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Tenebra City #3
Flame & Fraud
There was something to be said about a killer outfit, and you’d never met a sundress you didn’t like — not only did the floral patterns you often preferred have such a demure and classic quality to them, but they also did a fantastic job at hiding blood splatters…
With your ruffles and pastels, you aren’t what typically comes to mind when most think of thievery and hacking, which just so happens to be your under-the-table night job in Tenebra City. Luckily, your deceptive appearance has worked to your advantage thus far, and though you wouldn’t have turned to this shady life if not for the enormous debt keeping you caged, you’re starting to see the light at the end of the Sapphire District. You’d managed to pick up a few useful tricks over the years, and with your perfect track record, you were finally getting ready to buy your freedom and plan your retirement.
Until you meet Cadmus Etoirir.
Known for their jewelry business, the Etoirirs are one of the most prominent and powerful families in Tenebra City. As the oldest of the triplets, Cadmus has been training his entire life to inherit the family business… though gems and gold are only the tip of the bonfire.
Your meeting is not unexpected, although you never imagined how far the surly dragon would lead you through the gates of Tenebra City’s mafia underworld. An Alpha and control freak in every sense of the word, Cadmus is just as unwilling to let go of his perfect track record as you are. More than just sparks fly, and as you dance with the devil himself, you can’t help but think something’s gotta give…
Cadmus may have just met his match in you, but when he’s your last chance at finally severing the ties tethering you to the shadowy figure you’re indebted to just as you’re the key to guaranteeing his inheritance, you both become entangled in a web spun by fate itself.
And when you accidentally end up with his mating mark on your neck… those strings of fate only seem to wrap tighter and tighter.
Flame & Fraud is an immersive fated mates dragon mafia boss monster romance told in second-person POV where YOU step into the story as the main character. It contains a surly dragon mafia boss, underworld politics, and fiery spice that all culminate in a guaranteed Happily Ever After.
As the third full-length book in the Tenebra City Series, it can be read on its own, but is better enjoyed after reading Quiver & Quill (the first book in the Tenebra City Series), Grinch & Guile (a Tenebra City Series novella), and/or Sin & Spell (the second book in the Tenebra City Series).
*Note: Please check the author’s website for CWs.
With your ruffles and pastels, you aren’t what typically comes to mind when most think of thievery and hacking, which just so happens to be your under-the-table night job in Tenebra City. Luckily, your deceptive appearance has worked to your advantage thus far, and though you wouldn’t have turned to this shady life if not for the enormous debt keeping you caged, you’re starting to see the light at the end of the Sapphire District. You’d managed to pick up a few useful tricks over the years, and with your perfect track record, you were finally getting ready to buy your freedom and plan your retirement.
Until you meet Cadmus Etoirir.
Known for their jewelry business, the Etoirirs are one of the most prominent and powerful families in Tenebra City. As the oldest of the triplets, Cadmus has been training his entire life to inherit the family business… though gems and gold are only the tip of the bonfire.
Your meeting is not unexpected, although you never imagined how far the surly dragon would lead you through the gates of Tenebra City’s mafia underworld. An Alpha and control freak in every sense of the word, Cadmus is just as unwilling to let go of his perfect track record as you are. More than just sparks fly, and as you dance with the devil himself, you can’t help but think something’s gotta give…
Cadmus may have just met his match in you, but when he’s your last chance at finally severing the ties tethering you to the shadowy figure you’re indebted to just as you’re the key to guaranteeing his inheritance, you both become entangled in a web spun by fate itself.
And when you accidentally end up with his mating mark on your neck… those strings of fate only seem to wrap tighter and tighter.
Flame & Fraud is an immersive fated mates dragon mafia boss monster romance told in second-person POV where YOU step into the story as the main character. It contains a surly dragon mafia boss, underworld politics, and fiery spice that all culminate in a guaranteed Happily Ever After.
As the third full-length book in the Tenebra City Series, it can be read on its own, but is better enjoyed after reading Quiver & Quill (the first book in the Tenebra City Series), Grinch & Guile (a Tenebra City Series novella), and/or Sin & Spell (the second book in the Tenebra City Series).
*Note: Please check the author’s website for CWs.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 7, 2022
I adore anything A.M. Kore writes and this is no exception! The FMC has to be my favourite so far! I love the Easter eggs we get in this book. I get so excited when we see our beloved characters gets mentioned. It's such a treat!
The fiery passion the FMC and Cadmus shares is *chef kiss*. I love to see Cadmus open up more and more as the story goes on!
As always, A.M. Kore's writing is immersive, her world building rich and well done 🤌 Can't wait to read more from this author!
The fiery passion the FMC and Cadmus shares is *chef kiss*. I love to see Cadmus open up more and more as the story goes on!
As always, A.M. Kore's writing is immersive, her world building rich and well done 🤌 Can't wait to read more from this author!
September 15, 2022
A.M. Kore has done it again folks!
Cadmus Etoirir is THE mafia (fictional) man you need in your life. He has all the qualities I go crazy for, plus he's a Dragon. With all the appropriate anatomy. Dragons here not only have proper hoards, but they're decked in jewels from the tip of their horns totheir balls their shoes.
And the FMC is a force of nature. (Ever wondered how many times can you shoot your mate in one book? Read this one to find out.) She has bigger balls than even Cadmus, calling the person who could snap you in half and eat you for breakfast 'scales-for-brains' and 'overgrown lizard' is a queen behaviour.
And Cadmus' brothers? Pure rays of fucking sunshine. Brandr is a simping husband, whipped for his wife, and absolute malewife, and we love to see it. Anatole is a himbo, but give him two brain cells. He uses one to choose violence 9/10 times.
Cadmus Etoirir is THE mafia (fictional) man you need in your life. He has all the qualities I go crazy for, plus he's a Dragon. With all the appropriate anatomy. Dragons here not only have proper hoards, but they're decked in jewels from the tip of their horns to
And the FMC is a force of nature. (Ever wondered how many times can you shoot your mate in one book? Read this one to find out.) She has bigger balls than even Cadmus, calling the person who could snap you in half and eat you for breakfast 'scales-for-brains' and 'overgrown lizard' is a queen behaviour.
And Cadmus' brothers? Pure rays of fucking sunshine. Brandr is a simping husband, whipped for his wife, and absolute malewife, and we love to see it. Anatole is a himbo, but give him two brain cells. He uses one to choose violence 9/10 times.
October 10, 2022
Where to begin? A.M. Kore quite literally has done it for the fourth time in a row. I enjoyed Cadmus so much! I did not want it to end!
The angst? chefs kiss. The banter? chefs kiss. ENEMIES TO MF LOVERS.
Our scales-for-brains favorite made me sob about three times after 80% of the book. Honestly, that’s a record. The reader…me…you…us, were such a brat and I was LIVING for it!! His little gem *sobbing uncontrollably*.
Anatole was such a himbo, Brandr had manwife tendencies along with being a cinnamon roll for his mate- just like his father. Gods 10/10 for all the side characters. I loved them so much.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I cannot wait to read what Kore gives us next.
The angst? chefs kiss. The banter? chefs kiss. ENEMIES TO MF LOVERS.
Our scales-for-brains favorite made me sob about three times after 80% of the book. Honestly, that’s a record. The reader…me…you…us, were such a brat and I was LIVING for it!! His little gem *sobbing uncontrollably*.
Anatole was such a himbo, Brandr had manwife tendencies along with being a cinnamon roll for his mate- just like his father. Gods 10/10 for all the side characters. I loved them so much.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I cannot wait to read what Kore gives us next.
August 30, 2022
This is more than a book, its an "experience;"almost like playing a video game, to the extent that the 2nd person format makes the reader feel involved and more invested in the story. I don't know how to hack, or fight, or really even be sassy/snarky, but this book let me pretend to be for a little while. I had an amazing time being a hacking little thief and accidental mate to a super handsome mercurial dragon mob boss. I felt the emotions of this main character so acutely and had a little thrill at each little sweet moment (and at, you know, *ahem* spicy bits).
I have loved all of A.M. Kore's Tenebra City Series so far and this book is no exception. Do I love the characters? Passionately (just an outstanding cast of characters). Do I adore the second person narrative? More than I could have ever possibly expected. Do these books consistently "get me into" things I thought I wouldn't like? Every. Single. Time. However, to me, Kore stands out from the pack because of the unique themes that I just do not see anywhere else. Commitment to a theme and framing device is the unique signature of this series and I loved the gem titles and implied meanings each added to the story. I love a book where I can gain more tidbits by paying attention, but not feel bereft if I don't. This book strikes that balance perfectly. The bonus epilogue adds so much to the experience, I could wax poetical about it alone.
I cannot wait for what A.M. Kore has next, because rumors are that something hallowed this way comes...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily because I am positively in love with this book.
I have loved all of A.M. Kore's Tenebra City Series so far and this book is no exception. Do I love the characters? Passionately (just an outstanding cast of characters). Do I adore the second person narrative? More than I could have ever possibly expected. Do these books consistently "get me into" things I thought I wouldn't like? Every. Single. Time. However, to me, Kore stands out from the pack because of the unique themes that I just do not see anywhere else. Commitment to a theme and framing device is the unique signature of this series and I loved the gem titles and implied meanings each added to the story. I love a book where I can gain more tidbits by paying attention, but not feel bereft if I don't. This book strikes that balance perfectly. The bonus epilogue adds so much to the experience, I could wax poetical about it alone.
I cannot wait for what A.M. Kore has next, because rumors are that something hallowed this way comes...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily because I am positively in love with this book.
October 5, 2022
"I know you're in here, little thief. I can smell you."
This was a highly anticipated read, based off the wonderful first two in this series by AM Kore. Unfortunately, the first half of this book felt like a chore. It carries such a different tone then the first two in the Tenebra City series. My biggest problem was
"Well, you could've ended up like Anatole. He went to college and somehow became even more of an idiot."
The turnaround point for me, where the novel got its bit of redemption, was when We finally get some depth of character and exploration of motive at this point. Anatole and Brandr were great side characters as well. Really, all of the Etoirir boys were well characterized and stayed true to form through the book.
"If I had known that spanking you would finally get you to shut that smart little mouth of yours," he teased, grinding his palm more firmly into your aching ass cheek, "I would've taken you over my knee and spanked you the first night I brought you here."
The spice had its highs and lows for me. Cadmus was quite the delicious, domineering dragon. I actually loved him. The that I don't feel was totally utilized but I'm no expert on a double barrel so take that as you will.
Did you fly too close to the sun, or just as you feared, had you gotten too close to the sea from the end of that gangplank and tipped right into the water?
By the end, the fragile nature of their relationship was actually kind of lovely, proving that sometimes you need to get through the bulk of things to get to the sweetness at the end. I like how, in a very Cadmus way, he slowly I'd look forwards to hearing more about that in a subtle nod in future books set in the city!
I'll definitely read further if the author publishes more in this series, especially considering Quiver & Quill and Sin & Spell were highly rated reads by me. I did see on her IG that she has a novella coming out featuring Ariadne and the minotaur soon, in the upcoming I Am the Fire anthology.
This was a highly anticipated read, based off the wonderful first two in this series by AM Kore. Unfortunately, the first half of this book felt like a chore. It carries such a different tone then the first two in the Tenebra City series. My biggest problem was
"Well, you could've ended up like Anatole. He went to college and somehow became even more of an idiot."
The turnaround point for me, where the novel got its bit of redemption, was when We finally get some depth of character and exploration of motive at this point. Anatole and Brandr were great side characters as well. Really, all of the Etoirir boys were well characterized and stayed true to form through the book.
"If I had known that spanking you would finally get you to shut that smart little mouth of yours," he teased, grinding his palm more firmly into your aching ass cheek, "I would've taken you over my knee and spanked you the first night I brought you here."
The spice had its highs and lows for me. Cadmus was quite the delicious, domineering dragon. I actually loved him. The that I don't feel was totally utilized but I'm no expert on a double barrel so take that as you will.
Did you fly too close to the sun, or just as you feared, had you gotten too close to the sea from the end of that gangplank and tipped right into the water?
By the end, the fragile nature of their relationship was actually kind of lovely, proving that sometimes you need to get through the bulk of things to get to the sweetness at the end. I like how, in a very Cadmus way, he slowly I'd look forwards to hearing more about that in a subtle nod in future books set in the city!
I'll definitely read further if the author publishes more in this series, especially considering Quiver & Quill and Sin & Spell were highly rated reads by me. I did see on her IG that she has a novella coming out featuring Ariadne and the minotaur soon, in the upcoming I Am the Fire anthology.
September 16, 2022
New favourite in the Tenebra City series! Flame & Fraud is inspired by The Godfather and Citizen Kane, but then add in dragons with alpha/beta/omega dynamics, a stern MMC (who doesn't want his possessions touched) and spice! A.M. Kore has worldbuilding down pat and seeing locations from previous books was so wonderful to stay connected. This series doesn't occur linearly and could be read in any order.
Sweet sweet Cadmus, oh how I love you so. He is rough around the edges and doesn't let people see his vulnerable side. Cadmus has placed immense pressure on himself due to being the eldest and his own expectations for the family business. It's Cadmus' way or it doesn't happen.
The FMC is a sassy badass who can hold her own in a fight (plus she may shoot her mate once or three times). This FMC is hands down the best in this series thus far! She wears floral prints (so that the blood splatter blends in), loves to push buttons and can be such a brat.
Cadmus' brothers are top tier secondary characters and I so hope Anatole will get a book! The siblings' parents are a breath of fresh air and I was happy everytime I saw them on page. I loved how welcomed the FMC is into the dragon family and the warmth shared between them.
Flame & Fraud did not let me down in the spice department! Chapter two had me open mouthed, like wish A.M Kore we're in it to win it already! This one is absolutely scorching but contains a lot of heart too.
Read if you like:
- dragon mafia
- accidental mate
- mating marks
- fake relationship
- second POV
- monster romance
- alpha/brat
- double eggplant situation
- I love you but I hate you
- office desks
- treasure
Many many thanks to A.M. Kore for the ARC!
CW: Explicit sex, human/non-human sex, parental death (off-page), parental abandonment, mild degradation, mafia/organized crime themes, murder/attempted murder, general depictions of violence, gun/knife violence, mentions of blood, non-human appendages used in sex acts, guns/knives used in sex acts, spanking, A/B/O dynamics, heat/rut cycles, knotting, accidental mating marks, pheromones, body scars, chronic illness (migraines), near drowning experience
Sweet sweet Cadmus, oh how I love you so. He is rough around the edges and doesn't let people see his vulnerable side. Cadmus has placed immense pressure on himself due to being the eldest and his own expectations for the family business. It's Cadmus' way or it doesn't happen.
The FMC is a sassy badass who can hold her own in a fight (plus she may shoot her mate once or three times). This FMC is hands down the best in this series thus far! She wears floral prints (so that the blood splatter blends in), loves to push buttons and can be such a brat.
Cadmus' brothers are top tier secondary characters and I so hope Anatole will get a book! The siblings' parents are a breath of fresh air and I was happy everytime I saw them on page. I loved how welcomed the FMC is into the dragon family and the warmth shared between them.
Flame & Fraud did not let me down in the spice department! Chapter two had me open mouthed, like wish A.M Kore we're in it to win it already! This one is absolutely scorching but contains a lot of heart too.
Read if you like:
- dragon mafia
- accidental mate
- mating marks
- fake relationship
- second POV
- monster romance
- alpha/brat
- double eggplant situation
- I love you but I hate you
- office desks
- treasure
Many many thanks to A.M. Kore for the ARC!
CW: Explicit sex, human/non-human sex, parental death (off-page), parental abandonment, mild degradation, mafia/organized crime themes, murder/attempted murder, general depictions of violence, gun/knife violence, mentions of blood, non-human appendages used in sex acts, guns/knives used in sex acts, spanking, A/B/O dynamics, heat/rut cycles, knotting, accidental mating marks, pheromones, body scars, chronic illness (migraines), near drowning experience
September 15, 2022
I received an ARC of this title in return for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
All of the books in this series so far have bought something different into the world of Tenebra City, and this one certainly brings the intensity. I've loved getting to see the different aspects of the world—Eventide Falls in Quiver & Quill, the bakery in Sin & Spell, the newspaper in Grinch & Guile, but in this one, we get to see Cadmus, the heir to one of the most powerful dragon families and the fashionable hacker about to turn his world upside down. If you're looking for a monster romance that leans more heavily on the adorable romantic side, then this is not the one for you, but if you want something that brings the heat from the very start and doesn't let up, then Flame & Fraud is definitely for you. I honestly tend to prefer the former—I love some spiciness, but I love the sweet side of that too, but this one was so fantastic that I kind of forgot about the sweet stuff. That's not to say there aren't any cute moments between the two leads, but it's definitely ramped up the heat from the previous books. I really, really enjoyed this one to the point where I'm kind of questioning whether this one might be my new favourite, even though I didn't think anything would beat Q&Q for me.
All of the books in this series so far have bought something different into the world of Tenebra City, and this one certainly brings the intensity. I've loved getting to see the different aspects of the world—Eventide Falls in Quiver & Quill, the bakery in Sin & Spell, the newspaper in Grinch & Guile, but in this one, we get to see Cadmus, the heir to one of the most powerful dragon families and the fashionable hacker about to turn his world upside down. If you're looking for a monster romance that leans more heavily on the adorable romantic side, then this is not the one for you, but if you want something that brings the heat from the very start and doesn't let up, then Flame & Fraud is definitely for you. I honestly tend to prefer the former—I love some spiciness, but I love the sweet side of that too, but this one was so fantastic that I kind of forgot about the sweet stuff. That's not to say there aren't any cute moments between the two leads, but it's definitely ramped up the heat from the previous books. I really, really enjoyed this one to the point where I'm kind of questioning whether this one might be my new favourite, even though I didn't think anything would beat Q&Q for me.
August 30, 2022
I loved this book! I found the author’s usage of 2nd person POV to be such an immersive experience; it was delightful, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series. This isn’t something I’ve seen done very often and it was so cool to see an indie author explore this in a series.
The characters and plotline were so well thought out. The FMC has just the right amount of fiery passion to combat Cadmus’ (at times) overbearing and my-way-or-the-highway nature. They were so good together, and I was on edge every time they bickered to see how it would end. Through it all, though, you can see how much Cadmus cares for the FMC, in that, even when he is *pissed* at her, the love is evident in the way Cadmus looks at her. It was so cute. And the spice? 5/5.
Not interested in just a love story? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of action to be had too! I didn’t expect the twists and turns that would bring the plot to its resolution. Be prepared to be surprised. The FMC is a badass, takes-no-shit kind of gal, so hang on for a bumpy ride as she takes us through her story.
I, also, adored the mentions of Eden (and other pieces of the Tenebra City series). If you loved Eden, I’m sure you’ll love the portrayal of Eden and Cadmus’ friendship here.
I received this book as an ARC in an exchange for an honest review. If there’s anything you need to know about this book, it is that it should be on your to-read list!
The characters and plotline were so well thought out. The FMC has just the right amount of fiery passion to combat Cadmus’ (at times) overbearing and my-way-or-the-highway nature. They were so good together, and I was on edge every time they bickered to see how it would end. Through it all, though, you can see how much Cadmus cares for the FMC, in that, even when he is *pissed* at her, the love is evident in the way Cadmus looks at her. It was so cute. And the spice? 5/5.
Not interested in just a love story? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of action to be had too! I didn’t expect the twists and turns that would bring the plot to its resolution. Be prepared to be surprised. The FMC is a badass, takes-no-shit kind of gal, so hang on for a bumpy ride as she takes us through her story.
I, also, adored the mentions of Eden (and other pieces of the Tenebra City series). If you loved Eden, I’m sure you’ll love the portrayal of Eden and Cadmus’ friendship here.
I received this book as an ARC in an exchange for an honest review. If there’s anything you need to know about this book, it is that it should be on your to-read list!
October 18, 2022
I personally blame A.M. Kore for giving me new kinks thanks to the very, VERY hot scenes in Flame & Fraud.
I immediately fell in love with the FMC for her badass behavior and take no shit attitude and love for the usefulness of sundresses. She’s every violent thought combined with the skills to carry it out. Cadmus shattered me in the best way possible. The absolute love he showed the FMC through his own anger and high handed acts made me swoon.
Once again, Kore has done masterful work with 2nd person POV. I eagerly await her next work, and since she’s shared her prospective future publishing schedule, I am glad to know it won’t be long.
I immediately fell in love with the FMC for her badass behavior and take no shit attitude and love for the usefulness of sundresses. She’s every violent thought combined with the skills to carry it out. Cadmus shattered me in the best way possible. The absolute love he showed the FMC through his own anger and high handed acts made me swoon.
Once again, Kore has done masterful work with 2nd person POV. I eagerly await her next work, and since she’s shared her prospective future publishing schedule, I am glad to know it won’t be long.
September 12, 2022
(I received an ARC of this book.)
THERE ARE SPOILERS!
I have yet to read an A.M. Kore book that I didn't love and Flame & Fraud is no exception. The way this book hit so many of my favorite tropes was just chef's kiss. The MMC is just the right amount of sour and then sweet, the FMC is extremely fun to embody, and the side characters have me wishing for spin offs.
I enjoyed the pace of the plot. It's hard to make instant action work sometimes, but it definitely works here. There's clearly a ton of research done into the background of the characters (and the gemstones each chapter is named after which I love to death). It had my favorite trope, hurt/comfort, in there, so that's automatically five stars, but if I could give it more based on the the witty one liners, the twists and turns, and the character development, I absolutely would.
This is probably one of my favorite Tenebra City novels and I can't wait for more.
Make sure to check the trigger warnings if you pick this up!
THERE ARE SPOILERS!
I have yet to read an A.M. Kore book that I didn't love and Flame & Fraud is no exception. The way this book hit so many of my favorite tropes was just chef's kiss. The MMC is just the right amount of sour and then sweet, the FMC is extremely fun to embody, and the side characters have me wishing for spin offs.
I enjoyed the pace of the plot. It's hard to make instant action work sometimes, but it definitely works here. There's clearly a ton of research done into the background of the characters (and the gemstones each chapter is named after which I love to death). It had my favorite trope, hurt/comfort, in there, so that's automatically five stars, but if I could give it more based on the the witty one liners, the twists and turns, and the character development, I absolutely would.
This is probably one of my favorite Tenebra City novels and I can't wait for more.
Make sure to check the trigger warnings if you pick this up!
March 11, 2024
This was the hardest AM Kore book for me to get into. I think after reading three books in second person POV I was a little burnt out going into this one. After a while it just feels like you're larping. And even though it had dragons, I just struggled to stay tuned into the story. It never takes me this long to read a book and I think at this point second person POV isn't for me. I can deal with it in a novella but this one was too long for the POV.
September 6, 2022
“Flame & Fraud” by A.M. Kore
Thank you to A.M. Kore for providing an ARC, here is my honest review:
5⭐️/5⭐️
4🌶/5🌶
“You might be a thief, but you’re mine.”
You, the FMC, are a hacker/thief extraordinaire. Your current assignment is to hack into the Etoirir family’s computer network. Unfortunately, you were discovered before you could complete your tasks. You expected there to be a fight. After all, this is the famous Etoirir family, a group of dragons involved in organized crime. However, you didn’t expect to become accidental mates with their leader, Cadmus. Cadmus is egotistical, arrogant, stubborn, and deliciously irresistible. No matter what you dish out, Cadmus can take it, and vice versa. It’s a match made in hell. But as time goes on, it starts to become more and more difficult to keep up your facade, and harder to deny your feelings: you are falling for Cadmus. You start to wonder, could this really work? Could you establish a real relationship with Cadmus? Or will your shady past threaten any chance of happiness?
-HOLY SHIT. What a ride! What a journey! Reading any A.M. Kore is a unique experience due to being written in the second POV, but beyond the POV, the story itself captivates the reader. Reading an A.M. Kore book is kind of like that scene from ‘Titanic’, where Jack asks Rose “So, do you want to go to a real party?”. Every book I enjoy is an immersive experience, I don’t want to downplay that. But there’s something to be said about reading a book in the second POV. At first it might be a little difficult to imagine oneself as the main character, but over time you start to form connections to the character. While each A.M. Kore FMC is completely different, the reader is still able to identify with parts of their personalities. Human beings are complex creatures, we experience an array of emotions and have a multitude of aspects that make up who we are; this is why it is so easy to lose oneself in an A.M. Kore book, she captures that multifacetedness perfectly.
-I’m astounded by how different and unique each book is. The first book is very sweet, the second book has a sense of melancholy, and this book was a delightful mixture of darkness and humor. Yet, while the books are all different, the world building becomes a little more complex with each book. A.M. Kore has created a wonderful paranormal universe for readers to enjoy.
-This is a true enemies to lovers scenario. Cadmus and the FMC hate each other, and it’s brilliant! Their chemistry during their fights is absolutely delightful to witness; it’s so apparent that these two are meant to be with each other. They are so similar that their lives mesh well, even though they come from completely different backgrounds.
-Cadmus is a dreamboat, even though “violence is his love language”. He’s morally grey at first glance, but once you get to know him, is he truly as bad as he seems? This is kind of where the mafia part of the plot comes into play. Cadmus is the eldest Etoirir brother, set to inherit his father’s empire. He has committed many different crimes, but often these crimes are in response to OTHER crimes being committed in Tenebra city (trafficking, drug deals, etc.). He is so damn funny and witty. He could dish out a scathing insult with a smirk on his face, and you’d end up saying “thank you” because that’s just how charming he is.
-The FMC is a complex person, and as the story unfolds the reader gets a better understanding of her motives. All throughout the story she is plagued with guilt, and it isn’t until we get closer to the end that we understand how deep her guilt goes. It’s one of those stories that makes you want to re-read it immediately because of the multitude of revelations handed to the reader.
-The spice. Ah, the spice. THIS IS A HOT BOOK. I really appreciate the spice starting so soon in this book (chapter two, people!), because it plays a pivotal role in the overall plot and development of characters. This is an accidental mating bond, remember? So the intimacy between Cadmus and the FMC is off the charts. They can be in the middle of a fight, but they are so inexplicably drawn to one another, that they cannot refuse what their body (and heart) desires. Now, that doesn’t mean that they stop fighting, they continue to throw insults at each other even during the act; it makes for some really humorous scenes.
-There are so many tender moments tucked away in this book, it really pulls at your heart strings. One of my favorite quotes is:
“With him, suddenly there had been a moon in a vapid, black sky, and together, you had become the constellations that dusted the heavens. Without him, you were merely one solitary star on the brink of collapse. Was this what all those novels you had read meant when they spoke of love?”
-Once again, A.M. Kore knocks it out of the park. I’m so excited to read more Tenebra city books and explore more characters. This is a great series to start with if you’re interested in monster romances, and you absolutely could read this as a standalone novel. However, I’d advise you to at least read “Sin & Spell” prior to “Flame & Fraud” in order to understand some of the references made by side characters.
Thank you to A.M. Kore for providing an ARC, here is my honest review:
5⭐️/5⭐️
4🌶/5🌶
“You might be a thief, but you’re mine.”
You, the FMC, are a hacker/thief extraordinaire. Your current assignment is to hack into the Etoirir family’s computer network. Unfortunately, you were discovered before you could complete your tasks. You expected there to be a fight. After all, this is the famous Etoirir family, a group of dragons involved in organized crime. However, you didn’t expect to become accidental mates with their leader, Cadmus. Cadmus is egotistical, arrogant, stubborn, and deliciously irresistible. No matter what you dish out, Cadmus can take it, and vice versa. It’s a match made in hell. But as time goes on, it starts to become more and more difficult to keep up your facade, and harder to deny your feelings: you are falling for Cadmus. You start to wonder, could this really work? Could you establish a real relationship with Cadmus? Or will your shady past threaten any chance of happiness?
-HOLY SHIT. What a ride! What a journey! Reading any A.M. Kore is a unique experience due to being written in the second POV, but beyond the POV, the story itself captivates the reader. Reading an A.M. Kore book is kind of like that scene from ‘Titanic’, where Jack asks Rose “So, do you want to go to a real party?”. Every book I enjoy is an immersive experience, I don’t want to downplay that. But there’s something to be said about reading a book in the second POV. At first it might be a little difficult to imagine oneself as the main character, but over time you start to form connections to the character. While each A.M. Kore FMC is completely different, the reader is still able to identify with parts of their personalities. Human beings are complex creatures, we experience an array of emotions and have a multitude of aspects that make up who we are; this is why it is so easy to lose oneself in an A.M. Kore book, she captures that multifacetedness perfectly.
-I’m astounded by how different and unique each book is. The first book is very sweet, the second book has a sense of melancholy, and this book was a delightful mixture of darkness and humor. Yet, while the books are all different, the world building becomes a little more complex with each book. A.M. Kore has created a wonderful paranormal universe for readers to enjoy.
-This is a true enemies to lovers scenario. Cadmus and the FMC hate each other, and it’s brilliant! Their chemistry during their fights is absolutely delightful to witness; it’s so apparent that these two are meant to be with each other. They are so similar that their lives mesh well, even though they come from completely different backgrounds.
-Cadmus is a dreamboat, even though “violence is his love language”. He’s morally grey at first glance, but once you get to know him, is he truly as bad as he seems? This is kind of where the mafia part of the plot comes into play. Cadmus is the eldest Etoirir brother, set to inherit his father’s empire. He has committed many different crimes, but often these crimes are in response to OTHER crimes being committed in Tenebra city (trafficking, drug deals, etc.). He is so damn funny and witty. He could dish out a scathing insult with a smirk on his face, and you’d end up saying “thank you” because that’s just how charming he is.
-The FMC is a complex person, and as the story unfolds the reader gets a better understanding of her motives. All throughout the story she is plagued with guilt, and it isn’t until we get closer to the end that we understand how deep her guilt goes. It’s one of those stories that makes you want to re-read it immediately because of the multitude of revelations handed to the reader.
-The spice. Ah, the spice. THIS IS A HOT BOOK. I really appreciate the spice starting so soon in this book (chapter two, people!), because it plays a pivotal role in the overall plot and development of characters. This is an accidental mating bond, remember? So the intimacy between Cadmus and the FMC is off the charts. They can be in the middle of a fight, but they are so inexplicably drawn to one another, that they cannot refuse what their body (and heart) desires. Now, that doesn’t mean that they stop fighting, they continue to throw insults at each other even during the act; it makes for some really humorous scenes.
-There are so many tender moments tucked away in this book, it really pulls at your heart strings. One of my favorite quotes is:
“With him, suddenly there had been a moon in a vapid, black sky, and together, you had become the constellations that dusted the heavens. Without him, you were merely one solitary star on the brink of collapse. Was this what all those novels you had read meant when they spoke of love?”
-Once again, A.M. Kore knocks it out of the park. I’m so excited to read more Tenebra city books and explore more characters. This is a great series to start with if you’re interested in monster romances, and you absolutely could read this as a standalone novel. However, I’d advise you to at least read “Sin & Spell” prior to “Flame & Fraud” in order to understand some of the references made by side characters.
September 3, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥/3
Did you say you needed a spicy enemies-to-lovers story with an angry mafia boss dragon? Then I have some good news for you. 😏
Flame & Fraud is the 3rd book in the Tenebra City series. The story is written from a second-person point of view, creating a fully immersive story that you, as the reader, get to experience. The story follows the FMC, a hacker, and thief who works within the sapphire district and is caught by Cadmus, a powerful mafia boss, during one of their missions. 😱
I enjoyed the story as a whole; there wasn't a time within the book when I was bored. Instead, I was continuously interested in how the plot was moving forward and found myself reading into the late hours to find out what would happen next. 🤓
As with any typical monster romance book, this one was spicy and tapped into kinks I didn't even realize I was interested in. 🥵 One of the things A.M. Kore does well is with writing spicy scenes. Sometimes if a book has too much spice, it can seem repetitive, but every spicy scene within this book was unique and added a lot of variety, making each scene sexy and alluring. 🌶️
One of my favorite aspects of this story was the banter between the two main characters. I'm a sucker for a female who can serve the aggressive energy and doesn't back down. 💪 Please give me all the powerful badass female characters!
A primary trope within the book is enemies to lovers, and this trope is perfectly executed. No half-hearted enemies here; there is plenty of hate, anger, and attempts to kill. In my opinion, this made the blossoming romance between the two main characters even sweeter. 😌
Because this is the third book within the series, it was fun and exciting to see little snippets of the characters from previous books. The author did a great job building up this world and connecting all its characters. I was reading about friends who live in different cities as I've come to know and love them all. 🥰
Overall, this sassy and spicy read is a beautiful addition to the series, filled with a fiery romance, a feisty FMC, and a badass alpha dragon! 🐉
TL;DR
- Plot was paced well and interesting
- The spice was top-notch and sexy as hell
- FMC is a loveable brat that had the best banter
- The enemies to lovers trope was perfectly done
- Great world-building that tied in other books/characters within the Tenebra series
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥/3
Did you say you needed a spicy enemies-to-lovers story with an angry mafia boss dragon? Then I have some good news for you. 😏
Flame & Fraud is the 3rd book in the Tenebra City series. The story is written from a second-person point of view, creating a fully immersive story that you, as the reader, get to experience. The story follows the FMC, a hacker, and thief who works within the sapphire district and is caught by Cadmus, a powerful mafia boss, during one of their missions. 😱
I enjoyed the story as a whole; there wasn't a time within the book when I was bored. Instead, I was continuously interested in how the plot was moving forward and found myself reading into the late hours to find out what would happen next. 🤓
As with any typical monster romance book, this one was spicy and tapped into kinks I didn't even realize I was interested in. 🥵 One of the things A.M. Kore does well is with writing spicy scenes. Sometimes if a book has too much spice, it can seem repetitive, but every spicy scene within this book was unique and added a lot of variety, making each scene sexy and alluring. 🌶️
One of my favorite aspects of this story was the banter between the two main characters. I'm a sucker for a female who can serve the aggressive energy and doesn't back down. 💪 Please give me all the powerful badass female characters!
A primary trope within the book is enemies to lovers, and this trope is perfectly executed. No half-hearted enemies here; there is plenty of hate, anger, and attempts to kill. In my opinion, this made the blossoming romance between the two main characters even sweeter. 😌
Because this is the third book within the series, it was fun and exciting to see little snippets of the characters from previous books. The author did a great job building up this world and connecting all its characters. I was reading about friends who live in different cities as I've come to know and love them all. 🥰
Overall, this sassy and spicy read is a beautiful addition to the series, filled with a fiery romance, a feisty FMC, and a badass alpha dragon! 🐉
TL;DR
- Plot was paced well and interesting
- The spice was top-notch and sexy as hell
- FMC is a loveable brat that had the best banter
- The enemies to lovers trope was perfectly done
- Great world-building that tied in other books/characters within the Tenebra series
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2022
"One day," you promised him, the heady scent of burning wood and molasses swirling around your crouched form, "you'll be on your knees in front of me."
"I wouldn't count on it." His eyes blazed, his stubbornness matching your own as he said, "I kneel for nobody."
The Tenebra City Series is one of my absolute favorite series. Quiver & Quill showed us the soft and romantic Professor Gideon and the university where you are his student. Sin & Spell brought us in as a bakery owner and gave us Eden, tech company CEO. Grinch & Guile gave one of my favorite quotes and made the Grinch actually appealing?
But Flame & Fraud? Phew. Watch out, Gideon, I might have a new favorite man.
You get thrown in a sassy little thief and hacker trying to finish one last job to be free of your boss and end up enemies-to-mates with Cadmus Etorir, heir of one of the most notorious and powerful dragon families. The action, in every sense of the word, starts immediately and has been dialed up to 100 for this installment in the series. The MCs are unhinged and the spicy scenes are incredibly hot and dangerous.
It felt easy to fall into the role of the FMC because I too am a fiery defiant brat. The relationship is explosive and each moment they're together is filled with tension so thick you could cut it with a pocket knife. I have read many dark enemies-to-lovers romances where there is some altercations between the main couple, but I think the amount of stabbing and shooting has far surpassed any others and I was here for it. The FMC is not afraid to enrage her mate with words (like scales-for-brains) or actions (deliberately disobeying in front of the other Etorir siblings). Cadmus, of course, punishes her in the most delicious of ways. Even with their clashing personalities, there are some tender moments between the two as well (the purring?!).
The secondary characters are just as wonderful and charming as the main two, Anatole even stealing the spotlight for me in a few scenes. I love the references to the characters from prior books in the series as well as the hints for future MMCs.
"I wouldn't count on it." His eyes blazed, his stubbornness matching your own as he said, "I kneel for nobody."
The Tenebra City Series is one of my absolute favorite series. Quiver & Quill showed us the soft and romantic Professor Gideon and the university where you are his student. Sin & Spell brought us in as a bakery owner and gave us Eden, tech company CEO. Grinch & Guile gave one of my favorite quotes and made the Grinch actually appealing?
But Flame & Fraud? Phew. Watch out, Gideon, I might have a new favorite man.
You get thrown in a sassy little thief and hacker trying to finish one last job to be free of your boss and end up enemies-to-mates with Cadmus Etorir, heir of one of the most notorious and powerful dragon families. The action, in every sense of the word, starts immediately and has been dialed up to 100 for this installment in the series. The MCs are unhinged and the spicy scenes are incredibly hot and dangerous.
It felt easy to fall into the role of the FMC because I too am a fiery defiant brat. The relationship is explosive and each moment they're together is filled with tension so thick you could cut it with a pocket knife. I have read many dark enemies-to-lovers romances where there is some altercations between the main couple, but I think the amount of stabbing and shooting has far surpassed any others and I was here for it. The FMC is not afraid to enrage her mate with words (like scales-for-brains) or actions (deliberately disobeying in front of the other Etorir siblings). Cadmus, of course, punishes her in the most delicious of ways. Even with their clashing personalities, there are some tender moments between the two as well (the purring?!).
The secondary characters are just as wonderful and charming as the main two, Anatole even stealing the spotlight for me in a few scenes. I love the references to the characters from prior books in the series as well as the hints for future MMCs.
September 17, 2022
It's so good to be back in Tenebra City!
With each release in the Tenebra City series A.M. Kore further cements herself as the master of second person spice. From the moment I was introduced to her town of not so mythical creatures I knew it was something special. Each tale (tail?) has been more enjoyable than the last, and to say I've been eager to return to this world for a fourth visit would be an understatement.
Flame & Fraud hits the ground running with our hacker FMC getting caught while on assignment for some very scary people. Not as scary as our mob boss MMC though. Cadmus is the oldest of three brothers and a wickedly hot Dragon to boot! After a series of mishaps lead to our heroine being mated to someone she absolutely cannot stand, we're treated to a deep dive into the crime ridden underbelly of The city. Thankfully, we have the scariest tour guide you'd ever want to be stuck with. Did I mention the spice? LAWD is it hot in the underworld. If you've got a thing for scales, tails, and twice the Bad Dragon you get in most monster romance, you'll be more than satisfied here.
To say much more would be to spoil one of my favorite books this year. Suffice it to say, I can't wait to see where A.M. Kore takes us next. There are so many side characters and cameos that it's hard to decide who I'd want to follow into the next book. At this point the only thing I'm certain of is that the inhabitants of Tenebra City, from Grumpy Mothmen to Teasingly Seductive Succubi, to Dragons who carry their hoard of jewels with them, are all in good hands, and so are we.
While I received a free ARC of Flame & Fraud I also purchased a digital copy and look forward to ordering a paperback as soon as that becomes available.
With each release in the Tenebra City series A.M. Kore further cements herself as the master of second person spice. From the moment I was introduced to her town of not so mythical creatures I knew it was something special. Each tale (tail?) has been more enjoyable than the last, and to say I've been eager to return to this world for a fourth visit would be an understatement.
Flame & Fraud hits the ground running with our hacker FMC getting caught while on assignment for some very scary people. Not as scary as our mob boss MMC though. Cadmus is the oldest of three brothers and a wickedly hot Dragon to boot! After a series of mishaps lead to our heroine being mated to someone she absolutely cannot stand, we're treated to a deep dive into the crime ridden underbelly of The city. Thankfully, we have the scariest tour guide you'd ever want to be stuck with. Did I mention the spice? LAWD is it hot in the underworld. If you've got a thing for scales, tails, and twice the Bad Dragon you get in most monster romance, you'll be more than satisfied here.
To say much more would be to spoil one of my favorite books this year. Suffice it to say, I can't wait to see where A.M. Kore takes us next. There are so many side characters and cameos that it's hard to decide who I'd want to follow into the next book. At this point the only thing I'm certain of is that the inhabitants of Tenebra City, from Grumpy Mothmen to Teasingly Seductive Succubi, to Dragons who carry their hoard of jewels with them, are all in good hands, and so are we.
While I received a free ARC of Flame & Fraud I also purchased a digital copy and look forward to ordering a paperback as soon as that becomes available.
September 3, 2022
Thanks to A.M. Kore for the ARC in exchange for my honest review 😊
So first of all, the spice begins IMMEDIATELY! The romance is more slow burn but the spice is hot and heavy right away. The FMC is a thief who broke into the office of Cadmus Etoirir, the eldest of three brothers and the heir to his father's crime syndicate, for one final score. Cadmus is a grumpy hot asshole of a dragon who takes himself way too seriously. A fight, an accidental bond mark, some super hot office sex, and lo and behold the FMC is thrust head first back into the criminal underworld she was trying so desperately to escape. Hijinx ensues and you really get a better understanding of why Cadmus is a stick in the mud and why the FMC is such a mess as the story progresses.
I really enjoyed how the plot played out. I would die to visit Laocoön bay and seeing all the brothers interact with their parents was a nice entry into why the syndicate is run the way it is and how much the family means to all of them. I think the FMC needed to see how close they were to understand what her life could be like with Cadmus if she did not complete her task . Once she begins to bond with the brothers and especially their Mother, the guilt over her initial task begins to creep in. She was dealt a really shitty hand from the beginning, so I can understand why she's kinda all over the place. I think her indecisiveness (should I/ shouldn't I) kinda drove me crazy just bc I'm not a fan of that in real life either. I'm sitting there yelling JUST MAKE UP YOUR MIND. Then the third act conflict had me like😭 NEVERMIND I TAKE IT BACK.
It's less Enemies to Lovers and more Enemies to Loving Assholes😂. The relationship between FMC and Cadmus progresses super slowly but honestly, that makes the ending that much sweeter.
The story wrapped up beautifully, the spice throughout is phenomenal, and the twist at the end was absolutely killer. I'm gonna have to read it again just to see the details that I missed there is so much that goes into this story!!
Another win by A.M. Kore!!
*BE SURE TO CHECK TRIGGERS*
So first of all, the spice begins IMMEDIATELY! The romance is more slow burn but the spice is hot and heavy right away. The FMC is a thief who broke into the office of Cadmus Etoirir, the eldest of three brothers and the heir to his father's crime syndicate, for one final score. Cadmus is a grumpy hot asshole of a dragon who takes himself way too seriously. A fight, an accidental bond mark, some super hot office sex, and lo and behold the FMC is thrust head first back into the criminal underworld she was trying so desperately to escape. Hijinx ensues and you really get a better understanding of why Cadmus is a stick in the mud and why the FMC is such a mess as the story progresses.
I really enjoyed how the plot played out. I would die to visit Laocoön bay and seeing all the brothers interact with their parents was a nice entry into why the syndicate is run the way it is and how much the family means to all of them. I think the FMC needed to see how close they were to understand what her life could be like with Cadmus if she did not complete her task . Once she begins to bond with the brothers and especially their Mother, the guilt over her initial task begins to creep in. She was dealt a really shitty hand from the beginning, so I can understand why she's kinda all over the place. I think her indecisiveness (should I/ shouldn't I) kinda drove me crazy just bc I'm not a fan of that in real life either. I'm sitting there yelling JUST MAKE UP YOUR MIND. Then the third act conflict had me like😭 NEVERMIND I TAKE IT BACK.
It's less Enemies to Lovers and more Enemies to Loving Assholes😂. The relationship between FMC and Cadmus progresses super slowly but honestly, that makes the ending that much sweeter.
The story wrapped up beautifully, the spice throughout is phenomenal, and the twist at the end was absolutely killer. I'm gonna have to read it again just to see the details that I missed there is so much that goes into this story!!
Another win by A.M. Kore!!
*BE SURE TO CHECK TRIGGERS*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2022
First of all, thank you to A.M. Kore for providing an ARC of this masterpiece!
Everything A.M. Kore writes, is an instant buy for me after reading her first book Quiver & Quill (First book in the Tenebra City Series), so I'm very grateful for receiving an ARC for Flame & Fraud. Because her first book was absolutely fenomenal, I was scared her other books wouldn't do it justice. Honestly, stupid of me for ever thinking that because every book of her exceeds my expectations and I can't wait for her other books. I love her writing style, the 2nd POV, the italics, how every book has another vibe... Flame & Fraud is absolutely another masterpiece. Dragons, enemies to lovers, accidental mating bond and a powerful and bratty MC (that's you, the reader, hehe).
I loved seeing the main relationship evolve between Cadmus and the reader, but also Cadmus' relationship with his family (his brothers are absolutely freaking amazing and I wouldn't dare to choose between them even if u held me at gunpoint). If u love possessive, protective but also vulnerable love interests, this book is for you! (I can't explain the feeling when Cadmus would blush and let his walls down piece by piece!!!)
Also the PLOT?? Freaking loved it and made the book complete! Reading this was a whole experience and I can't wait to read it again next year! If u still aren't going to Amazon to buy/pre-order it (out 16 September 2022), what are you doing? Go, buy/pre-order it!
Everything A.M. Kore writes, is an instant buy for me after reading her first book Quiver & Quill (First book in the Tenebra City Series), so I'm very grateful for receiving an ARC for Flame & Fraud. Because her first book was absolutely fenomenal, I was scared her other books wouldn't do it justice. Honestly, stupid of me for ever thinking that because every book of her exceeds my expectations and I can't wait for her other books. I love her writing style, the 2nd POV, the italics, how every book has another vibe... Flame & Fraud is absolutely another masterpiece. Dragons, enemies to lovers, accidental mating bond and a powerful and bratty MC (that's you, the reader, hehe).
I loved seeing the main relationship evolve between Cadmus and the reader, but also Cadmus' relationship with his family (his brothers are absolutely freaking amazing and I wouldn't dare to choose between them even if u held me at gunpoint). If u love possessive, protective but also vulnerable love interests, this book is for you! (I can't explain the feeling when Cadmus would blush and let his walls down piece by piece!!!)
Also the PLOT?? Freaking loved it and made the book complete! Reading this was a whole experience and I can't wait to read it again next year! If u still aren't going to Amazon to buy/pre-order it (out 16 September 2022), what are you doing? Go, buy/pre-order it!
September 14, 2022
I went into the book with an open mind, curious as to what could be in store in this book. I tried to think of all the possibilities of how it could turn out and I ended up just truly disliking the book. It felt rushed, the second-person was awful (I think that’s just my personal opinion, I’ve never liked books in second-person but I wanted to try it nonetheless to see it this one would be different), there were a lot of elements that felt like they didn’t need to be there, the second-person made the writing feel off and disconnected, but again that might just be my own personal preference. It felt like the whole hate sex, certain sexual acts, and the constant whiplash was for a wow factor and was completely unnecessary in how excessive it was. It felt that the writing needed more time and at certain times it was hard to follow what was going on. The concept and the plot aren’t terrible but I think the execution of it, the second-person, and some of the acts within it were completely unnecessary. Despite not really enjoying it, I finished it so I could leave a full and honest review on how I felt and viewed the book. I hope my review doesn’t skew anybody’s decision to read it, everybody is different in what they like so if you’ve read the series or really like the description still go for it; however, if you’re not used to second-person, don’t like second-person or you don’t like being a little confused constantly then you're good to go.
September 8, 2022
With Flame and Fraud, A. M. Kore delivers an immersive, engaging experience that’s as hotter than a dragons den. For those not used to second person narration, Kore is a good author to try it out.
I don’t usually read second-person stories. There’s just not a lot of them! To be honest with my fellow readers, I was worried I wouldn’t like it. I was so wonderfully wrong.
Rather, I find myself unexpectedly butt hurt that Kore isn’t a video game writer. This book, or even this series, could be a killer RPG. In the meantime though, my brain might have a delightful meltdown if this became an audiobook
This may be one of the spiciest books I’ve yet reviewed. Kore pushes this story to fun places and told an engaging story in an immersive world. Of course, however, read the dang CWs! This story is hot and intense in many ways. So it is perfectly appropriate there’s all those hot dragons involved.
**ARC provided and voluntarily reviewed**
I don’t usually read second-person stories. There’s just not a lot of them! To be honest with my fellow readers, I was worried I wouldn’t like it. I was so wonderfully wrong.
Rather, I find myself unexpectedly butt hurt that Kore isn’t a video game writer. This book, or even this series, could be a killer RPG. In the meantime though, my brain might have a delightful meltdown if this became an audiobook
This may be one of the spiciest books I’ve yet reviewed. Kore pushes this story to fun places and told an engaging story in an immersive world. Of course, however, read the dang CWs! This story is hot and intense in many ways. So it is perfectly appropriate there’s all those hot dragons involved.
**ARC provided and voluntarily reviewed**
September 12, 2022
Many thanks to A.M.Kore for providing me this arc free for the honest review.
In this story we are continuing with the story of Tenebra city and new powerful players in the game.
Dragons!
Ooh…They are awesome and magnificent creatures. They have abilities, apart simply shifting to their dragon forms, and I’m waiting for new stories related to dragon’s lore.
FMC is a hacker and assassin whose latest mission is related to one very famous Etoirir family.
And Cadmus (MMC - dragon - heir of the said family) finds her in his cabinet and ‘fun’ begins.
And girl, it was so fun to read, we have drama, family issues, dark secrets, passion, dangerous moments with guns and boats and many more.
Cadmus’ brothers are so on the next level. And i’d like to read more about Anatole and his adventures, cause he stole my poor heart.
If you haven’t started this series yet, please, give it a chance. It’s so fun and lovely!
In this story we are continuing with the story of Tenebra city and new powerful players in the game.
Dragons!
Ooh…They are awesome and magnificent creatures. They have abilities, apart simply shifting to their dragon forms, and I’m waiting for new stories related to dragon’s lore.
FMC is a hacker and assassin whose latest mission is related to one very famous Etoirir family.
And Cadmus (MMC - dragon - heir of the said family) finds her in his cabinet and ‘fun’ begins.
And girl, it was so fun to read, we have drama, family issues, dark secrets, passion, dangerous moments with guns and boats and many more.
Cadmus’ brothers are so on the next level. And i’d like to read more about Anatole and his adventures, cause he stole my poor heart.
If you haven’t started this series yet, please, give it a chance. It’s so fun and lovely!
September 1, 2022
OMG, this book is 🔥🔥🔥 Flame and Fraud was my first introduction to A.M Kore and I’m literally rushing to grab the other Tenebra City books now.
It has been days since I finished Flame and Fraud and yet I’m still thinking about it. Flame and Fraud has it all; lots of spice, amazing plot, immersive writing, and my personal favorite...DRAGONS 🥵 From the first page to the last I was hooked and felt as if I was the FMC going through the story with Cadmus by my side.
The writing is phenomenal and the spice is just as amazing, and luckily you won’t have to wait long for the spice to begin. On the spice scale, Flame and Fraud is definitely a 5/5. Just perfection 😉
By the end of the book, I was swooning over Cadmus and wishing I had a dragon love interest of my own.
I literally cannot recommend this book enough!
It has been days since I finished Flame and Fraud and yet I’m still thinking about it. Flame and Fraud has it all; lots of spice, amazing plot, immersive writing, and my personal favorite...DRAGONS 🥵 From the first page to the last I was hooked and felt as if I was the FMC going through the story with Cadmus by my side.
The writing is phenomenal and the spice is just as amazing, and luckily you won’t have to wait long for the spice to begin. On the spice scale, Flame and Fraud is definitely a 5/5. Just perfection 😉
By the end of the book, I was swooning over Cadmus and wishing I had a dragon love interest of my own.
I literally cannot recommend this book enough!
September 3, 2022
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 spice scale
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 plot & character development
10/10 Will read again and again and again
Where do I start with this book? A. M. Kore has really outdone herself with this installment of the Tenebra City series. Cadmus and the FMC are such well rounded characters and I am absolutely LIVING for this enemies to lovers accidental mating bond trope. I will say make sure you pop on over to A. M. Kore's website to check out the TWs before reading.
Throughout this whole series I've absolutely loved the author's use of the 2nd person POV and this installment is no different. It allows the book to transcend beyond just a story and become a fully immersive experience. More than that even, I learned things, and kinks, about myself that I never expected while reading this book. You could say Cadmus awakened something within me. And the story is full of so many delicious twists and turns that it will leave you absolutely breathless. I found myself reading late into the night at times because I needed to know what was going to happen next.
Another thing that stood out to me about this book is the feisty, (read bratty) FMC. She could give as good as she got and held her own amongst this broody, in your face, absolute unit of a dragon man that is Cadmus. We love a strong, independent, FMC who doesn't need no man and can kill her own bad guys.
I think the strength and feistiness of her character is also what really sells the enemies to lovers trope so well. Early on, you can practically feel the hatred these two have of each other and their situation practically searing off the page, which in turn makes their resolution and the slowly burning romance that much sweeter. You get to feel it along with her as her opinions change and she tries to figure out these new feelings.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 plot & character development
10/10 Will read again and again and again
Where do I start with this book? A. M. Kore has really outdone herself with this installment of the Tenebra City series. Cadmus and the FMC are such well rounded characters and I am absolutely LIVING for this enemies to lovers accidental mating bond trope. I will say make sure you pop on over to A. M. Kore's website to check out the TWs before reading.
Throughout this whole series I've absolutely loved the author's use of the 2nd person POV and this installment is no different. It allows the book to transcend beyond just a story and become a fully immersive experience. More than that even, I learned things, and kinks, about myself that I never expected while reading this book. You could say Cadmus awakened something within me. And the story is full of so many delicious twists and turns that it will leave you absolutely breathless. I found myself reading late into the night at times because I needed to know what was going to happen next.
Another thing that stood out to me about this book is the feisty, (read bratty) FMC. She could give as good as she got and held her own amongst this broody, in your face, absolute unit of a dragon man that is Cadmus. We love a strong, independent, FMC who doesn't need no man and can kill her own bad guys.
I think the strength and feistiness of her character is also what really sells the enemies to lovers trope so well. Early on, you can practically feel the hatred these two have of each other and their situation practically searing off the page, which in turn makes their resolution and the slowly burning romance that much sweeter. You get to feel it along with her as her opinions change and she tries to figure out these new feelings.
September 12, 2022
First of all, thank you so much to A.M. Kore for this ARC! This was my first read by her and it was definitely not one I could easily forget. I loved all the characters she created in this book and truly rooted for the the main characters and their love story despite their differences and constant bickering. Besides the spice being absolutely top notch, the storyline and world building was incredibly well written and thought out. Plus, the second person point of view was so unique and an amazing experience. I’m so glad I had a chance to give this book a read and hope so many others enjoy it as much as I did!
September 12, 2022
A.M. Kore out does herself every time I read a new book. I'm really starting to love reading in second person and if you haven't read a book in this form their books are a great way to start!
This one includes enemies to lovers with our spicy dragon shifter MMC and the FMC as a thief/mercenary.
I look forward to hopefully seeing the brothers in following books as I loved their backstories and overall character design.
The beginning was fast and then I stalled for a bit but it's worth the read!
Overall 4/5 ⭐️
Spice 4/5 🌶
This one includes enemies to lovers with our spicy dragon shifter MMC and the FMC as a thief/mercenary.
I look forward to hopefully seeing the brothers in following books as I loved their backstories and overall character design.
The beginning was fast and then I stalled for a bit but it's worth the read!
Overall 4/5 ⭐️
Spice 4/5 🌶
September 16, 2022
A.M. Kore has done it again! What’s not to love? Dragons, mafia, hacker, omega-verse, enemies to lovers, and all the sass you could ever want from the FMC.
I absolutely loved the characters in this books, the brothers were great, and the snippets from the other books brought me joy and wonderful memories :)
The enemies to lovers trope was done perfectly in my opinion! It was full enemies, full hatred, and even went as far at kill attempts. To me it made the lovers parts just more sweet.
I can’t wait for the next read from A.M. Kore
I absolutely loved the characters in this books, the brothers were great, and the snippets from the other books brought me joy and wonderful memories :)
The enemies to lovers trope was done perfectly in my opinion! It was full enemies, full hatred, and even went as far at kill attempts. To me it made the lovers parts just more sweet.
I can’t wait for the next read from A.M. Kore
September 11, 2022
When I read Quiver & Quill I thought 'how can Kore top this one?' and then I read Sin & Spell and again I thought 'how can Kore top THIS one?'. Hold on to your hats, because it turns out, she can.
Flame & Fraud starts heavy and hot, and maintains the pace throughout the book. You, a thief with a set mission. Cadmus, eldest of the Etoirir brothers. An accidental mating bond that throws both of you off track.
Flame & Fraud dives headfirst into the nitty gritty underworld of Tenebra City, with mafia overtones and steamy scenes between Cadmus and FMC, you don't want to miss this latest installment.
Make sure to check trigger warnings before curling up with this one, and make sure to have a fan at the ready, as you will need to to cool off after the hot hot hot scenes!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Flame & Fraud starts heavy and hot, and maintains the pace throughout the book. You, a thief with a set mission. Cadmus, eldest of the Etoirir brothers. An accidental mating bond that throws both of you off track.
Flame & Fraud dives headfirst into the nitty gritty underworld of Tenebra City, with mafia overtones and steamy scenes between Cadmus and FMC, you don't want to miss this latest installment.
Make sure to check trigger warnings before curling up with this one, and make sure to have a fan at the ready, as you will need to to cool off after the hot hot hot scenes!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 13, 2022
Of course, another amazing write by A.M. Kore and each time I get more and more impressed with her writing and how amazing she is. NOW... my review awaits...
When I opened the book, the background of course, was stunning, I love any designs in books and it makes it even more exciting for me to read! I love how the main character does not look like someone who hacks or takes lives, she wears dresses and scarves and I loved that. Love that. The spice in this book? 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 Yes, that's 6 peppers. SIX. I could get Cadmus/Daddymus/Cadaddy any day, please and thank you.
The sarcasm was perfectly timed and many of the lines were moving, I definitely did cry and it takes a lot for me to cry while reading. I highly recommend anything by A.M. Kore. This book has a guaranteed happy ending and juicy, spicy, hot content in it as well. If you're a fan of dragons with high tempers and two cocks, this book is most definitely for you! (Honestly I think any of these books is for you.)
I cannot wait to read the next one!
When I opened the book, the background of course, was stunning, I love any designs in books and it makes it even more exciting for me to read! I love how the main character does not look like someone who hacks or takes lives, she wears dresses and scarves and I loved that. Love that. The spice in this book? 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 Yes, that's 6 peppers. SIX. I could get Cadmus/Daddymus/Cadaddy any day, please and thank you.
The sarcasm was perfectly timed and many of the lines were moving, I definitely did cry and it takes a lot for me to cry while reading. I highly recommend anything by A.M. Kore. This book has a guaranteed happy ending and juicy, spicy, hot content in it as well. If you're a fan of dragons with high tempers and two cocks, this book is most definitely for you! (Honestly I think any of these books is for you.)
I cannot wait to read the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2022
I took the test about which RO was best for me out of the series and got Cadmus. This was months before this book came out, so to say I was ready for this book was an understatement. And this is all I have to say: Absolutely AMAZING! I received an ARC of this book, and read the first two so that I had a full idea of the worldbuilding, and I LOVED IT. Cadmus was drool-worthy. Thank you so much A.M Kore for yet another fabulous addition to this series!
February 24, 2023
A.M Kore has such a charming way of writing second perspective that you can't help but fall in love with the Tenebra City series and all their characters.
Everyone is fleshed out and don't feel like they are missing anything, even the main character.
Everyone is fleshed out and don't feel like they are missing anything, even the main character.
September 10, 2022
The Queen of second person POV has done it again, Flame and Fraud is an accidental mate Monster enemy to lovers mafia romance masterpiece (whew! that's a mouthful!).
Every FMC that Kore writes resonates with me in a different way. The FMC in F&F is a force to be reckoned with; a brilliant, sassy, strong, independent woman. She doesn't need the man (er, dragon), but that doesn't stop her from getting him while still maintaining every single thing that makes her a strong woman.
I love everything that AM Kore writes, and Flame & Fraud is no exception. She writes the most amazing book boyfriends and Camdus (Daddymus) is no exception.
Every FMC that Kore writes resonates with me in a different way. The FMC in F&F is a force to be reckoned with; a brilliant, sassy, strong, independent woman. She doesn't need the man (er, dragon), but that doesn't stop her from getting him while still maintaining every single thing that makes her a strong woman.
I love everything that AM Kore writes, and Flame & Fraud is no exception. She writes the most amazing book boyfriends and Camdus (Daddymus) is no exception.
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