Do you believe in fated souls, that somewhere out in this big wide world there is one single person that is destined for you? One person out of billions that was hand crafted and moulded to be your missing piece, your one true love, your soul mate.
That somewhere out there is the thing that you have been unknowingly searching for as you bounce one person to the next, clocking up an impressive list of failed relationships and one-night stands. That it’s irrelevant how much effort you put in make those relationships work because they are destined to fail, that isn’t the person fate has paired you with, that’s just the person fate has given you to keep you busy until your path finally crosses that of your soul mates. . .
Yeah, personally I think its all a load of crap.
Soulmates, one true love and all that nonsense is just what the romantics of this fine earth tell themselves to feel better about yet another failed attempt at the dating game while pouring copious amounts of alcohol down their necks.
Okay, so I’ll admit I do sound a little cynical and jaded regarding the matter. The honest truth of it all is, I just don’t believe in it.
Sure, I believe in love, of course love is real. I just don’t believe that there is only one person in this whole planet that is meant for another and no one else. It’s ridiculous and I personally will not allow such a childish and over romanticised notion to have control over my emotions, or be the explanation for such intense, confusing and well, yeah unexplainable emotions and feelings.
God, listen to me, I sound like a crazy person ranting about true love not being real but I have a valid reason for my out of the blue ranting, truly I do, it has everything to do with this soul mate bullshit everyone loves to harp on about.
You see its said that everyone has a story of how they met their soul mate, their one true love and it almost always starts with hearts and flowers, rainbows and unicorns, princess’, princes. Shit, even knights in golden friggin armour and all that other happy mushy crap.
Almost always starts that way. . .
But sometimes it doesn’t.
Sometimes the story is a little on the darker side. Sometimes its starts with hatred and anger, violence and cruelty, monsters, demons and knights in black blood-stained armour.
Yeah, sometimes true love doesn’t always come hand in hand with your so-called soul mate. Sometimes you can detest the one your soul is fated to. Sometimes the person the soul that is bound for yours is inside of can be as close to being the devil as humanly possible. Your soulmate might not even want to be tied to you and you to them.
None of that matters though, I mean if this whole soul mate and destiny bullshit is real, if it’s truly meant to be, it wont matter how much hate, anger, violence, blood and even death it takes to get there, that’s where you will end up . . .
LouLou Fox is a new adult romance author, who loves to add a shot or two of darkness and suspense into her story cocktails. She currently resides in the West Midlands, England with her family. LouLou's mind is always home to half a dozen characters or more just waiting to have their stories told. She is mildly obsessed with both reading and writing (massively obsessed!) And when she's not lost in her fictional worlds you can find her in the kitchen baking with her kids or snuggled up on the sofa with her partner.
***I received an ARC of this book for an honest review***
My main sentiments are WHAT A START! And WHAT AN END! I was deep in a reading slump when I started this book and it grabbed me by the throat (in the best way possible 😏) and pulled me right out! I was all in from the first chapter and completely captivated. Now, anyone who knows me knows that I love me a dark mafia romance and Consumed absolutely delivered. Niko was alpha-hole perfection (aka my kryptonite) and Luna was his perfect match with her badass self and incredible sense of humor. The rest of the characters were engaging and well rounded as well and I really appreciated that. That cliffy though! Absolutely BRUTAL! Although it certainly did it’s job with leaving me wanting more! Great job Loulou, I can’t wait for the next book!
What a ride! The growing relationship between Niko and Luna, while each tries to find themselves, was a rush. Add in the mafia, with the secrecy and half truths it's a wild ride. Here's to the next one buckle up and just read it!
*provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review* For this authors first time delving into dark mafia romance I was very pleased! From the very first chapter of this book things get WILD, and I was absolutely hooked. I love the dynamic between Niko and Luna. Niko is the typical possessive alpha-hole, but he also had some depth which I loved. Luna had me cracking up with the humor she mixed with her fierceness. Usually when presented with so many side characters, I find I can’t connect as much. But I was very happy that each character grew on me for their own reasons. The storyline was chock full of secrets, actions, and a very relatable FMC. I adored the added aspect of her being a dancer and using that to release emotions that get built up in her crazy world. Please check TW/CW before diving into this masterpiece!!!
This book is amazing! I absolutely love all of the possessive, angsty emotion turmoil as you read! I love how real and fleshed out the characters are and how invested you are with them as you read. Love all of the secondary characters and just how engaging they are.
Absolutely obsessed with Niko. Love the possessive alpha male bull that I would never put up with in real life but love in a book boyfriend. And oh boy does he ever make that list. My favourite scene was the b-day night!
10/10 recommend to everyone! This was an amazing book and I can not wait to read the second one when it comes out. Definitely check out the playlist the author includes as it just makes the book come time life while you listen and read.
This is another first author for me and I love Mafia romance so this sounded perfect for me. I loved it loved the story loved the characters especially the h as she’s so bada$$ and doesn’t let any of the guys tell her what to do . I’m not sure which of the guys are mine yet so I’ll just have them all 😆 and that cliffhanger wtaf Loulou Fox 😳 PLAYING WITH GHOSTS: CONSUMEDLouLou Fox
This is my second read from this particular author and it definitely won’t be my last. The story line was great and I look forward to reading more from her!
The storyline was interesting and exciting. The characters were realistic and showed depth. I loved the angst between the main characters in the story and their relationship with each other and their friends.
I enjoy seeing growth in authors and Loulou is no exception! This was her first try at a mafia romance and it was really good. I feel at times it had gotten a bit wordy and slow but did pick back up. These are things that better with time and experience and I know Lou Lou will progress and succeed! Great job Loulou!!
Luna and Niko I think will forever have my heart! I hate spoiler review so I’ll keep this brief and spoiler free!
Luna and Nikos ride is rough just like life but damn when they are together they are perfection. The friends in this group circle are also awesome! Usually side friendships can be a bit meh but these characters are fully developed and ready to devour.
OMG!!!! What a book. You wouldn't believe this is the authors first time writing a mafia book at all. I love everything about Niko and Luna they have fast become one of my favourite couples to read, and I can't wait to read more about them. I don't want to say too much as I don't want to spoil anything. This is a definite MUST READ!!!! It's had me hooked from start to finish. There are s so many twists and turns. The ending killed me. I can't wait for the second book to be released.
This story was amazing and finishing on a cliffhanger I can’t wait to get to the next one. The characters are all dealing with their own personal demons while also having to work out who they can trust and and who is out to destroy them. I love the passion of Luna and Niko and the mafia storyline. It’s dark, gritty, sexy action packed and a fun ride I highly recommend you add it and read it
I just finished the ARC of this story and OMG I can not wait for the second book because the Cliff Hanger was BRUTAL!!! This story line was phenomenal and the FMC Luna was super Badazz!! I truly couldn't get enough of the character's and Niko made damaged look as alluring. This is a must Read! If you love a good mafia story, this is definitely for you! Great Job LoulouFox! Bravo!!!
This book comes out swinging from the get go. It grips hold of you and your powerless to do anything other than hold on for dear life until the rollercoaster is over. I adore Luna she’s got spunk, Nico is everything you want in a MMC and the growth between the pair is top notch! Please before you read check the TW/CW list, if there a one click for you. All I’ll say is get ready.
OMG, I can't wait for the second book because this Cliff Hanger was brutal 😫 the Blurb for this book was deceptive in a good way, but this book did not disappoint 👏 The story line keeps you guessing throughout the book and the character development makes you feel like you know each character. I highly recommend this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Omg this book had me gripped on the end of my sofa from the word "go" can't wait for the next one to come out it better not be too long dunno how long I can wait lol
Playing With Ghosts starts off with a BAM! Automatically had me hooked!
In the beginning we meet Luna and the dangers that surround her. The life that she is running from and the home that she has fought so hard to get back to. Unbeknownst to her, everything about home has changed! Her happy home and friends now have so much more danger and darkness than she ever knew or thought. Not to mention the man she thought she loved, Niko, hates her. She now has to not only prove herself to the people she loved and missed but also to the world around her.
It usually takes me a little while to get into a new series. Not this book! I was surprised how good it started and just kept getting better!!! I highly recommend this book!!!!
I have to admit that I didn't fully read the blurb for this and thought it was a why choose/rh story. It isn't, but you will totally fall for Luna and Niko, even if you want to throttle him at times for being an over possessive alphahole. This is a strong story with good characters, I already don't trust Niko and Dante's Dad. There are lots of references to SA, so be aware of triggers. And there are some great set ups for book two, I'm thinking something unplanned and that ending. Wow!
Luna is a spunky, sassy, able to hold her own FMC of this book. We find her as she is trying to defend herself from her stepbrother. And then we are suddenly thrust into a whole different world. We meet several of her old friends and family, Leena, Tate, Lucas, Dante, Leo, and Niko. Through no fault of her own, she has to re-connect with her friends and her father after being gone for 10 years. Can she reconnect with everyone? Will she be able to handle all of the changes that have taken place since she’s been gone? Will she be able to accept the changes and truths?
This is a good contemporary, mafia romance. It does end on a crazy cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next book so I can see how everything plays out.
My talented girl, LouLou Fox, did it again! Wow! What a great start to a Mafia series. The first chapter instantly grabbed my attention. Luna and Niko lit this book with their chemistry, steam, passion… love… and mischief. This book is blood and romance personified.
Luna is such a strong female character. I love that even with being fierce and fiery, she is funny, smart, and such a loveable female lead.
Niko --- Oh, dear lawd. Hot alpha-hole, Niko. At first, I was so into Tate. But as soon as Niko and Luna got together. Bam! I was done for them. They’re the ultimate young-love couple. I was swooning or giggling every time they were interacting with each other.
Whether it was kissing each other, claiming each other, or inflicting some blood spurts on someone, Niko and Luna are just the perfect couple.
This is not my first read from this author. I actually love the way she gives life to her characters and their stories. Her world-building is phenomenal. I love how she sneaks in her love for music in the book. If you are into dancing, there’s a chapter for you that will blow your mind and make you whistle while reading.
This book ends with a cliffhanger and I was left satisfied and wanting for more at the same time.
Don’t be fooled by the title or description, this is a REALLY freaking good book! I’ll admit that going into it I didn’t actually know what this book was about, but as I got further into it I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was a mafia book. Heck yes! There’s a few typos here and there & some rewording might be suggested in some places, but it’s not enough to take away from the story and you can still understand what’s going on regardless. The twists and turns are so so good, and I’m still guessing at certain things (of course, since there’s going to be a book 2) and I can’t wait to find out if I’m right! I have so many theories! So excited for book 2 to come out, hopefully it’s soon, but with how complex this story is I wouldn’t be surprised if it was next year. Fingers crossed! *Oh, on a side note, please pay close attention to the content warnings if you need to, but they definitely aren’t lying - wow. (And I say that in a good way, bc I love books that make me question my morals, lol.)
Though this doesn't belong to my preferred genre or tropes, I picked it up as a break from back to back fantasy reads. Overall, it has some really nice points that I enjoyed immensely (no spoilers!). This book goes through ups and downs but it is an enjoyable read nonetheless. For a fan of its genre and trope, this will be a refreshing read.
Wow!! Luna and Niko are a wild ride! Totally love how Luna is a baddie that can hold her own and takes no s**t from anyone! This book had me hooded from the get go and didn’t release its claws till that massive cliffhanger.. everyone needs to read this book!! Loulou you did amazing writing this book!!!
If you want romance with suspense and a good plot, then look no further! This book has it all! Great main characters and side characters which is a huge plus! The story is really easy to follow, and it keeps you on your toes! This does end on a cliffhanger. I am looking forward to the next book!
Holy hotness, Batman! LouLou Fox has utterly smashed it with her latest dark mafia romance. Please note the use of the word "dark" and be responsible enough to check the triggers listed in the content warning, because let me tell you, it reads like a shopping list of all the good stuff I want in a book.
Luna is a quiet bad@$$. She starts off so unassuming, like that first incident was unusual for her. She is so emotionally strong, and she thinks somewhere just to the left of the box. Even though she's a constant surprise, Luna's development during these pages is really humbling. I've developed quite the girl crush.
And Niko? I'd let that man eat a powdered donut on my 3,000 thread count black silk sheets. Now, don't get me wrong, he makes a lot of bad decisions and each one comes back to bite him in the @$$. It's a clever balance between wanting to strangle him for being stupid and feeling smug when Luna turns it around on him and refuses to give him what he wants. He has the most drastically short character arc - from hate to love in 60 seconds, but it's still believable. When that mask finally cracks, he shows how beautifully human he is.
I loved it. It hooked me from the first scene and had almost perfect pacing so I never felt that slump between moments of smut or action. There is some repetition in the exposition at times, but it really nails the author's intent.
Read it. Suffer with me as I wait for Book 2 to be released.
Consumed by LouLou Fox literally consumed me. I love LouLou Fox's writing style; she is gritty and has amazing stories that have me turning the pages until the end. This book is a mafia romance that touches on dark themes and dark topics. I was drawn into this story by the first chapter. I love a good mystery and suspense book. This book has action, mystery, and spicy steam. The world is vivid in detail, and the story is original. The characters were complex and had chemistry. This book does end on a cliffhanger, so I am waiting patiently to see what happens next.
Luna is a strong, determined, and stubborn woman. She was a total BA and didn't take anyone's crap. She is trying to figure out life and where she stands. Niko was broody, dark, and possessive. I loved their chemistry and the push and pull throughout this book both experienced. The spice was through the roof hot, and I enjoyed every minute of their story. I can't wait to see what happens next with Delaney and her willingness to get what she wants.
This is the first book I had read from this author but I tell you as soon as I started reading there was no way I was going to put it down for anything. Including cooking and eating. 🤣
Luna was separated from her dad and her best friends 10 years ago unbeknownst to her they had been searching for her ever since. Her life had not been great but she survived and became a harder version of herself.
When she finally finds them all again things are obviously not going to be plain sailing especially with her love, Niko. He pushes her away so much will they ever recover?
This group of people have the most amazing friendship and I cannot wait to see what more comes from them, there was so many twists and turns in this book it was just a fantastic read.
If you like dark, mafia romance then this is definitely the book for you.
I am super excited for book 2 especially after that cliff hanger!!!
4.5 stars. WOAH that was good. I would say 5 stars but I felt like it could be a little shorter. the way Niko is crazy for her AHH HES SO POSSESSIVE and I love it. I was hooked right away. I loved this found family they have. Luna is such a baddie I love her. that freaking ending. mafia family and all the goodie tropes. yes there times where luna got a bit repetitive where I wanted to slap her like HE LOVED YOU STOP IT. but maaaaan still. I'm so impressed this was a debut. so so good
I really enjoyed LouLou’s last book, Envy, so when I came across this new book I was so excited and she didn’t let me down! I couldn’t put this book down! Spicy, romance and some darkness. Loved it!! Can’t wait for the next one!