With her family’s safety in jeopardy and her heart on the line, Willow finds herself trapped in a hopeless situation—marry the man who betrayed her and trust in his plan? Or can she navigate the deadly political landscape alone and save the ones she loves?
The question may be easier said than done when an unearthed secret from the past flips her entire perspective on its head. Is Donatello the monster she’s been led to believe?
Or is he as much a victim of past events as she is…
With a war looming and their relationship brewing, both find their loyalties tested to their breaking point—and a new threat on the horizon leaves them little time to waste.
As the past and present finally collide, will they rise above the fray…
Or will old grudges finally tear them apart?
Mice and Men is a new standalone series in the War of Roses Universe.
I am a quirky writer from the US who dabbles in dark, paranormal and contemporary romance. My stories aren't always typical, but contain a little something for everyone.
The story of Don and Willow continues answering some questions while creating more gaps to be filled. My heart is still crying for Willow and life she has been given. It's devastating to witness and comprehend everything she has gone through and what she still has to endure. While Don and Mischa, still battling and at war with each other, are looking for the outside influences who are delivering chaos onto these powerful men. Shattered Throne has left me emotionally raw, trying to cope with the devastation and loss these characters are dealing with.
This book, much like the last book, is filled with suspense and mystery. The groundwork is still being laid in the story, much like a jigsaw puzzle, but it is also starting to fill in the blanks. I like that about this series because it keeps things fresh and isn't cookie cutter.
I feel the frustration as the relationship forms between Willow and Donatello where they are trying to fight this pull of attraction between them. In many ways, it is titillating. However, in the same breath, it is starting to frustrate me. It wasn't until almost 80% of this story was done before they acted on their attraction. There is a part of me that doesn't feel like this is as much a romance as it primarily feels like suspense since the focus of the story isn't as much on these characters themselves but on the story unfolding around them. That doesn't mean it isn't a good story, because it is. Yet, it feels different than other books by this author and I find that I miss some of that in this one.
I am glad to know that the answers are coming to this series with the conclusion in the next book. It definitely ended on a nice little twist. I hope in that book that I get more from Don and Willow and not just focus on the story because I want this to be more of romance.
I couldn't help but think about that old saying, "It's a thin line between love and hate" while reading this book.
"Scientists studying the physical nature of hate have found that some of the nervous circuits in the brain responsible for it are the same as those that are used during the feeling of romantic love – although love and hate appear to be polar opposites."-Professor Semir Zeki of University College London, who led a study published in the on-line journal PloS ONE.
Yet another Psychology Today article talks about three reasons for this feeling. Unrequited love, loss of personal freedom and feeling vulnerable. All this sounds awfully familiar! As I got deeper into the minds of these intense characters, I found that emotions pinged back and forth from love to hate like a ping pong ball in table tennis. And it was only when the ball was dropped that I got to see the heart of the matter. The true reasons Don and Willow are drawn to each other while desperately trying to hold onto their anger. This story just gets more mysterious.
We get a brief but important flashback that explains in some ways why Willow/Safiya became enamored with Don.
"Beautiful, I remember remarking in awe. It was the first time I realized someone could embody two opposing things at once. Donatello Vanici had beautifully dangerous eyes."
But Willow was on the hunt for answers about the event that defined her whole life, while the mystery of who tried to kill Ellen and Eli only gets deeper. She finds something of Don's she's desperate to hold on to since Don refuses to address the WHY properly.
"He says it with so much derision. Reason. How dare anyone try. I’m merely an avatar for his hate, or lust, incapable of any rational thought. My primary purpose in life is to thwart him. Not this time. I won’t let him play the victim."
But its easiest for Don to play the victim. He doesn't have to really dig into his own psyche. Willow isn't going away, and he's afraid for his nephew Vin. Willow speaks with her eyes and Don is the only one who truly understands the meaning.
"At least then she embodied exactly what she is— a thief, stealing from me whatever she can take. Grief, rage, Vincenzo, my sanity. She’ll claw it all away."
The memories just haunt Don and without Fabio, he might just give in and suicide. But the reader finds out a new tidbit about Fabio that also puts more depth in the story. But is there a dual secret that Don and Fabio are hiding? It certainly seems that way to Willow.
I'm completely engrossed in why Willow has basically left Mischa, her surrogate father, to be a thorn in Don's side. You get the feeling that if she tried, she could get out from Don's world and go back to safety. But why stay?
"The events of the past few days have only proved what I’ve known in my soul— as much as I love the Stepanovs, I never truly belonged."
Don just keeps getting confronted by his actions when Willow/Safiya was his charge. All the lies just pile up. I find the relationship between Don and Fabio as the most interesting at this point. Don is the head of the family yet he turns to Fabio for most things beyond just a mafia confidante. At Fabio's insistence Don finally decides to wise up and go after his OWN answers about who set him up. Don also decides that Willow is the key, and their communication without Willow's words is heartbreaking and telling after all the years being apart.
"Not Mischa. Not Gino. Him, the man who taught me that I didn’t need a voice to speak. Who always seemed to hear me... Until he simply chose not to, that is."
"But those eyes pack enough of a punch to make up for the softness, doggedly riveted to mine, blazing like hellfire. One by one, she fans out each finger, grasping my pec. Damn. I know what she’s doing— tracing the letters carved into the flesh beneath the cotton of my shirt— proof of my lie."
Author Sky uses multiple pov in this book, and it works really because of the way its structured towards the end. However, Don and Willow are the stars of the show, and even as some answers come and Don doubles down in a race against time, Willow still remains confused. Who does she believe? The old Don, abrasive and wary, or the new Don anxious to save the day?
"Seven years later, I feel no closer to the truth. The man remains as much of an enigma to me now as he was then—barring one major difference. I’ve never seen his mind in action quite like this. The manic cadence of his thought process reminds me of a symphony in disarray, every instrument playing out of tune. Chaotic. Beautiful. Madness."
The book has an ending I both expected and was shocked by. Yes, it's possible to have both emotions in this case! No, we don't know who set Mischa and Don against each other in a death match, but we do get insight on how Don and Willow's relationship has changed. Evolved. They both need each other and admitting it has turned out to be the hardest emotion of them all. Author Sky has turned this mafia story into many things since the beginning, matching it with the controlled craziness that is Don's style. Now its time to see if he and Willow can add remorse and love to their repertoire.
The story of Don and Willow continues; this is the third book in the Mice and Men series, and I have to say it's the best one so far. Lana Sky has a way of writing that always hooks me up, but this series has to be my favourite so far.
After how things ended on Queen of Thorns, I was so ready to get more of Willow & Donatello, we got some more answers on this instalment, but some others arise. I was on edge the entire time, twist and turns, danger, suspense, tension, heartache, emotions, twisted drama, and mystery; you literally have everything in this book.
Willow is a mystery herself; she's on the hunt for answers, she wants to save those she cares about without losing herself on the way, trapped between those who were part of her past and the ones in her present. Willow starts seeing more to Donatello, new emotions arise, and she will need to understand them.
Donatello, still full of rage, tortured, haunted by the memories and confused with everything going inside his head that he can't comprehend when it comes to Willow. Donatello doesn't need words when it comes to Willow; her eyes are all he needs, and it seems as if he's the only one that truly understands her.
Willow & Donatello reach what we can call a truce; they have a lot of baggage at their backs, but there's so much chemistry between them, and every day it's harder for them to deny it. The entire situation between Willow & Donatello is so complex; we learn more from Donatello's tragic past, and he finally gets out of that contact rage state to find the answers he needs. Willow has gone through so much already, but her strength keeps growing day by day. There's more that both will endure; will they be able to find the truth as to who is trying to destroy both families?
As always, I love Mischa. Evgeni and Briar Winthorp are something else; I loved their banter. Fabio seems to be the only one that can keep control and calm everyone and their emotions.
The book ended with a nice twist; I can't wait for the next one. I highly recommend this series to anyone that loves dark mafia romance.
A Collision Course of Lust, Hate, Secrets and Betrayal
Lust, hate, secrets and betrayal collide in Shattered Throne, the latest instalment in Lana Sky’s Mice and Men series, set within her War of the Roses universe. The book, which I strongly recommend is read alongside others in the series, does not disappoint with its complex, larger than life characters, edgy plot and dark themes. I particularly love how the author’s words transport me right into the head and the heart of her crazy mixed-up characters and how the tangled sub plots are woven into the main narrative.
I went through a myriad of different emotions whilst reading this story, not least because it is heart breaking in so many respects, for both Don and Willow. In this book, we learn more revelations about Don’s tragic past, and whilst they do not absolve him and raise even more questions, they shed further light onto his actions. I enjoyed how Willow grows in strength when faced with Donatello’s changing moods and the many challenges thrown her way. Yet what is it she wants from him exactly, this man who betrayed her so badly in the past?
As secrets are revealed can Don and Willow reach a truce or will it all be ripped from under them and others they care about by events outside of their control? I was on pins and unsure as to what would be thrown at the couple next. There are many players with their own agendas and the sense that something big is about to go off creates a sense of danger and foreboding which impacts on their troubled relationship.
This author certainly writes anti-heroes who are borderline crazy and with Donatello I think she has excelled herself. Willow is as a moth to Donatello’s flame as he threatens to self-destruct in the wake of past and present events for which he feels responsible. The question is will he consume Willow in the process or will she be able to save her family without being destroyed alongside him?
Highly recommended for fellow lovers of dark romance.
Please note I recieved a copy of the book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
WOW!! We are definitely in the middle of a war 🖤 I absolutely love this series by Lana Sky!! The characters are so complex and fantastic 💙 I love how they are all flawed and their actions are driven by something….namely revenge and vengeance. Every single character thinks they are doing the right thing for the right reasons!! This story has commanded my attention from the start!! I’ve really enjoyed this dark world so much!! We still have Don and Willow, two enemies, trying to work through their pending marriage of “convenience.” These two have very different motives of revenge against each other. At the same time, they’re trying to fight the feelings they had for each other in their past. Don remembers his little Safiya and Willow remembers the man she loves, but still doesn’t understand why she was “thrown away” by him. This causes fantastic chemistry between them and I love their push and pull with each other!! Mischa is still feeling tortured by this war. His daughter has agreed to marry the enemy, and he’s still trying to figure out who tried to kill his wife and son. Evgeni is with Briar, trying to protect The Stepanovs, a family he cares greatly about. A family he has also protected for many years. He is trying to figure out what Briar is up to. Is she friend or foe?? I really love the added POV of Evgeni that started in Book 2. He has been the voice of reason, that nobody has listened to, throughout this whole story!! We’ve gotten a few more pieces of the puzzle, and I’m so excited Lana has decided to write a Book 4!! I very highly recommend this book, as well as the whole series 💙
With Don and Mischa at war, chaos reigns but a new enemy threatens everything they’ve ever known as the truth comes to light. For her family, Willow will stop at nothing to protect but at what cost ? Caught between her past and her future, Willow must make a choice: revenge or remission? Revenge, however has never been sweeter.
“Part of me feels crafted for this very purpose. To endure him. Be devoured by him. Like I was made for him alone, no one else…”
With each new threat and secret unveiled, new alliances must form, a new game and new players but can Donatello Vanici follow the rules ? Rules have always been meant to be broken.
Once again, Lana delivers an angsty, mafia romance filled with violence, darkness, and most of all, undeniable lust for our characters.
Shattered Throne is the third book of the Mice and Men series and my favorite series from Lana Sky so far. I have been following Lana since Wattpad and she never disappoints. The first series that I read was the Club XXX: Maxim series and I’ve loved every series since then. Her writing has a way of bringing to life complex characters that leave readers begging for more. The dark themes are not for the faint of heart: a complete rollercoaster of emotions but a sweet torture.
𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊: SHATTERED THRONE. 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: DARK CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE 𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄: BOOK #3 OF THE SERIES MICE AND MEN 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: LANA SKY. 𝐏𝐎𝐕: FIRST-PERSON: MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVE. 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄: Omg!!! Author Sky slayed us again with this new addiction in Mice and Men Universe... Donatello may have become my top Antihero...because his character is not just a see and know type but a layers upon layer of mysteries... The war is still on and the collateral damages between this war happens to be Willow...poor poor Willow. The situation in this book is complex yet so simple...one misunderstanding led to a brutal war and the drama it carries off is just amazing and addictive. I have read almost every book by Author sky...(Stalker reader here!.) And still this one came out to be on top... I am thrilled that another book is added in this universe because I can never get enough of Willow and Don....even Mischa who I missed a lot from another dark Romance series from the author WAR OF ROSES.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "SHATTERED THRONE" OMG!!!! Lana Sky you really know how to pull your readers in from beginning to end with shocking twists, suspense, intrigue, emotion, angst, intense drama, action, danger, heartache, such an addicting story you csnt out it down. SO many stories going on each character going through their own h*ll a war is brewing between families & a new comer no one knows who it is but he's after Briar Winthrop after her her fortune he needs allies & equity fast a side note his real aim it to turn this city into a stepping stone his name is Jonathan Harmon probably an alias hes a very dangerous man. Briar tells Evgeni Volkov that Mischa has no idea as to the deck thats stacked against him frankly, I love the banter back & girth between these two their chemisry is explosive I like their characters. I definitely recommend to get this amazing riviting book so well worth the read so many questions need answers secrets are revealed I'm so looking forward to be the next book "MENDED CROWN" to see how all this turns out AWESONE READ!!!!!
Best book of the series so far! I thoroughly and genuinely enjoyed this book. Willow and Don finally start settle less painfully into their relationship, Briar drags a 'reluctant' Evgeni along on some shenanigans, and it feels like the whole gang is coming together. Overall, the feel of the books are kind of a of "avengers assembling" meets "your favorite guilty pleasure drama show," hitting both of those categories in the best possible way. A wild, exciting, and (sometimes) frustrating ride (like when that dramatic irony is hitting HARD). The pacing starts to pick up more in this book, all those dominos set up in the earlier books fall rapid fire, and it's amazing! A little disappointed that the story isn't over in the normal trilogy format, but it's more than worth it for the sheer magnitude and devious masterminding that Lana Sky has put into creating this expansive universe. Completely, 100% recommend this book. <3
I have so many thoughts swirling around in my head after reading this.
Honestly, Shattered Throne was everything, I could have wanted, needed, and wished for. I love how Lana Sky has continued to interweave incredibly complex characters and plot lines. The continued explorations of themes like trauma, reconciliation, and family are immaculate and never fail to hit me right in the heart. The writing and use of point of view are so effective at conveying the characters of Willow and Donatello that when they hurt, I hurt. Every shard of emotion is razor-sharp and deadly, and I have been 100% here for it.
There's really no more explanation for why you should read this immediately. If you've read the previous two installments of this serious, Shattered Throne will draw you right back in, to the point where you won't be able to wrench your eyes away. And when you've finally lurched into the ending you'll once again be left without words.
I will forever love anything this author writes; every book in any series is just as good and captivating as the first. I can never get enough of the angst and the twisted mental rollercoaster her characters experience. I had honestly given up on the Mafia storyline (because they usually end with the same HEA ending) but I was more than happy with this series. If you aren't emotionally invested in Willow and Don, then there's something wrong with you! I honestly don't know what else to say about these two; I guess these two have some semblance of peace in their relationship. There's still soo much anger but they cannot deny that draw; Willow is a good one because what woman would stick around for a man like Don.
Can't forget about the twists, turns, and suspense; it will truly leave you begging for more. I'm anxious for the unanswered questions to be answered but I don't want this series to end! I absolutely would recommend this series to anyone.
This story definitely kept me on the edge the entire book. Intrigue is the number one word along with uncertainty, danger, fury, suspense, mystery, you name it and it is in this book. Donatello continues with his rants and rages at everyone it seems to be. Willow is a mystery in herself. I wasn't exactly sure where she was headed with her thought pattern. Thank goodness for Fabio, he seems to be able to calm everyone's emotions down. And Evgeni and Briar Winthorp, what a pair they make. I kind of liked Briar with her snarky comments. And I still love Mischa. I read as fast as I could wanting to finish and see what was going to happen and well what a surprise ending! Can't wait for the next book. I hope Lana is working on it.
BRILLIANT INSATIABLE Schitt Storm! Dominating, abrasive, shocking, twisted drama makes this one heck of a nail bitter. It's dark emotional and had me on edgy from beginning to end. The emotional struggles and heartache are hard to get pass and always linger in the forefront of my mind throughout this insatiable read. The danger ignites A surge of adrenaline sending my heart racing riding the edge with a fierce intensity that makes it impossible to put down as the powerful words rile my excitement fill me with an abundance of worry. The desire and undeniable chemistry between Willow and Don turns into an explosive ending that has me filled with joy and sadness knowing that my mind won't rest until I get to devour the book in this brilliant dark dominating series.
Shattered Throne is the third installment in the Mice and Men Series. I was very excited to finally read this book especially after the way things ended in the 2nd installment (Queen of Thorns) and i was immediately hooked in this itense, wild and unexpected ride.
This installment successfully gripped my attention from its first page and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole thing,the way the story kept progressing, the character development and and all of the twists and turns which were shocking and unexpected made this such an enjoyable read.
As per usual Lanas writing continues amaze, the way characters are written and the clear chemistry and tensions between each of them were perfect. i absolutely loved this book and i cant wait to get more.
Very anti-climatic despite all the tension and very disappointing. Lana Sky, you started out this series AMAZINGLY and then dropped the ball in the second and third book then ran out of steam. I couldn't care less about Evengi and his chapters and instead hoped to read more about the previous couple, Mischa and Ellen. We've never had a chapter from Mischa's P.O.V before in the last series. Its very disappointing for the same tropes to be repeated, for example, a pregnancy /rolls eyes. Kicking myself forgoing sleep to read this but I'm still looking forward to the last (?) book for the conclusion and maybe for the chemistry to pick up. Besides all the 5 star reviews make me very suspicious. come on, guys.
Shattered Throne starts off with Willow and Don and where they left off in Queen Of Thorns with the after math of the night before. I love their story so much this has to be one of my favorite series by Lana. I love how tortured Don is and we see what he is going through in his head, and the confusion when it comes to Willow. They have great undeniable chemistry. I love Mischa like always, I couldn’t get enough of Briar and Evangi’s banter. But with the revelations we discovered with this story and that ending…We are in for a ride for the next book. Meanwhile read this series. Another fantastic book by Lana.
One of my favorite things about Lana Sky is not only her ability to make us care for deeply damaged characters but also how to find the beauty in them.
Don and Willow are not a traditional pair and have more baggage than freaking customs at an airport, but you can feel their connection radiating from the pages when you read Shattered Throne. And let me tell y'all that this book holds up to it's name, it will absolutely SHATTER you! Some questions are answered, more are asked and you cannot help but be swept up on this awesome ride and journey!
Great installment in the Mice and Men series and let's not forget the freaking cliffhanger at the end- I need Mended Crown in my hands ASAP!
This is the 3rd book in the series however if you wish it can be read as a standalone. Willow is trapped between her past and those she calls family in the present. She is doing her best to navigate through the storm so she can save them all and not lose herself. She also sees Don in a new light and the emotions it brings needs to be worked through. Will they discover the truth as to who is trying to destroy both families? Fast paced, intense read with loads of twists and turns, drama, suspense and sizzling chemistry. I was hooked from beginning to end and look forward to the next book in the series.
This is book three of the Mice and Men series. Willow and Don's story is far from over and it is as frustrating as it is intriguing that it continues to build in this book and not come to an amazing end. The story continues to swirl around these two characters pulling them through the past and back to the present, the future is a damn mystery at this point. Just when you start to think that all is on the right path, the path abruptly splits and you are dragged along with it. I love reading this author for this reason....I am NEVER left bored and unsatisfied. I cannot wait for book four and the much desired conclusion. Enjoy!
Donatello and Willow continue their game of wills while at the same time figuring who is behind all the bought property. Also why do they want Mischa and Donatello distracted. The unknown begins to come together and all that's left to figure out is who and when. Donatello finally gives Willow what she wants but that they may prove to be the beginning of the end. The best news is finding out that Vin is recovering but what physical damage has been done is yet to be seen. The biggest surprise happens at the very end and may change course of everything.
Tension, desire, twists, darkness, emotion, drama, intensity and danger are forged into a sinfully enticing story that has a wickedly sharp edge. Willow and Donatello's tale has had me captivated and consumed pretty much from the word "Go" and my interest has not waivered at all during the course of their unfolding story. Rich, potent and addicting, I feel this series is a definite must read. I'm posting a frank. impartial review.
Lana Sky’s Mice and Men series continues with the suspense I've come to love! This slow build story keeps me coming back, and soon we'll find out everything this amazing author's mind created!
Willow and Don are amazing characters, and I want so much for them! It's taken a bit for action, but I expect Ms. Sky is going to shatter the glass ceiling of their attraction!
Exciting series and this reader, is going to have such a difficult time waiting for the conclusion!
The book continues where the last one ends. Again it was heart breaking seeing things that willow has to endure and Don is ranting and raging at world. The war between Mischa and Don has impacted the life around them. And there are outside influences that is causing chaos in everyone's life. Overall book is dark, emotional and intriguing. Truly enjoyed the whole experience..
It’s unbelievable how emotionally intense and full of secrets is this book. Don and Willow are by far the most complex characters of Lana’s. Don’s mind is truly unique, a labyrinth to get lost in . And Willow... dancing with the devil it might get her a one way ticket to hell. I can’t wait to read the next book 😍😍😍
Wow!!! This consumed every single moment and sucked me in, the twists and turns with the darkness all around them had me biting my nails with trying to guess what's coming next. Don and Willow are so intriguing and I love them but it also breaks my heart with the emotional turmoil of Willows life and is Don really real. I need more and I can't wait.
I enjoyed the 3rd installment of this series! I’m not really a fan of Willow being the h (no offense-main characters need to be vocal for me to be all in...I just can’t connect to her character) but it was so well written and engaging that I’d still give it a solid 4.5 stars. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I’m always left in awe of Ms. Sky’s ability to flesh out characters in all their humanity. No all good or all bad folks here. What she expertly crafts is an interesting plot through eyes, hearts and souls of those who live a life of solitary angst while denying their need for the light. At least for now.
I mean, yes I Do love angsty books, but my lord , I was legit dying to see some action between the hero and the heroine. This is the third book in this series and I was legit praying for the author to stop the angst and give us some heated scenes . And phew! It happened 😮💨 FINALLY *screams*
Loved it. The characters made me love them one moment and dislike them the next, it just got me so engrossed in the book, I had a hard time putting it down! definitely worth a read, just like all Lana Sky’s books