipping for me. There’s still enough to hang on to read the last book.
I’ve enjoyed books 1-3 but now the series is slipping for me. There’s still enough to hang on to read the last book.
March 26, 2021
Where do I even start. I feel like I say the same thing every book but it’s true. This series makes you “ride the gauntlet “ all the feels, all the omg moments, all the steamy sinful moments. It’s everything. Can go from one end of the spectrum to the other in a matter of a few breaths making you curse the author, sometimes in multiple languages. I go between wanting to hug her and thank her and wanting to yell at her at the same time.
There was a few parts of this book where I thought back to tidbits from previous books and hoped I was right at what was about to play out and I totally was.
Another sleepless night with my eyes glued to every page was WELL worth it!
There was a few parts of this book where I thought back to tidbits from previous books and hoped I was right at what was about to play out and I totally was.
Another sleepless night with my eyes glued to every page was WELL worth it!
March 16, 2021
Holy monkey balls!!! Candice did it AGAIN!!! This is my favorite series... ever! Twisty turny delicious and smexy. Our girl Sunshine definitely has a thing for the silver foxes, picking up new ones left and right, half of which aren’t Carnage and one of which is a complete mindfuck. (Sunshine is going to be a kickass stepmother. 😂) The revelation on who the true enemy in the war to come? 🤯 Candice’s characters are so well written you can’t help falling in love with them and sharing their pain. I can’t believe this is the next to last book but I’m definitely ready for the 6th and final story in series. I’ve been waiting for the Demon Prospects since Chaos. 😏 💜
December 9, 2023
I can go into heavy detail about why this book, to me, is laughably bad. But i won't. Instead i have a list of all the frustrating questions i had while reading:
- why has the plot gone so completely off the rails? the plot just isn't interesting at all, it's just too complex and confusing, it's like the author is trying way too hard to have crazy plottwists and make the plot thicker than oatmeal and it's just not working at all - i don't care that King is still alive and i don't care that he worked for the CIA and i really don't care that the bad guy they have to go to "war" against now is the vp of the United States and not just some other mc and i just really don't care how everything apparently is connected
- why for the love of god would you introduce a love interest, like an actual love interest that Sunshine ends up with, 85% ish into the book?!?!?! what even is the point of that? - i, as the reader, have ZERO connection to this Blade dude and couldn't care less about him, so i sure as shit won't see him as a good match for Sunshine and i sure as shit didn't find the scenes where they're making out against walls to survive is sexy??
- why is King still here? why is he somehow ending up as Sunshines fourth love interest? it's honestly sad, because in the first half of the book it made sense that Sunshine would only end up with Conan and Inigo because that would leave some kind of symbolic third place for Alex, since he wasn't there physically. But it made sense, because in her heart she would be with three men and that would fit the pattern of all the other books in this series - but then comes Blade at the 85% mark and makes his appearance, which is just fucking stupid - and then King comes along and surprise he want's to be with Sunshine as well - be fucking forreal omfg
- how in the world can Sunshine forgive Inigo for actually refusing to let her hold her own son as some kind of punishment?!?!?! just because he was mad at her for putting herself in danger to save Conan? And by doing that making is seem like she's a bad mother and that she doesn't deserve to hold her own son?!?! like bruv, that's just not forgivable in my opinion and yet Sunshine ends up being the one going to him to comfort him when he gets upset and throws a chair like a child two pages later?!?! has this author ever heard of the words ´self-respect´ or ´groveling´?
- also, how is it hot and acceptable for Conan to just start recording her and Inigo have sex because he thinks it's the most erotic thing he's ever seen? and then keep recording them when she doesn't say anything when she realizes what he's doing?! and yeah sure, she could have told him to stop - if it wasn't for the fact that both him and Inigo told her repeatedly that her punishment in this specific sexscene was that she couldn't say a word and if she did make even one single sound they would give her a much worse punishment?! - the lack of aftercare from Inigo afterwards, since it's him that has the whole submissive kink and the one to give the orders during sex, is just triggering actually. They treat her like a toy and they don't even ask her during the whole scene if she's okay, both with what they're doing to her and if she's even mentally stable to have such intense sex after the trauma she went through the night before - and Conan asking her is she's okay afterward is just not aftercare whatsoever
Ooops i went into heavy detail anyway, but i'll leave this review on a positive note - the only single thing i liked in this book was Blades calling her Stormcloud, that's kinda cute i guess
- why has the plot gone so completely off the rails? the plot just isn't interesting at all, it's just too complex and confusing, it's like the author is trying way too hard to have crazy plottwists and make the plot thicker than oatmeal and it's just not working at all - i don't care that King is still alive and i don't care that he worked for the CIA and i really don't care that the bad guy they have to go to "war" against now is the vp of the United States and not just some other mc and i just really don't care how everything apparently is connected
- why for the love of god would you introduce a love interest, like an actual love interest that Sunshine ends up with, 85% ish into the book?!?!?! what even is the point of that? - i, as the reader, have ZERO connection to this Blade dude and couldn't care less about him, so i sure as shit won't see him as a good match for Sunshine and i sure as shit didn't find the scenes where they're making out against walls to survive is sexy??
- why is King still here? why is he somehow ending up as Sunshines fourth love interest? it's honestly sad, because in the first half of the book it made sense that Sunshine would only end up with Conan and Inigo because that would leave some kind of symbolic third place for Alex, since he wasn't there physically. But it made sense, because in her heart she would be with three men and that would fit the pattern of all the other books in this series - but then comes Blade at the 85% mark and makes his appearance, which is just fucking stupid - and then King comes along and surprise he want's to be with Sunshine as well - be fucking forreal omfg
- how in the world can Sunshine forgive Inigo for actually refusing to let her hold her own son as some kind of punishment?!?!?! just because he was mad at her for putting herself in danger to save Conan? And by doing that making is seem like she's a bad mother and that she doesn't deserve to hold her own son?!?! like bruv, that's just not forgivable in my opinion and yet Sunshine ends up being the one going to him to comfort him when he gets upset and throws a chair like a child two pages later?!?! has this author ever heard of the words ´self-respect´ or ´groveling´?
- also, how is it hot and acceptable for Conan to just start recording her and Inigo have sex because he thinks it's the most erotic thing he's ever seen? and then keep recording them when she doesn't say anything when she realizes what he's doing?! and yeah sure, she could have told him to stop - if it wasn't for the fact that both him and Inigo told her repeatedly that her punishment in this specific sexscene was that she couldn't say a word and if she did make even one single sound they would give her a much worse punishment?! - the lack of aftercare from Inigo afterwards, since it's him that has the whole submissive kink and the one to give the orders during sex, is just triggering actually. They treat her like a toy and they don't even ask her during the whole scene if she's okay, both with what they're doing to her and if she's even mentally stable to have such intense sex after the trauma she went through the night before - and Conan asking her is she's okay afterward is just not aftercare whatsoever
Ooops i went into heavy detail anyway, but i'll leave this review on a positive note - the only single thing i liked in this book was Blades calling her Stormcloud, that's kinda cute i guess
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2021
SOOOOO Much Information
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
For most of this book it seemed to be going in one direction, then it took a swerve around 75% in, then, at around 90% in it did another even bigger swerve. I’m sitting here with my head in my hands, moaning with brain whiplash. I’m not even sure I can give a coherent review because my brain is still stuttering with ‘WTF just happened????’
This book covers Kat, or Sunshine as she is known by Carnage. Her soulmate got killed in the last book, just after she found out she was pregnant. Raised in foster care she has no one, not even Carnage really because Pike, her man, was a prospect and as such she couldn’t be an Old Lady. Plus there was the whole ‘you need to have an extra partner in the relationship to be part of Carnage’ thing. Sunshine was grieving and trying to keep going for the sake of her baby and Inigo and Conan are trying to look after her as best they can, as they are both smitten with the young woman.
Sunshine has more bad luck than anyone should rightly have, but she is tough and she always keeps managing to stay afloat by the skin of her teeth. Sunshine is made much darker by the death of Pike and the instances that seem to be following her around, but underneath it all she is still the same warm and loving woman that brought light to the darkness for Pike. As always in this series, she is seriously underestimated and is much stronger than even she suspects she is.
Both Conan and Inigo are in their 40s and Sunshine is much younger, in her 20s. This age difference doesn’t seem insurmountable because Sunshine has had a lot of life experience especially whilst growing up in foster care. Both men are dominant in the bedroom and think they are going to be the same way in Sunshine’s life. She’s not keen on that! Her fighting for her right to be treated as an independent entity isn’t as large a part of the book as it could have been.
I really enjoyed the majority of this book. It has everything going for it, older men, pregnant younger woman, mysterious stalker, bad guy landlord and big strapping bad*ss MC members. I even took the first swerve in the plot in my stride, thinking ‘well that’s interesting, I didn’t see that coming'. I think I just became overwhelmed with the information dump that was thrown at me in the very latter stages of the book. That sense of being overwhelmed definitely reduced my enjoyment of the book. I don’t know if I’ve been left reeling because of the book and the great writing or because I’ve not had enough sleep lately. I think I’ll have to do a re-read before the next book comes out because I think it’s the only way my brain will be able to parse all the information dumped in the last couple of chapters.
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
For most of this book it seemed to be going in one direction, then it took a swerve around 75% in, then, at around 90% in it did another even bigger swerve. I’m sitting here with my head in my hands, moaning with brain whiplash. I’m not even sure I can give a coherent review because my brain is still stuttering with ‘WTF just happened????’
This book covers Kat, or Sunshine as she is known by Carnage. Her soulmate got killed in the last book, just after she found out she was pregnant. Raised in foster care she has no one, not even Carnage really because Pike, her man, was a prospect and as such she couldn’t be an Old Lady. Plus there was the whole ‘you need to have an extra partner in the relationship to be part of Carnage’ thing. Sunshine was grieving and trying to keep going for the sake of her baby and Inigo and Conan are trying to look after her as best they can, as they are both smitten with the young woman.
Sunshine has more bad luck than anyone should rightly have, but she is tough and she always keeps managing to stay afloat by the skin of her teeth. Sunshine is made much darker by the death of Pike and the instances that seem to be following her around, but underneath it all she is still the same warm and loving woman that brought light to the darkness for Pike. As always in this series, she is seriously underestimated and is much stronger than even she suspects she is.
Both Conan and Inigo are in their 40s and Sunshine is much younger, in her 20s. This age difference doesn’t seem insurmountable because Sunshine has had a lot of life experience especially whilst growing up in foster care. Both men are dominant in the bedroom and think they are going to be the same way in Sunshine’s life. She’s not keen on that! Her fighting for her right to be treated as an independent entity isn’t as large a part of the book as it could have been.
I really enjoyed the majority of this book. It has everything going for it, older men, pregnant younger woman, mysterious stalker, bad guy landlord and big strapping bad*ss MC members. I even took the first swerve in the plot in my stride, thinking ‘well that’s interesting, I didn’t see that coming'. I think I just became overwhelmed with the information dump that was thrown at me in the very latter stages of the book. That sense of being overwhelmed definitely reduced my enjoyment of the book. I don’t know if I’ve been left reeling because of the book and the great writing or because I’ve not had enough sleep lately. I think I’ll have to do a re-read before the next book comes out because I think it’s the only way my brain will be able to parse all the information dumped in the last couple of chapters.
August 22, 2022
Each book in this series drags you deeper and deeper into the Kings of Carnage world. There is never a dull moment. Tons of suspense, action packed, heart stopping moments filled with terror and extreme joy. It's hard to put it down and walk away leaving the characters hanging in the middle of stressful situations on every page. It's definitely one wild ride when you pick up a book by this author.
Katia, or Sunshine as everyone calls her, starts out life living in the foster system where she meets the love of her life, Alex. Unfortunately he is killed and poor Kat is left pregnant and alone not knowing how she is going to carry one. Since Alex was a prospect for the Kings of Carnage, Pike as he was known, was well known by his brothers in leather. When Kat runs into tough times Inigo and Conan, two of the MC's members, start checking up on her and take it upon themselves to step into their fallen brother's shoes. They start showing up at Kat's apartment to ensure she is receiving proper care during her pregnancy and try to draw her out of her grief. The two men slowly fall in love with her and encourage her to return the feelings. It takes time but they become a small family, especially when the baby is born. But life doesn't stay smooth and strange occurrences happen around Kat. Things turn from bad to worse and Kat must make life or death decisions that will affect not just their little group but the MC as a whole. In the middle of all of this, Kat ends up meeting Blade, the president of the Ravens and the next thing she knows, she has three men in her life instead of two. With the threat of war coming, can she avert the elimination of others to save the few who matter the most to her?
This book had me flipping pages so fast that I read it in only hours instead of days. I just had to find out what would happen next. I'm so ready to jump into the next book in this fast paced series.
Katia, or Sunshine as everyone calls her, starts out life living in the foster system where she meets the love of her life, Alex. Unfortunately he is killed and poor Kat is left pregnant and alone not knowing how she is going to carry one. Since Alex was a prospect for the Kings of Carnage, Pike as he was known, was well known by his brothers in leather. When Kat runs into tough times Inigo and Conan, two of the MC's members, start checking up on her and take it upon themselves to step into their fallen brother's shoes. They start showing up at Kat's apartment to ensure she is receiving proper care during her pregnancy and try to draw her out of her grief. The two men slowly fall in love with her and encourage her to return the feelings. It takes time but they become a small family, especially when the baby is born. But life doesn't stay smooth and strange occurrences happen around Kat. Things turn from bad to worse and Kat must make life or death decisions that will affect not just their little group but the MC as a whole. In the middle of all of this, Kat ends up meeting Blade, the president of the Ravens and the next thing she knows, she has three men in her life instead of two. With the threat of war coming, can she avert the elimination of others to save the few who matter the most to her?
This book had me flipping pages so fast that I read it in only hours instead of days. I just had to find out what would happen next. I'm so ready to jump into the next book in this fast paced series.
April 20, 2022
First things first; I like the cover of this book!
The crown of fools is the fifth book in the ‘’underestimated’’ series. I devoured this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline angsty, dark and enjoyable. Confession time: I didn’t think I would love this book as much as the previous ones in this series. Why? I wasn’t sure I would like the whole grieving part of this story. Not in a mean way but the whole not being able to move forward part. That being said, I needn’t have worried, I loved this story just as much, if not more so. I’m going to try not give a major spoiler but one of my favourite parts of this story is Kat’s friendship with ‘’Wes’’.
Having grown up in foster care, Katia is used to having no one. She had one person and was happily in love until he died, leaving her pregnant and alone. Conan and Inigo are bikers that are a part of the carnage MC. Having lost two people close to him, Inigo tries to comfort Kat. Both Conan and Inigo want Kat but will she give love another chance?
The chemistry between Katia/sunshine, Conan and Inigo is clear to see and I liked them together. I loved how protective Conan and Inigo was of sunshine. I also saw the chemistry when Blade and Wes joined the relationship. I just wish we got more of Wes officially with Kat.
I loved seeing Kat’s kickass side! I loved how she helped Blade and his brothers. I also loved that Kat stood by Wes and fought his corner a little.
I absolutely loved Kat’s friendship with ‘’Wes’’ I really wanted to see them together!
I liked the ending of this book!
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series.
The crown of fools is the fifth book in the ‘’underestimated’’ series. I devoured this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline angsty, dark and enjoyable. Confession time: I didn’t think I would love this book as much as the previous ones in this series. Why? I wasn’t sure I would like the whole grieving part of this story. Not in a mean way but the whole not being able to move forward part. That being said, I needn’t have worried, I loved this story just as much, if not more so. I’m going to try not give a major spoiler but one of my favourite parts of this story is Kat’s friendship with ‘’Wes’’.
Having grown up in foster care, Katia is used to having no one. She had one person and was happily in love until he died, leaving her pregnant and alone. Conan and Inigo are bikers that are a part of the carnage MC. Having lost two people close to him, Inigo tries to comfort Kat. Both Conan and Inigo want Kat but will she give love another chance?
The chemistry between Katia/sunshine, Conan and Inigo is clear to see and I liked them together. I loved how protective Conan and Inigo was of sunshine. I also saw the chemistry when Blade and Wes joined the relationship. I just wish we got more of Wes officially with Kat.
I loved seeing Kat’s kickass side! I loved how she helped Blade and his brothers. I also loved that Kat stood by Wes and fought his corner a little.
I absolutely loved Kat’s friendship with ‘’Wes’’ I really wanted to see them together!
I liked the ending of this book!
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series.
April 9, 2021
What started as an action filled, reverse H. series has taken on a completely different feel. Book four didn’t do much to hold my interest, and there were numerous issues. But when I saw how this heroine in book five, Sunshine’s, love of her life could be killed off to stick her with a way older guy…I KNEW I wouldn’t care for book five. Fast forward to book five…. Not one, but a pod of old guys is the consolation prize she ends up with.
Horrible sadness. It’s sad enough that you’re crying by the second page even! This isn’t an installment that’s giving out overall happy feelings or vibes. The level of sadness for her storyline is one of those ones that if you have anxiety or you’re an emotional person, there’s a good possibility you’ll feel emotionally drained from her story. Instead, it’s a sad consolation prize of a blended relationship bundle that is never going to be able to fill the shoes Alex left behind, no matter how many guys get added to her stable.
Alex was her soulmate whom she had major history with. This bundle of much older men she ends up with, it isn’t believable, and you can’t see how there is any true love forming in this grouping. Sure, any one of the men might have true feelings for her. But you can’t replace Alex.
Kat / Sunshine turning into a bad A is unbelievable.
This series has taken too depressing of a turn for my preferences.
If you don’t mind the older man younger woman troupe and heavy emotional reads, then you might really enjoy this one. And if you like those two things, perhaps give it a whirl!
Horrible sadness. It’s sad enough that you’re crying by the second page even! This isn’t an installment that’s giving out overall happy feelings or vibes. The level of sadness for her storyline is one of those ones that if you have anxiety or you’re an emotional person, there’s a good possibility you’ll feel emotionally drained from her story. Instead, it’s a sad consolation prize of a blended relationship bundle that is never going to be able to fill the shoes Alex left behind, no matter how many guys get added to her stable.
Alex was her soulmate whom she had major history with. This bundle of much older men she ends up with, it isn’t believable, and you can’t see how there is any true love forming in this grouping. Sure, any one of the men might have true feelings for her. But you can’t replace Alex.
Kat / Sunshine turning into a bad A is unbelievable.
This series has taken too depressing of a turn for my preferences.
If you don’t mind the older man younger woman troupe and heavy emotional reads, then you might really enjoy this one. And if you like those two things, perhaps give it a whirl!
July 9, 2021
This is now my fave one, I love this series
Ok so hopefully Candice won't spank me when I say this but I was kinda meh when I found out Sunshine's book was next. Like I didn't feel like I cared for her, compared to how excited I was to read more about Ava and Megan. Well (unknowingly) the gauntlet was thrown down!
Reign's book has been my fave hands down, though Luna has been my fave leading lady but OMFG this is now my fave everything, fave book, fave FMC, fave men. Did I mention this is my fave at all? No, bored yet?
So I started this book with tears, the quote at the front ripped me to pieces as did the first couple of pages it was so real and something most of us have probably experienced in someone's loss.
I got three hours sleep, I couldn't put it down. I'm a middle aged hormonal woman, I need sleep Candice! This book made me snort laugh, guffaw make all sorts of unladylike noises and there may have been a bit of pee!
I loved Kat, she is everything. I loved all her guys and I was so glad we got the last one or two. They're officially my fave guys now, (though Bates is still close to my heart). I hope we see more of these guys in the next book.
This series of books is amazing I am so glad I found them and can't wait for more, it's a ten out of five stars from me.
Ok so hopefully Candice won't spank me when I say this but I was kinda meh when I found out Sunshine's book was next. Like I didn't feel like I cared for her, compared to how excited I was to read more about Ava and Megan. Well (unknowingly) the gauntlet was thrown down!
Reign's book has been my fave hands down, though Luna has been my fave leading lady but OMFG this is now my fave everything, fave book, fave FMC, fave men. Did I mention this is my fave at all? No, bored yet?
So I started this book with tears, the quote at the front ripped me to pieces as did the first couple of pages it was so real and something most of us have probably experienced in someone's loss.
I got three hours sleep, I couldn't put it down. I'm a middle aged hormonal woman, I need sleep Candice! This book made me snort laugh, guffaw make all sorts of unladylike noises and there may have been a bit of pee!
I loved Kat, she is everything. I loved all her guys and I was so glad we got the last one or two. They're officially my fave guys now, (though Bates is still close to my heart). I hope we see more of these guys in the next book.
This series of books is amazing I am so glad I found them and can't wait for more, it's a ten out of five stars from me.
March 28, 2021
Sunshine (Kat) isn’t feeling so sunny at the start of this book, after what happened in Heir of Shadows. Sunshine is pregnant and without the one person she’s been able to count on since the day they met.
Conan and Inigo are her saviors, but someone else is out there doing a whole lot to make her feel better. Everyone who wrongs her ends up dead, but why and by who is the question. Kat truly does have more close calls and terrible things happening to her from all sides, than anyone deserves. Of course, this book is no different and the plot twists just keep coming.
Sunshine is hilarious; I don’t think any of the other FMC’s made me laugh so hard. On top of that, she’s brilliant and she thinks on her feet. She’s got to protect Alex, Inigo and Conan, that is her priority always. That there is how she finds herself with the Raven Souls, and the outcome of that is something I never saw coming. I’m not willing to spoil it for you though. Sorry! 😬
I cannot sing enough praises for Candice and the entire Underestimated Series. The covers alone are to DIE for (they are so heckin beautiful), and the story lines in each book are nothing short of brilliance. I highly recommend this series to any MC romance or reverse harem lover. 💕
Conan and Inigo are her saviors, but someone else is out there doing a whole lot to make her feel better. Everyone who wrongs her ends up dead, but why and by who is the question. Kat truly does have more close calls and terrible things happening to her from all sides, than anyone deserves. Of course, this book is no different and the plot twists just keep coming.
Sunshine is hilarious; I don’t think any of the other FMC’s made me laugh so hard. On top of that, she’s brilliant and she thinks on her feet. She’s got to protect Alex, Inigo and Conan, that is her priority always. That there is how she finds herself with the Raven Souls, and the outcome of that is something I never saw coming. I’m not willing to spoil it for you though. Sorry! 😬
I cannot sing enough praises for Candice and the entire Underestimated Series. The covers alone are to DIE for (they are so heckin beautiful), and the story lines in each book are nothing short of brilliance. I highly recommend this series to any MC romance or reverse harem lover. 💕
March 24, 2021
Oh, how I have missed these guys.
Hands down my favorite MC series.
So I'm still not over the ending of the last book. I'm still hurt and surprised by what happened but I've learned to trust authors even when they stomp on my heart.
So I guess I could relate to Sunshine's pain. It hurt, her grief it hurt. But no worries she will be okay. Especially with the help of her guys. AND OMG do I wish I could talk about who they are but they are HUGE spoilers. But I will say is HIDE YOU DADDYS!!! I guess I could relate to Sunshine in this as well.
This book is packed with action so many times I thought I was reaching the end I would look at my percentage and only but like 40% hahaha it was wild. This book definitely keeps you on your toes. And the twists at the end had me screaming!!!!!!
Hands down my favorite MC series.
So I'm still not over the ending of the last book. I'm still hurt and surprised by what happened but I've learned to trust authors even when they stomp on my heart.
So I guess I could relate to Sunshine's pain. It hurt, her grief it hurt. But no worries she will be okay. Especially with the help of her guys. AND OMG do I wish I could talk about who they are but they are HUGE spoilers. But I will say is HIDE YOU DADDYS!!! I guess I could relate to Sunshine in this as well.
This book is packed with action so many times I thought I was reaching the end I would look at my percentage and only but like 40% hahaha it was wild. This book definitely keeps you on your toes. And the twists at the end had me screaming!!!!!!
April 3, 2022
Wow this series just keeps getting better. I loved Sunshine and her guys. This book took me on a rollercoaster ride i couldn't get off. I can't wait for the next book now.
February 25, 2023
Sunshine would just curl up in the casket with her lost love and give up if it weren't for the new life growing in her belly. At the funeral she even fantasizes about it before she is unceremoniously carried away screaming her agony into the morning sky. The depths of her grief are vast and while she knows she has to keep breathing, has to keep moving, and has to keep surviving for their child she is struggling to see a life without the man she has loved for years in it. The Carnage wars claimed his life when he defended the life of Ava and while Sunshine holds no ill-will to the people of Carnage she also wants nothing more to do with them as she suspects they feel the same. But when a Goliath of a man in a Carnage cut is standing over her as she breaks down in her closet she wonders if there may be a few of the brothers who haven't dismissed her with the death of her man. Little did she know that her Carnage family was still there for her and Conan & Inigo want more than anything to comfort her and make her whole again. But after the loss of Pike can she move on so quickly to two of his older biker brothers? Will her heart even give her a choice? And it seems the Carnage boys aren't the only ones who are watching and wanting Sunshine for themselves. But will they be too late once Sunshine's stalker decides to make a play for her whether she's willing or not?
I found this to be an interesting installment in the series. The men in the love interest spectrum keep expanding until you aren't really sure who she is going to end up with in the end. Traditionally it's always a triad but Conan and Inigo don't have a third anymore. Then there are a few options to fill that third roll but which will it be? Sunshine went from one man monogamy to a reverse harem of indeterminate amounts. The men in the running are also about double Sunshine's age. #Daddyissues But the age gap wasn't so prevalent that it made the romances gross, so at least that was a saving grace.
I felt terrible for Sunshine. It seemed like the girl just never got a break and yet she kept on trucking. even when slogging through her grief. She struggled with her morality even when her heart told her Pike would have wanted her to be happy. I liked that she didn't just give in immediately and try to lose herself in them to lessen the survivor's guilt she was suffering. She took her time and they allowed her to do so. It was by far the most believable dynamic in this book world so far. I think that it touches on a trope that people may not have been expecting but I for one found to be endearing.
March 26, 2021
First, I have to say, HOLY PLOT TWIST BATMAN!!! There are so many twists and turns, so many surprises, WTH moments and OMG’s that my mind almost literally blew right out of the top of my head! You sneaky sneaky woman!!
Ok, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, here’s my review.
I am at a loss for words. I never thought I could love a book as much as I do this one. It tore me up, broke my heart, made me cry so much I had to send my husband out for more kleenex, and then slowly put all the pieces back together.
Kat, or Sunshine, has had what one might call a terrible life. In and out of foster homes until she finally met Alex; the man who made all the wrongs right and dubbed her his Sunshine. Then, he was ripped away from her too. Reading this book, I felt like I was right next to Kat as she broke and mourned Alex with everything she had. I also felt that first spark with her when she realized that life could go on without him, albeit in a way she had never imagined. Being right there with her as she grew into herself, as she realized just how strong she is, made me feel as though it was happening to me as well. Candice’s writing pulls you in so deep, it’s sometimes hard to separate yourself from the characters, especially if you share any experiences with them.
Ending up in the middle of a war no one was expecting, just like all of Candice’s other FMC’s, Kat learns that she is a strong, independent woman who can take care of herself, and others, and is simply a bada$$. She also learns it’s ok to lean on others when she needs to, to ask and accept help when offered, and most importantly, that it’s ok to love again. No spoilers, but OMG the guys! I want one of each for myself!
This is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ BOOK!!!! In fact, the entire Underestimated Novel Series is a must read. It is in my top 5 of favorite series and I’ve been reading 6-10 books a week for over 20 years. Candice my girl, even though your Brit showing makes me giggle, you’ve once again far exceeded my expectations, which I didn’t think was possible. I love you and I hate you for it! LOL
Ok, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, here’s my review.
I am at a loss for words. I never thought I could love a book as much as I do this one. It tore me up, broke my heart, made me cry so much I had to send my husband out for more kleenex, and then slowly put all the pieces back together.
Kat, or Sunshine, has had what one might call a terrible life. In and out of foster homes until she finally met Alex; the man who made all the wrongs right and dubbed her his Sunshine. Then, he was ripped away from her too. Reading this book, I felt like I was right next to Kat as she broke and mourned Alex with everything she had. I also felt that first spark with her when she realized that life could go on without him, albeit in a way she had never imagined. Being right there with her as she grew into herself, as she realized just how strong she is, made me feel as though it was happening to me as well. Candice’s writing pulls you in so deep, it’s sometimes hard to separate yourself from the characters, especially if you share any experiences with them.
Ending up in the middle of a war no one was expecting, just like all of Candice’s other FMC’s, Kat learns that she is a strong, independent woman who can take care of herself, and others, and is simply a bada$$. She also learns it’s ok to lean on others when she needs to, to ask and accept help when offered, and most importantly, that it’s ok to love again. No spoilers, but OMG the guys! I want one of each for myself!
This is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ BOOK!!!! In fact, the entire Underestimated Novel Series is a must read. It is in my top 5 of favorite series and I’ve been reading 6-10 books a week for over 20 years. Candice my girl, even though your Brit showing makes me giggle, you’ve once again far exceeded my expectations, which I didn’t think was possible. I love you and I hate you for it! LOL
March 26, 2021
Where to even start? ... I was crying from the beginning, but after how book 4 ended, I had expected this. Even so, my heart broke more than once throughout this book. But it also got to heal along with Sunshine's as she eventually started living after the loss of her soul mate.
The guys (not spoiling it with any names) made mistakes, but so did Kat and they all learned from them. You see old faces from the Carnage Club as well as meet some new ones. You also get to see a little from the Raven Souls and Chaos Demons clubs. It was great seeing how Luna, Ava, and Megan were doing with their guys and any little ones they had.
There's still some learning the men have to do about underestimating the women, but since that's part of the series title, I think that's to be expected. And it isn't done in a malicious or purposely condescending way, but because they care so much about the women that they tend to forget or overlook the fact that the women can care for themselves.
This book will put your emotions on a rollercoaster, but it is completely worth the turmoil to watch Sunshine find happiness in a world that keeps trying to beat her down. Many secrets were revealed and we've gotten most of the answers I was looking for. As much as I can't wait to read the next book, I'm going to miss this world way too much. I hope everyone gets their HEAs, but I also don't want to see it end. That's when you know it's a great series.
The guys (not spoiling it with any names) made mistakes, but so did Kat and they all learned from them. You see old faces from the Carnage Club as well as meet some new ones. You also get to see a little from the Raven Souls and Chaos Demons clubs. It was great seeing how Luna, Ava, and Megan were doing with their guys and any little ones they had.
There's still some learning the men have to do about underestimating the women, but since that's part of the series title, I think that's to be expected. And it isn't done in a malicious or purposely condescending way, but because they care so much about the women that they tend to forget or overlook the fact that the women can care for themselves.
This book will put your emotions on a rollercoaster, but it is completely worth the turmoil to watch Sunshine find happiness in a world that keeps trying to beat her down. Many secrets were revealed and we've gotten most of the answers I was looking for. As much as I can't wait to read the next book, I'm going to miss this world way too much. I hope everyone gets their HEAs, but I also don't want to see it end. That's when you know it's a great series.
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