Each month my books get progressively darker and or spicier. I am starting to recognize the need for rotation in my genres after this month. I need to find some more levity in my reading next month. More dark romance this month, meaning the spice level may be uncomfortably high for many readers, proceed to this post with caution.

This month I read through the majority of sister authors Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti’s published works. I first read the Zodiac Academy series and then the Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac series.

Alright, at this point you should know the drill. Because I have already read so much this year I have decided to break my favorite annual post (my reading list) into a monthly series. You can also keep up with Hunkiedorië this year as I release more book content than I have in the past. Let me know what you think, do you have any suggestions on what I should read next? This month I dove into some spicier genres. I began to dabble in dark romance, think S&M type vibes, as well as reverse harem (RH), aka one girl multiple guys in a working relationship not a competition for affection. It was different and now that I have started down those paths there is no turning back. What I’ve read so far: My January Reading List My February Reading List My March Reading List And now…may I present… My April 2022 Reading List The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now? Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career. Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways. Hunkiedorië Review: It was around this point in my reading adventure that I started utilizing my audible account a little more. This book was a gift from my friend Emiley (Mighty Miley), and although it was outside my normal PNR genre I ended up loving it! This book was an emotional rollercoaster that had my heart breaking time and again, but it is easy to see why this book is flying off of shelves everywhere. Click here to buy The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo on Amazon From Blood and Ash (Blood And Ash Series Book 1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout A Maiden… Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers. A Duty… The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden. A Kingdom… Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel. Hunkiedorië Review: This was another book that I struggled to keep focus when reading the printed version, I think due to the insanely small print now that I am used to having the jumbo text on my kindle. But, with my Audible version I loved the quiet strength and determination of Poppy and could not wait to see how her character developed further into the series. This book did a wonderful job of world building and setting the stage, with vivid language that gets you emotionally invested early on for what is sure to be an exciting series. *Audible note: Stina Nielsen does an fabulous job reading and her Hawke voice (prrrrrrr, when he says Poppy’s name with that sweet yet chiding tone of his) is so delicious, I would continue this series for that voice alone. Click here to buy From Blood and Ash on Amazon A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood And Ash Series Book 2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout Is Love Stronger Than Vengeance? A Betrayal… Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her. A Choice…. Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation. A Secret… But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late. Hunkiedorië Review: This book is filled with twists and turns that will absolutely blow your mind, prepare to have your heart wrecked and your mind blown! A follow up to From Blood and Ash, this second book is charged with emotions, tensions and adventure that will leave you wanting more. Click here to buy A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire on Amazon The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood And Ash Series Book 3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout She’s been the victim and the survivor… Poppy never dreamed she would find the love she’s found with Prince Casteel. She wants to revel in her happiness but first they must free his brother and find hers. It’s a dangerous mission and one with far-reaching consequences neither dreamed of. Because Poppy is the Chosen, the Blessed. The true ruler of Atlantia. She carries the blood of the King of Gods within her. By right the crown and the kingdom are hers.  The enemy and the warrior… Poppy has only ever wanted to control her own life, not the lives of others, but now she must choose to either forsake her birthright or seize the gilded crown and become the Queen of Flesh and Fire. But as the kingdoms’ dark sins and blood-drenched secrets finally unravel, a long-forgotten power rises to pose a genuine threat. And they will stop at nothing to ensure that the crown never sits upon Poppy’s head. A lover and heartmate… But the greatest threat to them and to Atlantia is what awaits in the far west, where the Queen of Blood and Ash has her own plans, ones she has waited hundreds of years to carry out. Poppy and Casteel must consider the impossible – travel to the Lands of the Gods and wake the King himself. And as shocking secrets and the harshest betrayals come to light, and enemies emerge to threaten everything Poppy and Casteel have fought for, they will discover just how far they are willing to go for their people – and each other. And now she will become Queen… Hunkiedorië Review: After the big cliffhanger at the end of A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire you will want to dive into book three immediately. This book is a rollercoaster of emotion. Secrets are revealed. Betrayals abound. Loyalties are tested. Gods awaken. Click here to buy The Crown of Gilded Bones on Amazon Shadow in the Ember (Flesh and Fire Book 1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort. However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot. Sera has always known what she is. Chosen. Consort. Assassin. Weapon. A specter never fully formed yet drenched in blood. A monster. Until him. Until the Primal of Death’s unexpected words and deeds chase away the darkness gathering inside her. And his seductive touch ignites a passion she’s never allowed herself to feel and cannot feel for him. But Sera has never had a choice. Either way, her life is forfeit—it always has been, as she has been forever touched by Life and Death. Hunkiedorië Review:  This is the first book in a prequel series to the Blood and Ash books. This is easily my favorite Armentrout book to date, this series already has something that the Blood and Ash series doesn’t, although I can’t quite put my finger on what that is. I can not wait for book two to come out. Click here to buy Shadow in the Ember on Amazon The War of Two Queens (Blood And Ash Series Book 4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout From the desperation of golden crowns… Casteel Da’Neer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, could’ve prepared for the staggering revelations. The magnitude of what the Blood Queen has done is almost unthinkable. And born of mortal flesh… Nothing will stop Poppy from freeing her King and destroying everything the Blood Crown stands for. With the strength of the Primal of Life’s guards behind her, and the support of the wolven, Poppy must convince the Atlantian generals to make war her way—because there can be no retreat this time. Not if she has any hope of building a future where both kingdoms can reside in peace. A great primal power rises… Together, Poppy and Casteel must embrace traditions old and new to safeguard those they hold dear—to protect those who cannot defend themselves. But war is only the beginning. Ancient primal powers have already stirred, revealing the horror of what began eons ago. To end what the Blood Queen has begun, Poppy might have to become what she has been prophesied to be—what she fears the most. As the Harbinger of Death and Destruction. Hunkiedorië Review: After reading the first Flesh and Fire book it was fun to see how the prophecy at the end of that story comes into play in this series. In this book we get Poppy AND Casteel’s pov and it adds so much to the story, and it kind of makes me wish all the books had been written this way. I have found that I tend to enjoy books more when there is multiple POVs at play. *Audible note: another voice actor is brought in to read Casteel’s pov in this book and I COULD NOT STAND IT. It felt over done/over acted, his voice was so cringy compared to the smooth velvety voice Stina Nielsen used in the first three books. In order to get past this aversion, I read Casteel’s pov in print and listened to the rest. Click here to buy The War of Two Queens on Amazon Hellfyre by Mariel Pomeroy Two immortal creatures. One dangerous bargain. After the death of her mother, Aheia finds herself stained by more blood than she can hide in the perpetual daylight of her home of Keloseros. She escapes the realm but pays the price: giving up her immortality and her powers–once a Mithra with light at her fingertips, she becomes near-mortal. Her desperate search for asylum leads her to the doorstep of the only place out of her abusive family’s reach—a realm that deals in death and darkness unapologetically—Aljira But nothing in this world is free, and to buy her way to dubious safety, she’s forced to give up the only thing she has left to barter. Her soul in exchange for seven days in the devil’s realm. Arioch, the ruler of the Nephilim, is eager to dangle his new little pet in front of the Mithra who have caused irreparable damage in his life, but he doesn’t expect the effect Aheia’s soul has on both of them once it’s stamped on his arm. The pull between them is all-consuming– they crave each other, between sharp words and angry exchanges in an increasingly passionate bond that threatens to shatter the delicate balance of everything. Arioch and Aheia… Keloseros and Aljira… Even life and death. Hunkiedorië Review: Ok first of all Helfyre is a DEBUT novel and it absolutely blew me away! It was my first time reading a dark romance and wooooweee, this genre is a lot to take in. Helfyre introduced me to shadow play (because who knew that was a thing) and contains graphic violence, general dark themes, swearing, and sex scenes– some of which include dubious consent. Once I got past the shock of it all I was into it. I did struggle in the beginning I felt as though I was flung into the world without the world building material that I am used to when beginning a series. I felt a little lost and and struggled for a while but decided to just give up on trying to understand the world and just hold on for the ride. I bought this book for the beautiful cover art (Yes I do judge a book by its cover) and the intriguing social media presence of Pomeroy (book_daddy_). This debut book by Pomeroy will have you on the edge of your seat and begging for more. Click here to buy Hellfyre on Amazon Her Soul to Take (Souls Trilogy Book 1) by Harley Laroux Leon I earned my reputation among magicians for a reason: one wrong move and you’re dead. Killer, they called me, and killing is what I’m best at. Except her. The one I was supposed to take, the one I should have killed – I didn’t. The cult that once controlled me wants her, and I’m not about to lose my new toy to them. Rae I’ve always believed in the supernatural. Hunting for ghosts is my passion, but summoning a demon was never part of the plan. Monsters are roaming the woods, and something ancient – something evil – is waking up and calling my name. I don’t know who I can trust, or how deep this darkness goes. All I know is my one shot at survival is the demon stalking me, and he doesn’t just want my body – he wants my soul. Her Soul to Take is book 1 in the Souls Trilogy. Although all the books are interconnected, they are stand-alone and can be read in any order. *Content NoteThis book contains sexual scenes, kink/fetish content, horror elements, drug use, and depictions of hard kink/edgeplay. Please see the book preview for complete CW. Hunkiedorië Review: Once you start reading dark PNR it is kind of hard to stop. I have followed along with tiktok/booktok trends but lately I have found a new way to find new reading material and that is through illustrators and artists that specialize in fan art for books I know and love. One of my favorite accounts is @elizianna.the.one (on both tiktok and instagram). Her work is beautiful and has fueled by TBR list for months now. One series that grabbed my attention thanks to @elizianna.the.one is the Souls Trilogy by Harley Laroux. These books were a guilty pleasure, yeah they probably aren’t good for me, they definitely don’t portray healthy relationships/lifestyles but I love them regardless. Books one and two are available on Amazon but I am still impatiently waiting for book three. Click here to buy Her Soul to Take on Amazon Her Soul for Revenge (Souls Trilogy Book 2) by Harley LaRoux JuniperAfter a cult tried to sacrifice me to their wicked God, I went on the run, doing whatever was necessary to survive. Until a demon offered me a deal: give him my soul and he’ll help me claim the vengeance I seek. Blood will be spilled, and the monsters I once ran from will soon be running from me. But damning my soul was just the beginning – it’s my heart the demon wants next.ZaneI’ve been hunting souls for centuries, but she’s the ultimate prize – vicious and feral, with a broken soul as dark as my own. I thought claiming her would be a simple game, but Juniper is far from simple. I chose to follow her on a path drenched with the blood of her enemies, but it’s our blood that may be spilled next. As an ancient God wakes from Its slumber, neither of us may survive. Her Soul for Revenge is book 2 in the Souls Trilogy. Although all the books are interconnected, they are stand-alone and can be read in any order. Content NoteThis book contains sexual scenes, kink/fetish content, horror elements, drug use, scenes of trauma, anxiety, and PTSD, and depictions of “hard” kink/edgeplay. A complete CW can be found in the front matter of the book. Hunkiedorië Review:  This is book two in the All Souls trilogy and it did not disappoint. Although I think I still prefer Rae and Leon as the best couple in the series I really enjoyed the strength that Juniper’s character brought to the story. Click here to buy Her Soul for Revenge on Amazon Broken Bonds (The Bonds that Tie Book 1) x3 by J Bree After the death of my mother and her Bonded, I was relieved to find my own Bonds. I was sure everything would be okay if I had them. It wasn’t. The fate of our people is in my hands and I know we’re better off if I’m alone. After five years on the run, I’m caught and dragged back to face the men I ran away from. I thought I was doing the right thing. Now, I’m not so sure. North, Nox, Gryphon, Atlas, and Gabe may never forgive me but one thing is for sure. I won’t ever forgive myself. *Savage Bonds is a full length reverse harem PNR novel with material that may be difficult for some readers. It’s recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations. Hunkiedorië Review: Thats it we can stop right here, The Bonds that Tie series is my favorite read of 2022. I can NOT gush about these enough. Honestly I don’t know how they aren’t blowing up all over social media but do yourself a favor and read them now. Also…. a little heads up this is a RH (Reverse Harem) series, these books first I have ever read in that genre which is now possibly my favorite. These books have it all, mystery, adventure, romance, and kick assery galore. Plus if this gorgeous cover art isn’t enough to pull you in I don’t know what is. Click here to buy Broken Bonds on Amazon Savage Bonds (The Bonds that Tie Book 2) x3 by J Bree With my gift coursing through my veins, the tables have turned on the Draven Campus. I’m no longer the Giftless reject, no longer the girl who’s fair game to the other students for daring to run away from my Bonds. But there are bigger problems heading my way. With destiny pushing me closer and closer to each of my Bonds, I’m fighting tooth and nail against nature to keep my distance. But they’re fighting harder to keep me in their grasp. When it becomes clear that the Resistance is closer than we ever thought, I don’t know who I can trust. Can I finally take control of my gift, or will it take control of me? *Savage Bonds is a full length reverse harem PNR novel with material that may be difficult for some readers. This book will end on a cliffhanger. It’s recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations. Hunkiedorië Review: This series is good. Too good (if that’s possible). Like I read it straight in one sitting good. J Bree is an excellent storyteller and writer.The second book was even better than the first, and we still have a long way to go in this series and I can’t wait to see what J Bree has in store for readers, but be prepared J Bree loves to end on a rock your world type of cliff hanger. If you’re like me you may want to wait until the end of the year for all the books to be released so you can cruise through to the end without the possible threat of anxiety attacks brought on waiting for the next book. Click here to buy Savage Bonds on Amazon Blood Bonds (The Bonds that Tie Book 3) x3 by J Bree After three years on the run, I’m back in a Resistance camp, chained to a chair as the resident monster.Everything I ran from, all of the villains of my past, they’re all here to take another bite out of me. But this time, I’m not alone.With my Bonds desperately trying to reach me and new friendships I never expected, I start to believe that maybe I won’t become the weapon they want me to be. Maybe I’ll be a monster of my own creation.When loyalties are questioned and Bonds are tested, everything I thought I knew gets turned upside down. Who are my friends, and who are my enemies?Are Bond ties stronger than blood? *Blood Bonds is a full length reverse harem PNR novel with material that may be difficult for some readers. This book will end on a cliffhanger. It’s recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations. Hunkiedorië Review: OH. MY. GOSH. This book had me in knots. I can’t stress enough had good these books are, this series is just getting better and better. I love Oli and her bonds, it is hard to choose a favorite, except Nox, screw you Nox! Watching the groups relationships grow as they begin to understand Oli’s past is so satisfying, and I am LOVING the multiple POVs. Click here to buy Blood Bonds on Amazon Forced Bonds (The Bonds that Tie Book 4) x3 by J Bree They say to keep your friends close but your enemies closer; What if they’re one and the same? The stable foundation I thought I’d built in the Sanctuary has been ripped away, and I find myself on the front lines of the war against the Resistance. I might have my Bonds on my side, but there are darker schemes in motion. Can I prove myself and turn the tide to protect our most vulnerable, or am I nothing more than the monster they’ve always claimed I am? Will we make it out of this without tragic consequences? *Forced Bonds is a full length reverse harem PNR novel with material that may be difficult for some readers. This book will end on a cliffhanger. It’s recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations. Hunkiedorië Review: I’m not okay. Pretty sure I walked around like a zombie for days after finishing this book. I was completely sucked into this book from the first page and while I didn’t think it was possible, I fell even more in love with the story and the characters throughout the book. The dynamic and the banter between the Bond group is just everything that I could want to read. Add in finding out more about the bonds that Oli, North, and Nox have, not to mention those little, or not so little, reveals that we get in this book, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. It is painful waiting for the next book due in July and final book due in September. BUT I do have to confess that as soon as I finished this book I reread the entire series not once but twice more back to back because I just can’t get enough. Click here to buy Forced Bonds on Amazon I have absolutely loved all that BookTok is throwing my way and I can not wait to share my monthly reading list with you all as we move through 2022. If you have any suggestions please let me know! My Top 5 Reads of 2022 (thus far)-Counting some series as one because it is getting too hard to choose Bonds That Tie (series) Ice Planet Barbarians/Ice Home (series) ACOTAR (series) Crescent City (series) Throne of Glass (series) My Top 5 Reads of 2021 The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter (Theodoa Goss) The Viscount Who Loved Me (Julia Quinn) The Toll (Neal Shusterman) The Midnight Library (Matt Haig) The Immortals (Jordanna Max Brodsky) My Top 5 Reads of 2020 Mr. Dickens and His Carol (Samantha Silva) Scythe (Neal Shusterman) Thunderhead (Neal Shusterman) The Vine Witch (Luanne G. Smith) Ready Player One (Ernest Cline) My Top 5 Reads of 2019 The Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman) Strange Practice (Vivian Shaw) Dreadful Company (Vivian Shaw) Grave Importance (Vivian Shaw) Little Women (Louisa May Alcott) Emmie HunkeapillarFoodie, Wine Lover & Craft Crazy. I’m a twenty something Midwestern girl who has champagne tastes but am living on a beer budget. Follow me as I get the most bang for my buck and look for new adventures around the twin cities area!. Thanks for visiting Hunkiedorie! http://www.hunkiedorie.net

Because I have already read so much this year I have decided to break my favorite annual post (my reading list) into a monthly series. And March was everything Ruby Dixon.

I have absolutely loved all that BookTok is throwing my way and I can not wait to share my monthly reading list with you all as we move through 2022.