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True Immortality #2
Kiss of Vengeance
A standalone adult paranormal romance from New York Times Bestselling author Samantha Young writing as S. Young.
Fionn Mór was once a high king of Ireland; a fierce warrior who led his tribes against the invading fae. It was a war he couldn’t win and to save his family he turned consort for the Fae Queen. Fionn escaped as the thing he once despised, and the people he loved betrayed him for it. Now, centuries later, it’s time to reopen the gates to Faerie to take his revenge against the Faerie Queen.
At sixteen Rose Kelly discovered family secrets that changed her forever. Years after, she’s still lost, traveling across Europe in search of that elusive missing ‘something’. When she’s attacked by a vampire, not only is she wrenched into a supernatural underworld she never knew existed, a knock on the head releases a spell on her mind and unlocks powers beyond her wildest imaginings. And with them more questions. Questions Fionn Mór claims to have answers to.
Following the powerful and enigmatic Fionn to Ireland, Rose quickly realizes she’s a pawn in his plan for vengeance. What begins as a passionate battle of wills leads to an inexplicable but undeniable connection. One that will force them to face an impossible choice between the deepest love… and the darkest revenge.
Fionn Mór was once a high king of Ireland; a fierce warrior who led his tribes against the invading fae. It was a war he couldn’t win and to save his family he turned consort for the Fae Queen. Fionn escaped as the thing he once despised, and the people he loved betrayed him for it. Now, centuries later, it’s time to reopen the gates to Faerie to take his revenge against the Faerie Queen.
At sixteen Rose Kelly discovered family secrets that changed her forever. Years after, she’s still lost, traveling across Europe in search of that elusive missing ‘something’. When she’s attacked by a vampire, not only is she wrenched into a supernatural underworld she never knew existed, a knock on the head releases a spell on her mind and unlocks powers beyond her wildest imaginings. And with them more questions. Questions Fionn Mór claims to have answers to.
Following the powerful and enigmatic Fionn to Ireland, Rose quickly realizes she’s a pawn in his plan for vengeance. What begins as a passionate battle of wills leads to an inexplicable but undeniable connection. One that will force them to face an impossible choice between the deepest love… and the darkest revenge.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2020
About the author
S. Young
21 books735 followersS. Young is the pen name for New York Times Bestselling Author Samantha Young. Her debut adult paranormal romance War of Hearts (A True Immortality Novel) released in October 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
March 16, 2020
Standalone Series
Trust me, no one is more shocked than I am right now that I. DID. NOT. LIKE. THIS. BOOK. And there are three possible scenarios as to why that happened.
It could be a combination of all three for all I know. In any case it doesn’t matter which the root problem was bcs the end result is the same. I still didn’t like this book and it saddened me bcs I’d been looking forward to this. That’s not to say that I won’t be reading the next book bcs I will. Hey, one bad experience ain’t gonna stop me. This is getting long, let’s just get to the point.
L I K E S :
➻ The H’s backstory as the faerie queen’s unwilling private consort. I haven’t encountered a lot of proud male characters with the H’s history and I think the author handled the subject matter of flawlessly.
➻ The h is not your typical damsel in distress kind of girl which I loved. She’s strong, independent, and has integrity. I enjoyed her journey of coming into her powers. I loved her way of dealing with the H and persuading him to not go through with his revenge.
D I S L I K E S :
➻ It could be just my bad mood talking but this book was slow. The H and h were constantly on the run and while there have been a few action sequences here and there, the plot didn’t really move anywhere.
➻ The romance was lackluster and I didn’t get that gratifying feeling from the slow burn. The mating bond was bothersome bcs the romantic development was justified and rationalized around that. The love between the characters just felt forced.
➻ Coincidences seemed to be the driving force of this book. The H was being a pigheaded bastard through most of the book and it frustrated me. But then after one crazy hot sex which didn’t happen until 80% of the book, he just decided to abandon his revenge and live HEA.
Overall, this book is all kinds of anticlimactic and full of that predictable happenstances which just make everything all the more wishy washy. As you can see, I felt pretty good about the characters but the story and the romance was just not winning me over. I’m pretty excited for the next book though. I like what I’ve seen so far from the two main leads of the third book. Let’s hope I won’t be in a funk when I’m reading it.
#1 War of Hearts — 4.5 Stars
#2 Kiss of Vengeance — 2.5 Stars
Trust me, no one is more shocked than I am right now that I. DID. NOT. LIKE. THIS. BOOK. And there are three possible scenarios as to why that happened.
(1) My foul mood just happened to rear its ugly head at the awful moment and ruined everything.
I was like this poor lifeless kitten who didn’t know how to have fun. It was a miserable existence.
(2) This book suffers from the middle book syndrome, which technically shouldn’t even be possible bcs this is a standalone series.
(3) This book just plain sucks, except that it’s kind of universally acknowledged that it isn’t bcs the majority of readers clearly love it.
It could be a combination of all three for all I know. In any case it doesn’t matter which the root problem was bcs the end result is the same. I still didn’t like this book and it saddened me bcs I’d been looking forward to this. That’s not to say that I won’t be reading the next book bcs I will. Hey, one bad experience ain’t gonna stop me. This is getting long, let’s just get to the point.
L I K E S :
➻ The H’s backstory as the faerie queen’s unwilling private consort. I haven’t encountered a lot of proud male characters with the H’s history and I think the author handled the subject matter of flawlessly.
➻ The h is not your typical damsel in distress kind of girl which I loved. She’s strong, independent, and has integrity. I enjoyed her journey of coming into her powers. I loved her way of dealing with the H and persuading him to not go through with his revenge.
D I S L I K E S :
➻ It could be just my bad mood talking but this book was slow. The H and h were constantly on the run and while there have been a few action sequences here and there, the plot didn’t really move anywhere.
➻ The romance was lackluster and I didn’t get that gratifying feeling from the slow burn. The mating bond was bothersome bcs the romantic development was justified and rationalized around that. The love between the characters just felt forced.
➻ Coincidences seemed to be the driving force of this book. The H was being a pigheaded bastard through most of the book and it frustrated me. But then after one crazy hot sex which didn’t happen until 80% of the book, he just decided to abandon his revenge and live HEA.
Overall, this book is all kinds of anticlimactic and full of that predictable happenstances which just make everything all the more wishy washy. As you can see, I felt pretty good about the characters but the story and the romance was just not winning me over. I’m pretty excited for the next book though. I like what I’ve seen so far from the two main leads of the third book. Let’s hope I won’t be in a funk when I’m reading it.
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April 18, 2020I loved it. But there is a possibility that I'm biased...
February 24, 2020
4 STARS
I am completely obsessed with this vividly rich world that Young has created and my obsession only grows with each new book. I thought I loved the first book in this series, so I was completely unprepared just how much more this one would suck me in. WOW.
PNR was the genre that made me fall in love with romance. So suffice it to say I'm incredibly picky when it comes to it. There's something so unique and authentic about this world and these characters, in a way that only Young can create, that I just can't seem to get enough of.
While this is a standalone with a new couple, I highly recommend reading War of Hearts first as it really paves the foundation of the story. There's an overarching story arc that continues with each book and I really feel like you'd miss out on the full experience of the story not having read the books in order.
Fionn was a character that grabbed me in the first book and he wasn't even represented in real life. We just learn about him as the heroine read about him and he was THAT vivid. Now the full experience of Fionn? Holy moly! The man is intense. Fionn is desperate for vengeance against the queen of fae that took away everything from him. He's been hunting for a way back to their world ever since he's been awakened, and when he stumbles into Rose, he knows that not even his deep rooted desire for her will stop him from doing what he needs to do.
Rose Kelly doesn't know who she is. She's been a nomad for years. Never staying in one place long enough to form any connections. But when she looks into the arresting eyes of Fionn Mór when he walks into the bar she works at, she has a sense of something more. Little does she know her true role in his mission.
I devoured this book. The story is a bit of a slow burn but perfectly paced. There's so many layers to this book that go beyond the romance. That's not to say the romance didn't take center stage, because man did it! I loved Story and Fionn together. What I love the most about this series is how incredibly strong and capable the heroines are. They aren't damsels in distress waiting for a strong man to ride in and ave the day. They're fierce. And Rose is certainly no exception. She may be young but she's not naive. She's strong and fiery with a sharp tongue and a quick wit.
I'm completely addicted to this series and salivating for the next book. If you're a fan of PNR, this is an absolute must read. And if you're not, this series may make a converter out of you.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
No one had ever kissed her like Fionn. Like she was air. Life. Food and water all in one.
I am completely obsessed with this vividly rich world that Young has created and my obsession only grows with each new book. I thought I loved the first book in this series, so I was completely unprepared just how much more this one would suck me in. WOW.
PNR was the genre that made me fall in love with romance. So suffice it to say I'm incredibly picky when it comes to it. There's something so unique and authentic about this world and these characters, in a way that only Young can create, that I just can't seem to get enough of.
While this is a standalone with a new couple, I highly recommend reading War of Hearts first as it really paves the foundation of the story. There's an overarching story arc that continues with each book and I really feel like you'd miss out on the full experience of the story not having read the books in order.
Fionn was a character that grabbed me in the first book and he wasn't even represented in real life. We just learn about him as the heroine read about him and he was THAT vivid. Now the full experience of Fionn? Holy moly! The man is intense. Fionn is desperate for vengeance against the queen of fae that took away everything from him. He's been hunting for a way back to their world ever since he's been awakened, and when he stumbles into Rose, he knows that not even his deep rooted desire for her will stop him from doing what he needs to do.
Rose Kelly doesn't know who she is. She's been a nomad for years. Never staying in one place long enough to form any connections. But when she looks into the arresting eyes of Fionn Mór when he walks into the bar she works at, she has a sense of something more. Little does she know her true role in his mission.
I devoured this book. The story is a bit of a slow burn but perfectly paced. There's so many layers to this book that go beyond the romance. That's not to say the romance didn't take center stage, because man did it! I loved Story and Fionn together. What I love the most about this series is how incredibly strong and capable the heroines are. They aren't damsels in distress waiting for a strong man to ride in and ave the day. They're fierce. And Rose is certainly no exception. She may be young but she's not naive. She's strong and fiery with a sharp tongue and a quick wit.
I'm completely addicted to this series and salivating for the next book. If you're a fan of PNR, this is an absolute must read. And if you're not, this series may make a converter out of you.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
February 29, 2020
*****4.5 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
Butterflies fluttered in Rose’s belly at the thought of seeing Fionn again. Who knew it was possible to have such conflicting feelings for someone? Rose was still unbearably attracted to him, still felt protective toward him, and yet she was a furious, churning volcano of bitterness and resentment too. Rose had sacrificed herself to save Fionn’s life…and he wouldn’t even consider giving up his revenge for her.
Samantha Young’s newest series brings us into a paranormal world filled with Fae, Werewolves, Vampires, and Witches & Warlocks. She’s proven that her storytelling capabilities are not tied down to one specific genre. In ”KISS OF VENGEANCE” we dive deeper into the Fae world and are caught up in the slow burn romance between Fionn Mor and Rose Kelly. In the previous book, we were given a teaser to the story of the once human King of Ireland, and Aine, the Queen of the Fae. Aine was obsessed with Fionn and when he continuously rejected her, she turned him into the one thing he despised most of all—a Fae. Fionn is determined to open the gates to the Fae kingdom and exact his revenge on Aine. He needs the blood of a Fae to do so and is on a mission to find one of the three still in existence on earth.
Fionn stumbles across Rose by accident while on the hunt for the psychic Fae, Niamh. Up until their paths crossed, Rose did not know that supernatural beings truly existed nor that she was, in fact, one of the most powerful of them all. A blow to the head undoes a binding spell and slowly starts to unleash Rose’s powers. Fionn and Rose share an instant attraction – something so powerful neither of them has felt before. Rose has no idea that Fionn, who is helping to train her control her new-found abilities, has plans to end her life to finally get the vengeance he’s been waiting centuries for. He uses all of his self-control to keep his desires tamped down, while Rose grows increasingly impatient with his constant rejection. This back and forth between the two goes on for more than the entire first half of the book. The author took the slow burn to another level. Once things start to heat up between Fionn and Rose, the story becomes increasingly angsty, steamy and laced with fast-paced action! Best of all, we are reunited with Thea and Conall during the thrilling finale.
The next book, which centers around Kiyo and Niamh, promises to be another page-turner!
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 4.5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4
Angst: 4.5
Steam: 4
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”KISS OF VENGEANCE” releases on March 3rd!!
Apple Books – https://apple.co/2MFzUAC
Kindle US – https://amzn.to/2M8JjSq
Kindle Worldwide – mybook.to/KissOfVengeance
Nook – http://bit.ly/35v8I04
Kobo US – http://bit.ly/2B6AMsP
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
Butterflies fluttered in Rose’s belly at the thought of seeing Fionn again. Who knew it was possible to have such conflicting feelings for someone? Rose was still unbearably attracted to him, still felt protective toward him, and yet she was a furious, churning volcano of bitterness and resentment too. Rose had sacrificed herself to save Fionn’s life…and he wouldn’t even consider giving up his revenge for her.
Samantha Young’s newest series brings us into a paranormal world filled with Fae, Werewolves, Vampires, and Witches & Warlocks. She’s proven that her storytelling capabilities are not tied down to one specific genre. In ”KISS OF VENGEANCE” we dive deeper into the Fae world and are caught up in the slow burn romance between Fionn Mor and Rose Kelly. In the previous book, we were given a teaser to the story of the once human King of Ireland, and Aine, the Queen of the Fae. Aine was obsessed with Fionn and when he continuously rejected her, she turned him into the one thing he despised most of all—a Fae. Fionn is determined to open the gates to the Fae kingdom and exact his revenge on Aine. He needs the blood of a Fae to do so and is on a mission to find one of the three still in existence on earth.
Fionn stumbles across Rose by accident while on the hunt for the psychic Fae, Niamh. Up until their paths crossed, Rose did not know that supernatural beings truly existed nor that she was, in fact, one of the most powerful of them all. A blow to the head undoes a binding spell and slowly starts to unleash Rose’s powers. Fionn and Rose share an instant attraction – something so powerful neither of them has felt before. Rose has no idea that Fionn, who is helping to train her control her new-found abilities, has plans to end her life to finally get the vengeance he’s been waiting centuries for. He uses all of his self-control to keep his desires tamped down, while Rose grows increasingly impatient with his constant rejection. This back and forth between the two goes on for more than the entire first half of the book. The author took the slow burn to another level. Once things start to heat up between Fionn and Rose, the story becomes increasingly angsty, steamy and laced with fast-paced action! Best of all, we are reunited with Thea and Conall during the thrilling finale.
The next book, which centers around Kiyo and Niamh, promises to be another page-turner!
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 4.5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4
Angst: 4.5
Steam: 4
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”KISS OF VENGEANCE” releases on March 3rd!!
Apple Books – https://apple.co/2MFzUAC
Kindle US – https://amzn.to/2M8JjSq
Kindle Worldwide – mybook.to/KissOfVengeance
Nook – http://bit.ly/35v8I04
Kobo US – http://bit.ly/2B6AMsP
March 19, 2020
a great addition to the series..I liked these characters but I am even more excited about the next book...
March 3, 2020
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Rose Kelly is a 25 yr. old Irish-American woman who was raised in Maryland. Her entire life she’d felt like a piece of her was missing. For the last three years she’s been a nomad wandering around Europe going from job to job. She’s currently bar tending, and contemplating her next move when she’s attacked by a vampire who causes her to hit her head and release a spell that had been put on her to block her powers she didn’t know existed. She realizes she’s been lied to her whole life, and has so many questions. Questions a gorgeous stranger named Fionn Mor claims he can answer. He looked like a hot Viking in a three piece suit, and wanted to help her discover who she is, and teach her to control her powers. She knows nothing of the supernatural world, and is desperate to learn more.
Fionn Mor was once a powerful Irish warrior king. Then he was betrayed, and he was now a cold, detached man that was a master at controlling his emotions. He’d waited centuries for his vengeance, and his passion and thirst for life all centered around his vendetta. He was one step closer to his revenge, and no one would get in his way. He’d finally found the key to getting everything he wanted, and her name was Rose Kelly. Now he just had to get her to trust him, and convince her she needs him.
As Rose follows Fionn to Ireland she feels an intense connection she can’t explain. She soon realizes she has feelings for her delicious mentor, but then secrets and lies are revealed, and she’s shattered by the truth. As she fully embraces her abilities her relationship with Fionn becomes complicated. Their is something primal between them that can’t be denied, and eventually they can’t fight their attraction. In the end will they choose love or revenge?
Rose felt an unwelcome flip of attraction low in her belly, and not for the first time. Every second she stared at him, she found something new to like.
-He felt like that elusive something she’d been searching for her whole life.
-Rose wanted him. And for once, she didn’t feel like giving up so easily.
Kiss of Vengeance (A True Immortality Novel) is a standalone adult paranormal romance from author Samantha Young writing as S. Young. It’s about a dangerous supernatural community full of witches, warlocks, vampires, werewolves and fae where anything is possible. It has magic, immortals, temptation, manipulation, suspense, and is a super sexy story about survival and soulmates. I love this series so much, and am addicted to this exciting world that Samantha Young creates!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/32JzoJJ
(ARC provided by author)
Rose Kelly is a 25 yr. old Irish-American woman who was raised in Maryland. Her entire life she’d felt like a piece of her was missing. For the last three years she’s been a nomad wandering around Europe going from job to job. She’s currently bar tending, and contemplating her next move when she’s attacked by a vampire who causes her to hit her head and release a spell that had been put on her to block her powers she didn’t know existed. She realizes she’s been lied to her whole life, and has so many questions. Questions a gorgeous stranger named Fionn Mor claims he can answer. He looked like a hot Viking in a three piece suit, and wanted to help her discover who she is, and teach her to control her powers. She knows nothing of the supernatural world, and is desperate to learn more.
Fionn Mor was once a powerful Irish warrior king. Then he was betrayed, and he was now a cold, detached man that was a master at controlling his emotions. He’d waited centuries for his vengeance, and his passion and thirst for life all centered around his vendetta. He was one step closer to his revenge, and no one would get in his way. He’d finally found the key to getting everything he wanted, and her name was Rose Kelly. Now he just had to get her to trust him, and convince her she needs him.
As Rose follows Fionn to Ireland she feels an intense connection she can’t explain. She soon realizes she has feelings for her delicious mentor, but then secrets and lies are revealed, and she’s shattered by the truth. As she fully embraces her abilities her relationship with Fionn becomes complicated. Their is something primal between them that can’t be denied, and eventually they can’t fight their attraction. In the end will they choose love or revenge?
Rose felt an unwelcome flip of attraction low in her belly, and not for the first time. Every second she stared at him, she found something new to like.
-He felt like that elusive something she’d been searching for her whole life.
-Rose wanted him. And for once, she didn’t feel like giving up so easily.
Kiss of Vengeance (A True Immortality Novel) is a standalone adult paranormal romance from author Samantha Young writing as S. Young. It’s about a dangerous supernatural community full of witches, warlocks, vampires, werewolves and fae where anything is possible. It has magic, immortals, temptation, manipulation, suspense, and is a super sexy story about survival and soulmates. I love this series so much, and am addicted to this exciting world that Samantha Young creates!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/32JzoJJ
June 23, 2020
I LOVED War of Hearts. So it's no surprise that I have high expectations for this one
Update:
Can Samantha Young write a bad book? The answer is a big fat NO.
I have been revisiting old favourites and trying out Samantha Young's new releases and so far I have yet to be disappointed.
Book 1 in the True Immortality series was EPIC! so it's a tough act to follow but Kiss of Vengeance was still just as good. Actually that's a lie.... Book 1 was really REALLY good but I really enjoyed Kiss of Vengeance too.
I for one cannot wait to read book 3.
Update:
Can Samantha Young write a bad book? The answer is a big fat NO.
I have been revisiting old favourites and trying out Samantha Young's new releases and so far I have yet to be disappointed.
Book 1 in the True Immortality series was EPIC! so it's a tough act to follow but Kiss of Vengeance was still just as good. Actually that's a lie.... Book 1 was really REALLY good but I really enjoyed Kiss of Vengeance too.
I for one cannot wait to read book 3.
March 7, 2020
Samantha Young returns to her True Immortality series with a new tale of striking paranormal proportions in which werewolves, vampires and other supernatural creatures intermix to produce a thrilling read.
Centuries ago Fionn Mór, grew up in a time of war, he became a beloved king but to protect his family and kingdom he made a pact with the enemy. He became the Fae Queen’s consort and when he escaped turned on him. Now he’s out for revenge and will stop at nothing to get it. Including using Rose Kelly.
Rose grew up like any other girl not knowing about the supernatural until she was attacked by a vampire which breaks a spell that reveals incredible powers but also alerts other preternaturals about her existence.
Fearing for her life and not knowing how to control her powers, she turns to Fionn for help. Soon she realizes she’s an instrument for his vendetta. But as Fionn teaches her about her past and powers while escaping threats they form a bond that overshadows all other emotions.
I’ll start my personal comments by saying I was not on team Fionn. He was certainly intense, and even though his drive for vengeance was understandable I just couldn’t get behind him using Rose who is an incredible heroine. She is strong, opinionated and very capable.
As the story unfolds and the two spend time together, Rose reminds Fionn how to love. Their romance is an exciting slow burn that had me on the edge of my seat flipping pages and gradually cheering both of these very well developed characters on.
It had been a long time since story had given me a good ‘ol book hangover but this one certainly did.
Kiss of Vengeance is book #2 of the True Immortality series by author S. Young. It a complete standalone paranormal romance with an overall arc between books. It’s told from several points of view with a HEA. Sub-genre: romantic thriller.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2vOPGF5
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Social Buterfly. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Centuries ago Fionn Mór, grew up in a time of war, he became a beloved king but to protect his family and kingdom he made a pact with the enemy. He became the Fae Queen’s consort and when he escaped turned on him. Now he’s out for revenge and will stop at nothing to get it. Including using Rose Kelly.
“He wanted to fuck the woman he planned to use in his vengeance. It was inconvenient to say the least.”
Rose grew up like any other girl not knowing about the supernatural until she was attacked by a vampire which breaks a spell that reveals incredible powers but also alerts other preternaturals about her existence.
Fearing for her life and not knowing how to control her powers, she turns to Fionn for help. Soon she realizes she’s an instrument for his vendetta. But as Fionn teaches her about her past and powers while escaping threats they form a bond that overshadows all other emotions.
I’ll start my personal comments by saying I was not on team Fionn. He was certainly intense, and even though his drive for vengeance was understandable I just couldn’t get behind him using Rose who is an incredible heroine. She is strong, opinionated and very capable.
“She was the devil. Rose Kelly was the bloody devil. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had gotten the better of him, let alone a little slip of a woman.”
As the story unfolds and the two spend time together, Rose reminds Fionn how to love. Their romance is an exciting slow burn that had me on the edge of my seat flipping pages and gradually cheering both of these very well developed characters on.
It had been a long time since story had given me a good ‘ol book hangover but this one certainly did.
Kiss of Vengeance is book #2 of the True Immortality series by author S. Young. It a complete standalone paranormal romance with an overall arc between books. It’s told from several points of view with a HEA. Sub-genre: romantic thriller.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2vOPGF5
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Social Buterfly. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
March 11, 2020
4 1/2 "Vengeful" Stars!
I loved it! I can not wait for the next book! Happy reading!
I loved it! I can not wait for the next book! Happy reading!
February 10, 2020
5 stars!
OMG, what a read! Exciting, intense, fun and action-packed with a slow-burning, chemistry-filled romance that had me madly flipping pages. I could not put this book down, and I absolutely loved it!
This book is the second in the True Immortality series. You don’t need to have read the first book, War of Hearts, in order to follow this one, but I would recommend it. Not only does this book contain spoilers for the first book, but it will help you understand the complex paranormal world. Plus it’s a fantastic read, so why would you want to skip it?
This is Fionn’s story. Readers from the first book will remember him as the Irish warrior king who was captured and turned Fae, only to escape his captivity to face heartbreaking betrayal. Thousands of years later he is the oldest being on the planet, powerful, immortal, and determined to find a way to open the gates to Faerie so that he can have his revenge on the evil Fae queen.
Rose Kelly is a nomadic 20-something travelling around Europe searching for something. She doesn’t know what, she just knows that something is missing, so she travels from city to city, avoiding connections and waiting to feel whole. Her life takes a dramatic twist when she is attacked by a vampire, and a subsequent bump on the head releases a spell that was placed on her years ago, unlocking powers she never knew she had. With no clue what she is or what powers she has, it is Fionn who comes to her rescue.
Fionn saves her life that night and he takes Rose under his wing, offering to help her. With nobody else to turn to and with Fionn seeming to have the answers to all of her questions, Rose joins him on his mission to track down a mysterious artefact, all while avoiding the various bad guys who are after them. And from almost the first moment, sparks fly.
It’s fun and exciting, and their mentor/trainee relationship sizzles with sexual tension. There is a crackling undertone of connection that Fionn seems determined to ignore, and the chemistry is thick and the banter is fantastic as Rose flirts and Fionn evades.
Day by day, Fionn reveals his story to Rose, and as her own background becomes clearer, the two of them continually grow closer. But Fionn’s plans for revenge don’t include falling for Rose – quite the opposite in fact - so we get this deliciously emotional battle of head vs heart as he wrestles with his feelings.
The love story is a slow burn, and the anticipation builds wonderfully. If fits with the story, and with who Fionn and Rose are, and I loved that time is given to develop the emotional connection, which is so strong and so important to their relationship. I was almost bouncing up and down in my chair waiting for something to happen between them, and it’s absolutely worth the wait, and I loved watching the progression of everything between them.
But their feelings for each other contradict everything that Fionn has been fighting for, and the bad guys are closing in. It’s a tense and exciting story that had me holding my breath, and I couldn’t put my kindle down as it all played out.
I really loved this book. Fionn and Rose are fantastic characters, and as much as I love me a dark and tormented romantic hero (and I did!), Rose absolutely shines as she accepts and embraces her new reality, and I absolutely love her! Strong, smart, stubborn and fierce, she is just the woman that Fionn needs, and their battles, her unsubtle flirting, and her willingness to fight for her man while not allowing herself to become a doormat, make this love story both emotional and highly entertaining.
Samantha Young has delivered another fantastic read. This book made me laugh and swoon, and had my heart pounding all the way through. I’m so captivated by this series, and with hints dropped about the next book, I’m so excited to continue on.
I loved it - 5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
OMG, what a read! Exciting, intense, fun and action-packed with a slow-burning, chemistry-filled romance that had me madly flipping pages. I could not put this book down, and I absolutely loved it!
This book is the second in the True Immortality series. You don’t need to have read the first book, War of Hearts, in order to follow this one, but I would recommend it. Not only does this book contain spoilers for the first book, but it will help you understand the complex paranormal world. Plus it’s a fantastic read, so why would you want to skip it?
This is Fionn’s story. Readers from the first book will remember him as the Irish warrior king who was captured and turned Fae, only to escape his captivity to face heartbreaking betrayal. Thousands of years later he is the oldest being on the planet, powerful, immortal, and determined to find a way to open the gates to Faerie so that he can have his revenge on the evil Fae queen.
Rose Kelly is a nomadic 20-something travelling around Europe searching for something. She doesn’t know what, she just knows that something is missing, so she travels from city to city, avoiding connections and waiting to feel whole. Her life takes a dramatic twist when she is attacked by a vampire, and a subsequent bump on the head releases a spell that was placed on her years ago, unlocking powers she never knew she had. With no clue what she is or what powers she has, it is Fionn who comes to her rescue.
He wasn’t even a man.
He was a six-foot-seven behemoth of hotness.
Fionn saves her life that night and he takes Rose under his wing, offering to help her. With nobody else to turn to and with Fionn seeming to have the answers to all of her questions, Rose joins him on his mission to track down a mysterious artefact, all while avoiding the various bad guys who are after them. And from almost the first moment, sparks fly.
Fionn was a stranger.
Even if he didn’t feel like one.
Even if he felt like that elusive something she’d been searching for her whole life.
Rose had never been one to fantasize about guys and romance … but she couldn’t help her
thoughts as she watched her delicious mentor sleep, his handsome face appearing younger in
rest. She couldn’t help but imagine that her future on the run might not be so desolate if she had
someone who excited her by her side.
It’s fun and exciting, and their mentor/trainee relationship sizzles with sexual tension. There is a crackling undertone of connection that Fionn seems determined to ignore, and the chemistry is thick and the banter is fantastic as Rose flirts and Fionn evades.
“Once we get in there, I’ll take out the guards — I’ll just knock them unconscious,” he assured her before she could protest.
“How are you going to do all that if you’re disoriented?”
“My dear Rose.” His tone was exasperated but the endearment still caused a flutter in her
stomach. “I’m the oldest motherfucker on this planet. Very little can disorient me.”
That flutter intensified. “I’m not gonna lie … the ‘oldest’ part should put a girl off, but the whole badass immortal thing is pretty hot.”
Day by day, Fionn reveals his story to Rose, and as her own background becomes clearer, the two of them continually grow closer. But Fionn’s plans for revenge don’t include falling for Rose – quite the opposite in fact - so we get this deliciously emotional battle of head vs heart as he wrestles with his feelings.
Fionn was stuck in the most unlikely of places.
He wanted to fuck the woman he planned to use in his vengeance.
It was inconvenient to say the least
The love story is a slow burn, and the anticipation builds wonderfully. If fits with the story, and with who Fionn and Rose are, and I loved that time is given to develop the emotional connection, which is so strong and so important to their relationship. I was almost bouncing up and down in my chair waiting for something to happen between them, and it’s absolutely worth the wait, and I loved watching the progression of everything between them.
But their feelings for each other contradict everything that Fionn has been fighting for, and the bad guys are closing in. It’s a tense and exciting story that had me holding my breath, and I couldn’t put my kindle down as it all played out.
“I am nothing if I am not my revenge.”
I really loved this book. Fionn and Rose are fantastic characters, and as much as I love me a dark and tormented romantic hero (and I did!), Rose absolutely shines as she accepts and embraces her new reality, and I absolutely love her! Strong, smart, stubborn and fierce, she is just the woman that Fionn needs, and their battles, her unsubtle flirting, and her willingness to fight for her man while not allowing herself to become a doormat, make this love story both emotional and highly entertaining.
Samantha Young has delivered another fantastic read. This book made me laugh and swoon, and had my heart pounding all the way through. I’m so captivated by this series, and with hints dropped about the next book, I’m so excited to continue on.
I loved it - 5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2020
This second in the True Immortality series is definitely a standalone, the characters do ultimately connect to the wider story but you could start here if you wished (don’t do that, read book one). Thea and Connor from book one do make an appearance later in the story too. This book however focused on Rose who briefly appeared in WAR OF HEARTS. Rose was roaming Europe, stopping to work in cities when she encountered a bunch of odd people one evening in the bar she worked in. One of those people was Fionn, there was something strange immediately about how he made her feel.
Fionn was a character I really struggled to get on with. He was fae like Rose, he was arrogant and he had an obsessive focus with revenge at the exclusion of everything else. Even over time when he and Rose became more, he prioritised his obsession. I struggled with his superiority, egotism, his closed-off feelings and redemption on this front came late.
Rose however, was a character I liked. I enjoyed her experience of coming into her powers and she had integrity, maybe her character brought balance to Fionn’s. Sometimes, I didn’t know how she persevered with Fionn.
The story itself was interesting, pretty fast-paced and through it, I learnt more about the Immortality world. I am definitely interested in this world and how the supernatural creatures interact, fight and exist. I am so very excited about the next couple, especially because the male character I like and seems less like Fionn.
Overall, I had a few problems with the male MC but I am invested in this as a series.
Thank you to the author for the early review copy.
This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities.
Fionn was a character I really struggled to get on with. He was fae like Rose, he was arrogant and he had an obsessive focus with revenge at the exclusion of everything else. Even over time when he and Rose became more, he prioritised his obsession. I struggled with his superiority, egotism, his closed-off feelings and redemption on this front came late.
Rose however, was a character I liked. I enjoyed her experience of coming into her powers and she had integrity, maybe her character brought balance to Fionn’s. Sometimes, I didn’t know how she persevered with Fionn.
The story itself was interesting, pretty fast-paced and through it, I learnt more about the Immortality world. I am definitely interested in this world and how the supernatural creatures interact, fight and exist. I am so very excited about the next couple, especially because the male character I like and seems less like Fionn.
Overall, I had a few problems with the male MC but I am invested in this as a series.
Thank you to the author for the early review copy.
This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities.
April 12, 2021
4.5 stars
Loved this series
Loved this series
March 25, 2020
“I am nothing if I am not my revenge.”
Myths, legends, and folk lore are brought to life once again in Samantha Young’s second instalment in her seductive True Immortality series, as she spins another spellbinding tale set in this fantastical new world with the story of a young woman who finds herself the target of a two-thousand-year-old vendetta. By never taking her foot off the gas, Young delivers the kind of action-packed page-turner that both grips you like an undertow and cuts straight to the heart, and every second of it is just perfect. Regardless of whether paranormal romance is your jam, regardless of whether this is your first or tenth novel from this terrific author, do yourself a favour and dive into this series as soon as you can. You’ll thank me later.
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February 22, 2024
Not as good as War of Hearts, I din't feel the connection between Fionn and Rose as strongly as with Thea and Conall.
Still, it had it's moments of action and mystery. The scenes inside the Sagrada Familia were favorite of mine even though the architect in me repelled for every small destruction.
The most hot scene IMHO wasn't one of Fionn and Rose. It was of Fionn fighting with the mysterious reserved Kiyo in the underground fighting club. And guess what? Kiyo gets his own story next with Niamh, another beloved character from both books. Who's excited? I know I am....
Still, it had it's moments of action and mystery. The scenes inside the Sagrada Familia were favorite of mine even though the architect in me repelled for every small destruction.
The most hot scene IMHO wasn't one of Fionn and Rose. It was of Fionn fighting with the mysterious reserved Kiyo in the underground fighting club. And guess what? Kiyo gets his own story next with Niamh, another beloved character from both books. Who's excited? I know I am....
April 21, 2020
I loved, loved, loved book 1, War of hearts...there's no doubt about it BUT...
I have no words about this one, I'm in awe of this strong heroine, Rose...she's awesome...
And Fionn Mor...there's no more tormented hero than him and yet the power he charges...just dayum...
This is your next power fae couple...
And I can't wait to read the next installment that will hopefully deliver another power couple to life...
Fingers crossed that they are the ones i imagined (Kiyo and Niamh) *eeeeek*
I have no words about this one, I'm in awe of this strong heroine, Rose...she's awesome...
And Fionn Mor...there's no more tormented hero than him and yet the power he charges...just dayum...
This is your next power fae couple...
And I can't wait to read the next installment that will hopefully deliver another power couple to life...
Fingers crossed that they are the ones i imagined (Kiyo and Niamh) *eeeeek*
March 3, 2020
“You have to trust him, Rose. Even when he makes it impossible. Don’t let us down now.”
Kiss of Vengeance was a mammoth of a book in Sam Young’s new paranormal series about Fae, Vampires, Wolves, Witches and Warlocks. We are absolutely loving this series, which is the type of brilliantly written paranormal that speaks right to our hearts. Whilst we didn’t end up loving it as much as War of Hearts, the first book in this series, we still fell utterly in love with Rose and Fionn as individual characters, as well as their kick-arse slow burn romance. The paranormal and mythical world, which Sam Young has created in this series, is absolutely brilliant. So well written and superbly detailed, making it both evocative and compelling to read. There’s no question that Kiss of Vengeance was character and story driven at heart, which is what makes for a great read!
”Killing someone is never easy, Rose, and the first time you’re able to walk away from it without feeling that death mark your soul means you’re losing your soul.”
Rose Kelly is one hell of a bad arse heroine. She’s strong, level headed and feisty, yet still retains that sweet vulnerability we love so much. Even when her entire world changes, she embraces it and retains her essence of morality and determination. A bit of a nomad, her travelling ways begin to make sense. What she discovers completely derails her, yet brings an acute understanding and awareness to why she’s been feeling the way she has, since childhood.
‘She underestimated the depth of his passion for vengeance. His vengeance.'
“Rose,” he whispered…”what have you done?”
Fionn Mór is formidable; a regal presence of power and domination. Old as time, his fae character tells a great tale of war, love, betrayal and vengeance. He’s hell-bent on a fae finding mission after suffering greatly, on the trail of one of the last fae children left on earth. Protect or kill? Fionn’s heart struggles after centuries of desire for the vengeance he so craves on the queen who ‘stole’ his life.
‘This was different territorialism. This was something primal and ancient. Something that terrified him. Nothing had terrified Fionn in a long time. In centuries. Until now. Because even if what he was feeling was what he thought it was, it changed nothing. Rose still had to die for his revenge. If he chose her, she’d only betray him. The death of the Faerie Queen was too important. Fuck fate, if that was what this was.’
Whilst this series can definitely be read as standalones, we wholeheartedly recommend reading it in order. Whilst War of Hearts is summarized in Kiss of Vengeance, nothing is quite like experiencing the story for yourselves. Whilst we did find this book quite slow, which detracted from the momentum of the story, we absolutely did love it. The slow-burn romance was in fact brilliantly written in its enticement. We only wish that once the end came it had kept to the slow pace, which had been prevalent throughout. After such a huge build-up of cat and mouse, the ending seemed rushed in comparison, yet it was still delicious in its crescendo. We would have liked more of that! Now we eagerly await the next book, and we are so excited for Niamh and Kiyo!
“From what I’ve seen, it’s not like when two humans fall in love, even a powerful, long-lasting love. It’s more. It’s an actual linking of two souls. A completion. Neither one is whole without the other, which means, once a mated couple meet, they are forever fated to be together. To be separated from your mate is to live an eternity of grief.”
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March 3, 2020
5 STARS!
Kiss of Vengeance is the second installment to S. Young's True Immortality series. Though it could be read as a standalone, I suggest reading the books in order as there is so much more information about Fionn Mór.
Rose Kelly is lost and doesn't know her purpose in the world. She's been a nomad for sometime, never staying in one place for too long. One night at a nightclub in Croatia during her bartending shift she begins to sense trouble and feels someone is after her. Soon, she comes to face-to-face with Fionn Mòr, an ancient Fae who explains to her who she truly is and soon becomes her mentor; training her on how to use her abilities.
Fionn Mór is briefly introduced in book 1 and getting the full force of this enigmatic being was spellbinding. You guys, he's so brooding and intense, and it's so sexy. Fionn is on a mission to slay Aine, the Faeire Queen and seek vengeance against her for putting him in purgatory. Little does he know that Rose is so much more than a weapon to get to the Fae Queen.
Holy Moses! The banter and attraction between these two was palpable and I loved every single minute of it!! I couldn't get enough of this story and it's characters. I was swept away by the allurement of it all and constantly on the edge of my seat! These books are addicting and I'm ready to consume more!! Hands down, this is definitely a must read series if you're a fan of Paranormal Romance.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Social Butterfly PR. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
"No one had ever kissed her like Fionn. Like she was air. Life. Food and water all in one."
Kiss of Vengeance is the second installment to S. Young's True Immortality series. Though it could be read as a standalone, I suggest reading the books in order as there is so much more information about Fionn Mór.
Rose Kelly is lost and doesn't know her purpose in the world. She's been a nomad for sometime, never staying in one place for too long. One night at a nightclub in Croatia during her bartending shift she begins to sense trouble and feels someone is after her. Soon, she comes to face-to-face with Fionn Mòr, an ancient Fae who explains to her who she truly is and soon becomes her mentor; training her on how to use her abilities.
Fionn Mór is briefly introduced in book 1 and getting the full force of this enigmatic being was spellbinding. You guys, he's so brooding and intense, and it's so sexy. Fionn is on a mission to slay Aine, the Faeire Queen and seek vengeance against her for putting him in purgatory. Little does he know that Rose is so much more than a weapon to get to the Fae Queen.
Holy Moses! The banter and attraction between these two was palpable and I loved every single minute of it!! I couldn't get enough of this story and it's characters. I was swept away by the allurement of it all and constantly on the edge of my seat! These books are addicting and I'm ready to consume more!! Hands down, this is definitely a must read series if you're a fan of Paranormal Romance.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Social Butterfly PR. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
March 12, 2020
Even though I had to push myself at the beginning, I enjoyed the story because I was already invested in the world Young has brilliantly built since book one. The writing was flawless and I loved the female lead and the side characters. I also enjoyed what I love most about the series, (this and every thing after is kinda spoilers) the heroines can actually save themselves and the men they love.
Most of the fun happened after the truth was out, and it got a bit repetitive because I already know most of what was told about the world. But my main issues lie with the hero, Fionn. He was manipulative and malicious for 60% of the story and stubborn and stupid for the rest, and not at all interesting. But worry not, heroine's magical vagina solved what her love and great personality couldn't.
Most of the fun happened after the truth was out, and it got a bit repetitive because I already know most of what was told about the world. But my main issues lie with the hero, Fionn. He was manipulative and malicious for 60% of the story and stubborn and stupid for the rest, and not at all interesting. But worry not, heroine's magical vagina solved what her love and great personality couldn't.
October 3, 2021
HOW DOES THE AUTHOR CONTINUE TO WRITE SUCH ENTHRALLING STORIES AND LOVABLE CHARACTERS?! And honestly what a coincidence... I finished this book just in time for the 3rd book to come out tomorrow.
Kiss of Vengeance has a similar theme to the first one in which we follow two people on the run. There's a lot of chemistry between them but because of circumstances, they can't really act on their feelings.
I LOVED Rose and Fionn. I loved that they were very distinct characters and were different to the MC's from War of Hearts. I've read some really lazy writing wherein the author just copy-and-pastes their MC's in each book of their series. Rose is very different to Thea (the MC of War of Hearts). She's just as badass but her love and excitement for her newfound powers was a very interesting juxtaposition to Thea - who shied away from her identity. Same with Fionn, he's hellbent on revenge, and cunning af. I think I might even like him more than Conall...
But just an FYI, I would categorize this book as more of a slowburn romance. The romance definitely happens a bit later in the story, and it's not as steamy as the first book was.
S. Young also does an amazing job at showing readers more history about the fae. The world-building is solid. And I was SO excited when Thea and Conall, the two MC's from the first book, made an appearance.
The storyline is predictable but honestly, I don't care. Part of what makes this series so special is the journey the characters go on. And I loved every moment of it. Like I said in my review of War of Hearts, this series is a great place to start for PNR-romance newbies!
Rating: 5/5
She was his new obsession. She was everything. A vital, imperative piece of him, and Fionn Mor realized that if he gave her up, he'd not only destroy the one person that meant most to him, he'd destroy himself, too.
Kiss of Vengeance has a similar theme to the first one in which we follow two people on the run. There's a lot of chemistry between them but because of circumstances, they can't really act on their feelings.
I LOVED Rose and Fionn. I loved that they were very distinct characters and were different to the MC's from War of Hearts. I've read some really lazy writing wherein the author just copy-and-pastes their MC's in each book of their series. Rose is very different to Thea (the MC of War of Hearts). She's just as badass but her love and excitement for her newfound powers was a very interesting juxtaposition to Thea - who shied away from her identity. Same with Fionn, he's hellbent on revenge, and cunning af. I think I might even like him more than Conall...
But just an FYI, I would categorize this book as more of a slowburn romance. The romance definitely happens a bit later in the story, and it's not as steamy as the first book was.
S. Young also does an amazing job at showing readers more history about the fae. The world-building is solid. And I was SO excited when Thea and Conall, the two MC's from the first book, made an appearance.
The storyline is predictable but honestly, I don't care. Part of what makes this series so special is the journey the characters go on. And I loved every moment of it. Like I said in my review of War of Hearts, this series is a great place to start for PNR-romance newbies!
Rating: 5/5
September 26, 2021
3.5 Slow Burn Stars
Kiss of Vengeance is the second book in the True Immortality series. I pretty much picked it up because I wanted to see S.Y. take on PNR. IMO, these can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first book, and never really felt lost. Book one’s H & h are around a tiny bit, and book three’s h is introduced, but I didn’t feel like I missed anything major. The entire series has this overlapping storyline about opening the gates to the Faerie which would be bad for humankind.
Fionn has one goal in life, to open the door to Faerie, and kill the Fae Queen, Aine. He HATES her, and has basically lived on the fumes of planning his revenge for centuries. Enter Rose who is one of the handful of humans randomly born Fae that can open the gate… by dying.
Bottom Line- I enjoyed it, but not enough to purchase the next book. The plot progression stalled a few times, and I had to fight not skimming. I felt parts were glaringly obvious to everyone except the main characters, and we took the long way around. The last 30% was great so I decided to round up.
Kiss of Vengeance is the second book in the True Immortality series. I pretty much picked it up because I wanted to see S.Y. take on PNR. IMO, these can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first book, and never really felt lost. Book one’s H & h are around a tiny bit, and book three’s h is introduced, but I didn’t feel like I missed anything major. The entire series has this overlapping storyline about opening the gates to the Faerie which would be bad for humankind.
Fionn has one goal in life, to open the door to Faerie, and kill the Fae Queen, Aine. He HATES her, and has basically lived on the fumes of planning his revenge for centuries. Enter Rose who is one of the handful of humans randomly born Fae that can open the gate… by dying.
Bottom Line- I enjoyed it, but not enough to purchase the next book. The plot progression stalled a few times, and I had to fight not skimming. I felt parts were glaringly obvious to everyone except the main characters, and we took the long way around. The last 30% was great so I decided to round up.
April 30, 2020
3/5 stars
I feel like this was good, but really failed to live up to the first book. Maybe it’s just suffering from ‘middle book syndrome’, but it was still a generally enjoyable book. I loved the overarching story in this book (as extended from the first book) and really enjoyed how it developed from the first book. Because of this, I am still super excited to read the next book in the series. While I loved the paranormal story, the romance was VERY FRUSTRATING! It was still sexy and had sweet moments, but it was too angsty (in a bad way) for me and overly repetitive. I just felt that there was a brick wall between the characters for the majority of the book, then suddenly it was solved. It just wasn’t as well-developed as the first book. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy it at all, I really still did, but in comparison to the first one it definitely wasn’t as good.
I feel like this was good, but really failed to live up to the first book. Maybe it’s just suffering from ‘middle book syndrome’, but it was still a generally enjoyable book. I loved the overarching story in this book (as extended from the first book) and really enjoyed how it developed from the first book. Because of this, I am still super excited to read the next book in the series. While I loved the paranormal story, the romance was VERY FRUSTRATING! It was still sexy and had sweet moments, but it was too angsty (in a bad way) for me and overly repetitive. I just felt that there was a brick wall between the characters for the majority of the book, then suddenly it was solved. It just wasn’t as well-developed as the first book. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy it at all, I really still did, but in comparison to the first one it definitely wasn’t as good.
March 14, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9rezNGgkpH/
4.5 ‘The Gift Of Forever’ Stars
Wwwwooowww! Whimsically pungent, heartbreakingly gripping and passionately empowering, Kiss of Vengeance blew all my much adored fated mates trope to a whole new, soul impacting level! Fionn and Rose put me through the full emotional spectrum from the very first word, and I fully giving and could not put it down! Absolutely MAGICAL in every way!!!
After reading and falling hard for the first book of the series, to say I was dying for the next fated fae child was an understatement, and after seeing this blurb, omg, I was bitting my nails already. Well, as soon as it landed on my e-reader I dove right in and could not stop!
She was a pig to the slaughter, he thought dispassionately.
Unfair for her, true, but what was one small woman against a two-thousand-year-old vendetta?
“I am nothing if I am not my revenge.”
I will try to spoil as little as possible about the plot and key points, but straight away from the blurb, I knew this would have me on the edge of my seat. Rose, a ‘lost woman’ has been drifting through the world for years looking for something, that she has no idea of, until she his attached by a vampire, and well, lets just say that the door gates of the supernatural crash into her, and there is no way she can escape them. Enter Fionn, the mysterious ‘human turned fae’, that seems to be exactly what she needs. Except he has a secret agenda of his own…
“I am nothing if I am not my revenge.”
He just didn’t expect to me insanely drawn to Rose, talk about a wrench to his well thought out plans. And Rose, oh I loved her, and her security in herself and her sensuality. She recognized their palpable and acknowledged it, which I adored. Honestly there were so many thing I loved about this woman, I can without a doubt say she’s one of my biggest fictional girl crushes! And she was so sassy and kickass, I loved her ‘hold no barriers’ flirting, and specially enjoyed how it tortured Fionn.
Fuck.
She was the devil.
Rose Kelly was the bloody devil.
You are an ancient warrior. You’ve survived worse things than a bad case of blue balls.
Fionn may have tried resist – for soooooooo long, crazy man! – but he really stood no chance against their epic level of attraction, not what Fates had in the works for him. He may have had a dark agenda, but there was no doubt in my being , due to the incredible way S. Young showed us his tale and thoughts, that the was struggling with his decisions and plans all throughout the story. I loved his character for it, his intensity, his charisma, honorability and charm were utterly irresistible. And it was as I could actually feel his sexiness exuding in every moment he was near Rose. So when all was revealed – which I have to confess that I don’t remember the last time a was devouring words this fast because I couldn’t wait for Rose to uncover his true plans – I felt every second of their pain, Rose’s was breaking my heart! I may have shed a couple of tears then, omg, the angst!!!
“Fuck the Fates.” Rose’s fury and betrayal tore through her as she focused on the thought of Gare d’Orléans, the city’s train station. “You’re dead to me, Fionn Mór. Come looking for me and I’ll make it so.”
There was so much richness in this world, it was impossible not to be transported to this paranormal universe. I love all this PNR, and when I knew from the War Of Hearts that it’s FATED MATES stories that we are getting here, I was psyched beyond measure. Hello, my fav trope in the genre, hell yes! I love specially how Ms. Young weaved it so it doesn’t feel instal-love..ish, the way that is set, specially in this book, where Rose and Fionn’s relationship and developing feelings is more of a slow burn romance, but with enough sizzle to light up a whole city. They are far, after all, lol…
“Once they meet and know each other, they love forever.”
“It’s the way of mates. Two souls recognizing their missing piece.”
Not only were Fionn and Rose EVERYTHING, but all these secondary characters that we are introduced – or that we met before in WoH – to us are immensely rich and so enticing that I want all of them to have their own stories! Something happens in this book that completely broke my heart, and yes, I totally ugly cried, and it’s regarding a secondary character, that’s how beautifully crafted they are.
Yes, the love story and the suspense/action are the big focuses of the book, but all these extra elements took the book once again to a whole new level!
“Until you, Rose. You make me feel more human than I ever felt when I was one.”
No one had ever kissed her like Fionn. Like she was air. Life. Food and water all in one.
She was his new obsession.
She was everything.
S. Young really does a fantastic job in sucking us into the story and never wanting to leave. Kiss of Vengeance was exactly that, I was so invested not only in Rose and Fionn’s EPIC story, but every single detail that surrounded them. This True Mortality series is masterfully crafted in a way that seems simple in its complexity, but simultaneously addictive in its passionate characters and fantastical world building. The banter, the emotional pull, the action, the fantasy, and the romance, it just surpasses everything expected and stays with us even after we finish, and addictively craving the next book. That is my state at the moment, specially considering the teasing during the story, I’m already counting down the days for my next TTM fix! I need Niamh’s book STAT!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Rose was in love with him.
Noble, wicked, selfish, loyal, stubborn, caring, protective, brutal, powerful, vengeful, loving, strong, fallible, vital Fionn Mór.
Rose loved him.
The gods, he loved Rose Kelly beyond anything he thought he was capable of. He loved every inch of her with every inch of himself.
ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review
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March 15, 2020
4 stars!
Ah I always love a solid paranormal romance. Fated mates especially just check off all the boxes for my romance preferences. The heroine made this book extra special. She was a total badass and written in a way that I admire. She didnt back down from danger, wasnt a damsel in distress, and holds her own against the hero. And she was also funny without trying too hard. You know when the author is trying to be clever, but the joke makes you cringe? Not with this one. It felt very natural. Oh, and did I mention that the heroine had sex with another man after meeting the hero????? Fucking finally. So yeah, the heroine really made this story for me.
So why 4 stars instead of 5? The hero.
He took a little too long to have feelings for the h, in my opinion. For the first 30% it felt like he didnt like her much at all, let alone recognizing his fated mate. I think there was so much baggage to unpack in his past, that it took away from present romance with the heroine. And yes, we get details of his past relationships since he's over 2,000 years old. And this broke the cardinal rule of romance.
You are supposed to have a scene where the H and h both say "I Love you," and "I love you, too" to confirm their love and tie up the romance. THIS BOOK DOESNT HAVE THAT. Maybe it was oversight on the authors part but the book ends with the heroine saying "I love you" to the hero and the hero replaying with "I choose us."
Okkkkkkkk, but wheres the freaking "I LOVE YOU TOO." ?!?!?!?! To be fair, you are left with no reservations if the H and h really do love each other. H turns into a giant touchy teddy bear by the end of the book. BUT YOU STILL NEED YOUR LEAD CHARACTERS TO VERBALLY EXPRESS THEIR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER. Thats kind of the whole point of freaking romance!!!! Without it, we'd all be watching porn instead of reading.
Rant ended. Heres some safety info for you hooligans:
Safe for most people
H is not a manwhore but we have to hear about 3 of his past relationships.
---- 2,000 years ago he had a wife and two children. He sacrifices his village and his family to become a sex slave for the fae queen, trapped in her kingdom. He escapes by tricking the queens friend by sleeping with her and gaining her trust. When he returns to earth, his wife already moved on and married another man. Another past relationship he had was a f-buddy relationship, which ended badly because she betrayed him. All of his past relationships have ended in betrayal which is the reason why he pushes the heroine away initially. None of these past OW show up in the book but they are mentioned a bit and there are some flashback scenes (not with sex)
-Heroine had casual sex in the past. She sees the hero at the bar and is instantly attracted to him but he disappears. She goes home and has sex with the bouncer that night but he never appears in the story again. No OW/OM after that.
-No cheating.
-Push and pull on both sides. H is secretly trying to trap the heroine so he feels guilty when he starts to develop feelings and pushes the h away. He needs to kill the heroine to get back to the Fae kingdom and act his revenge on the queen that imprisoned him. So the book is about him coming to terms with the fact that he will have to give up his revenge plan if he wants to live HEA with his fated mate.
Ah I always love a solid paranormal romance. Fated mates especially just check off all the boxes for my romance preferences. The heroine made this book extra special. She was a total badass and written in a way that I admire. She didnt back down from danger, wasnt a damsel in distress, and holds her own against the hero. And she was also funny without trying too hard. You know when the author is trying to be clever, but the joke makes you cringe? Not with this one. It felt very natural. Oh, and did I mention that the heroine had sex with another man after meeting the hero????? Fucking finally. So yeah, the heroine really made this story for me.
So why 4 stars instead of 5? The hero.
He took a little too long to have feelings for the h, in my opinion. For the first 30% it felt like he didnt like her much at all, let alone recognizing his fated mate. I think there was so much baggage to unpack in his past, that it took away from present romance with the heroine. And yes, we get details of his past relationships since he's over 2,000 years old. And this broke the cardinal rule of romance.
You are supposed to have a scene where the H and h both say "I Love you," and "I love you, too" to confirm their love and tie up the romance. THIS BOOK DOESNT HAVE THAT. Maybe it was oversight on the authors part but the book ends with the heroine saying "I love you" to the hero and the hero replaying with "I choose us."
Okkkkkkkk, but wheres the freaking "I LOVE YOU TOO." ?!?!?!?! To be fair, you are left with no reservations if the H and h really do love each other. H turns into a giant touchy teddy bear by the end of the book. BUT YOU STILL NEED YOUR LEAD CHARACTERS TO VERBALLY EXPRESS THEIR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER. Thats kind of the whole point of freaking romance!!!! Without it, we'd all be watching porn instead of reading.
Rant ended. Heres some safety info for you hooligans:
Safe for most people
H is not a manwhore but we have to hear about 3 of his past relationships.
---- 2,000 years ago he had a wife and two children. He sacrifices his village and his family to become a sex slave for the fae queen, trapped in her kingdom. He escapes by tricking the queens friend by sleeping with her and gaining her trust. When he returns to earth, his wife already moved on and married another man. Another past relationship he had was a f-buddy relationship, which ended badly because she betrayed him. All of his past relationships have ended in betrayal which is the reason why he pushes the heroine away initially. None of these past OW show up in the book but they are mentioned a bit and there are some flashback scenes (not with sex)
-Heroine had casual sex in the past. She sees the hero at the bar and is instantly attracted to him but he disappears. She goes home and has sex with the bouncer that night but he never appears in the story again. No OW/OM after that.
-No cheating.
-Push and pull on both sides. H is secretly trying to trap the heroine so he feels guilty when he starts to develop feelings and pushes the h away. He needs to kill the heroine to get back to the Fae kingdom and act his revenge on the queen that imprisoned him. So the book is about him coming to terms with the fact that he will have to give up his revenge plan if he wants to live HEA with his fated mate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2020
RATING: 5 'Mo Chroí' HEARTS! <3
Kiss of Vengeance is pure adventurous entertainment from beginning to end, action-filled scenes against a plethora of gorgeous backdrops and a passionate romance that defies the test of time. I loved Fionn and Rose so much!
I am so excited for Kiyo and Niamh's story next...I can already feel the angst and tension!
February 29, 2020
J’ai trouvé que le livre avait pas mal de longueurs au début, pour une précipitation à la fin, et sans le climax attendu. Un peu déçue, surtout que j’avais beaucoup aimé le premier tome. Le prochain a l’air intriguant vu les personnages.
March 5, 2020
It's no secret that I love PNR romance. Whenever I need a palette cleanser, this is my go-t0 and Young does not disappoint. This is a slow-burn romance between Fionn Mór and Rose Kelly.
The secrets, the action-packed adventure, the possibility of something more between these two characters who had such an undeniable connection kept me glued to my kindle. I am IN LOVE with this series and it is a must-read for PNR fans... Young's words are simply magical.
The secrets, the action-packed adventure, the possibility of something more between these two characters who had such an undeniable connection kept me glued to my kindle. I am IN LOVE with this series and it is a must-read for PNR fans... Young's words are simply magical.
Shelved as 'skimmed'
March 6, 2020I liked the first in the series, so I was excited for this one.
It started well. I liked the vibe.
But it did have one of those, “OMG, I’m a supernatural, how is this possible, I can’t believe it” themes which I always find so tedious and annoying to read.
I found myself skimming a lot of the boring “history” stuff. So many names and people... I just don’t have the brain power to take all the crap in right now. I also skimmed a lot of the info dumps. I think the author could have found a better way to work all of that into the story without losing the reader. Then I skimmed the boring “training” stuff.
Somewhere amongst that, I started skimming in general. I don’t think I was in the mood for this.
It started well. I liked the vibe.
But it did have one of those, “OMG, I’m a supernatural, how is this possible, I can’t believe it” themes which I always find so tedious and annoying to read.
I found myself skimming a lot of the boring “history” stuff. So many names and people... I just don’t have the brain power to take all the crap in right now. I also skimmed a lot of the info dumps. I think the author could have found a better way to work all of that into the story without losing the reader. Then I skimmed the boring “training” stuff.
Somewhere amongst that, I started skimming in general. I don’t think I was in the mood for this.
March 2, 2020
“You have to trust him, Rose. Even when he makes it impossible. Don’t let us down now.”
Kiss of Vengeance was a mammoth of a book in Sam Young’s new paranormal series about Fae, Vampires, Wolves, Witches and Warlocks. We are absolutely loving this series, which is the type of brilliantly written paranormal that speaks right to our hearts. Whilst we didn’t end up loving it as much as War of Hearts, the first book in this series, we still fell utterly in love with Rose and Fionn as individual characters, as well as their kick-arse slow burn romance. The paranormal and mythical world, which Sam Young has created in this series, is absolutely brilliant. So well written and superbly detailed, making it both evocative and compelling to read. There’s no question that Kiss of Vengeance was character and story driven at heart, which is what makes for a great read!
”Killing someone is never easy, Rose, and the first time you’re able to walk away from it without feeling that death mark your soul means you’re losing your soul.”
Rose Kelly is one hell of a bad arse heroine. She’s strong, level headed and feisty, yet still retains that sweet vulnerability we love so much. Even when her entire world changes, she embraces it and retains her essence of morality and determination. A bit of a nomad, her travelling ways begin to make sense. What she discovers completely derails her, yet brings an acute understanding and awareness to why she’s been feeling the way she has, since childhood.
‘She underestimated the depth of his passion for vengeance. His vengeance.'
“Rose,” he whispered…”what have you done?”
Fionn Mór is formidable; a regal presence of power and domination. Old as time, his fae character tells a great tale of war, love, betrayal and vengeance. He’s hell-bent on a fae finding mission after suffering greatly, on the trail of one of the last fae children left on earth. Protect or kill? Fionn’s heart struggles after centuries of desire for the vengeance he so craves on the queen who ‘stole’ his life.
‘This was different territorialism. This was something primal and ancient. Something that terrified him. Nothing had terrified Fionn in a long time. In centuries. Until now. Because even if what he was feeling was what he thought it was, it changed nothing. Rose still had to die for his revenge. If he chose her, she’d only betray him. The death of the Faerie Queen was too important. Fuck fate, if that was what this was.’
Whilst this series can definitely be read as standalones, we wholeheartedly recommend reading it in order. Whilst War of Hearts is summarized in Kiss of Vengeance, nothing is quite like experiencing the story for yourselves. Whilst we did find this book quite slow, which detracted from the momentum of the story, we absolutely did love it. The slow-burn romance was in fact brilliantly written in its enticement. We only wish that once the end came it had kept to the slow pace, which had been prevalent throughout. After such a huge build-up of cat and mouse, the ending seemed rushed in comparison, yet it was still delicious in its crescendo. We would have liked more of that! Now we eagerly await the next book, and we are so excited for Niamh and Kiyo!
“From what I’ve seen, it’s not like when two humans fall in love, even a powerful, long-lasting love. It’s more. It’s an actual linking of two souls. A completion. Neither one is whole without the other, which means, once a mated couple meet, they are forever fated to be together. To be separated from your mate is to live an eternity of grief.”
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March 12, 2020
While I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book it was still a good one. The heroine was a bit more sexually aggressive than I like.
Random Thoughts:
❁ Some sweet moments.
❁ Some angsty moments too.
❁ Definitely some sad moments.
❁ We did get one intense moment but nothing like with Thea and Callen when she basically decimated a room full of vampires.
♥
❁ Fionn getting upset over how Rose isn't all huggy with him and all over him like Thea was with Callen when they all reunited gave me life. It was so adorable.
❁ Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
Random Thoughts:
❁ Some sweet moments.
❁ Some angsty moments too.
❁ Definitely some sad moments.
❁ We did get one intense moment but nothing like with Thea and Callen when she basically decimated a room full of vampires.
♥
❁ Fionn getting upset over how Rose isn't all huggy with him and all over him like Thea was with Callen when they all reunited gave me life. It was so adorable.
❁ Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2020
4.5 stars
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