“I’m not scared of you.”He meets my gaze. “You should be.”All of England knows his name.Saxon Priest.Savage. Ruthless.A man bent on all-out destruction.His target? The royal family.I’m not looking for a knight in shining armor when I approach him for a job—but I never anticipated how my heart might quicken when faced with London’s most notorious killer.His eyes are cold.His mouth scarred and … notorious killer.
His eyes are cold.
His mouth scarred and sneering when he dismisses me as fragile, weak.
He couldn’t be more wrong.
I have blood on my hands and hate in my heart—just like him.
But with England on the brink of war, Saxon is my last hope. And when he risks everything to save me, I succumb to the ice in his veins and the blistering heat that tethers us together.
He may be the devil in disguise but I’m Isla Quinn, and I killed the king.
Road To Fire is the first book in the Broken Crown series. Intrigue. Grit. Soul-wrenching love. This is not your average royal romance. Enter if you dare.
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Holy smokes! READ THIS BOOK! It’s a wonderful mash of so many great tropes and genres. Unexpected and gorgeously done.
Saxon Godwin has stolen my heart, and I do not want it back.
This dark and gritty story was full of heart-pounding and mind-blowing goodness from beginning to end.
I finished this a week ago and I’m still thinking about it, my heart is still reeling. I feel as though I won’t be able to to do this story justice with my review.
It was intense, addictive, all-consuming. I wanted to keep reading until the very last page, yet I never wanted it to end.
Saxon…scarred anti-hero (one of my favorites!), possessive – takes what he wants, intimidating – he gets what he wants. But to want a girl and get the girl? No. Way. Doesn’t have the time, the need, nor the heart.
Isla – the sass and badass-ness was strong with this one. And the protectiveness…she would do ANYTHING for those she loves. Her strength was admirable and made me want to be just like her.
And Saxon and Isla together?? The sass, the sarcasm, the anger, and my goodness, the chemistry! It sparked and sizzled and I swear it was going to burn through my kindle. I loved these two separately, but even more together. I craved them.
Isla was exactly what Saxon needed. Watching his big, icy wall go down was a beautiful, beautiful thing. I could feel it thawing. I could feel his heart changing. And I fell even harder.
“I breathe, you inhale, and we both go up in flames.”
Is that not the best quote ever?!
Go back up and read it again. I’ll wait.
See?! Such a powerful and meaningful quote. It punched me in the feels every time I read it.
Not only did this well-written, nail-biter of a story have me gripping my kindle tighter, but it also gave me tingles in all the right places. Many, many times. Let me tell you real quick about one of the things in this story that gave me those delicious tingles.
The kisses.
O.M.F.G.
Be still my vagina, THE KISSES.
I am such a kiss snob. I need the kisses in my romance books to wow me. To take my breath away. They need to grab ahold of my heart and never let go. And Saxon and Isla’s kisses did that and more. They rocked my frickin socks off!!! Especially their first. Sweetbabyjesusonacracker, that first kiss. It gave me tingles on top of my tingles. May have even brought a tear to my eye. Motherfucking SWOON.
This suspenseful story kept me guessing and surprised me every step of the way. Unpredictable, unputdownable, SO good. This story blew me away. It will definitely be a top read this year.
I need book 2 like YESTERDAY. And then book 3 immediately after that.
I gave this book 10 stars
I don’t have enough words to give this book it’s justice review, it truly was the best book I’ve read in months!!!
Saxon and Isla are one of the best kicka$$ strong fighters that I’ve had the pleasure meeting in a long time!! Thy are both so broken inside, but they are full of courage, no fear of anything, stubborn, stuck to their own loyalties, love and commitment of family, the chemistry is hot in-between them, it’s a very intense complex story. There’s a lot of secrets and danger at every corner, betrayals, lies, mystery.
My goodness the emotions this book gave me was sometimes too much to handle ….it left my heart slayed, and my eyes swollen half shut from crying ( no lie) LOL
I couldn’t put it down once I started, I kept reading all the way into the early hours this morning 4am .
If you like books about imperfect characters, warriors, heroes, spies, mystery, action packed, steamy sex, true family bonds then THIS IS YOUR BOOK! It’s worth ever penny, and Maria Luis you’ve created a fantastic masterpiece
I’m so happy you through Isla and Saxon out into the world for us to read, don’t be afraid we will embrace it and love it as much as you trust me !!! I can not wait untill the next book about Damien… that ending gave me goosebumps holly crap, what a way to start book 2 in the trilogy, and then Guy I hope.
I feel so book hungover that I am unable to form coherent sentences! Maria Luis utterly SLAYED me with Road to Fire. I love her. I curse her. I am so wrecked! It’s been a week since I finished reading RTF and I am still daydreaming and unable to start another book. W.R.E.C.K.E.D.
I found myself waking up at 3 A.M. wanting to read because it was that good!!! This story seeped into my mind and it’s all I thought about for days. I wanted to read as fast as I could and I wanted to red as slow as possible because I didn’t want it to end!
I suggest finding a place to hide away during our quarantine to read RTF. Parenting tip–there is so much that happens, you may or may not find your loving children to be annoying you by asking you for help with schooling from home stuff when all you want to do is keep turning the pages. Make sure they are set up with their plan to be independent while Maria takes you on a rollercoaster ride–yes–it’s that good.
The twists and turns start in the first chapter and don’t ever stop. The best roller coaster ride ever with all of the feels. Angsty, swoon-worthy, sexy and suspenseful. Isla, the leading lady is a brick house–she’s mighty, mighty! Saxon–we meet him as a boy and fall in love with him as a man. He’s bad ass and sexy as sin. I can’t wait to get to know Saxon’s brothers in their stories. Isla and Saxton complete their story in Road to Fire, but we are left with a “OMG Maria, I want to strangle you!” moment as she leaves us panting for more, hanging on the edge by wanting to know what happens next with Saxton’s brother, The Mad Priest, in the Sound of Madness coming in July.
This book was my introduction to Maria Luis as an author. I can confidently say that I am NOT disappointed and I will continue on.
I went back & forth so many times & see-sawed on my opinion of love—hate—love—hate—love for Saxon. You can throw swoon in there a few times too. And let’s not even talk about heartbreak for what brought him to be the man he was. Saxon became so much more than I can even imagine in the perfect match for Isla, though. And Isla…whew…what a heroine. She was definitely a warrior every step of the way. Doing what her gut told her & what she had to do to survive & protect Peter & Josie at all costs…and later Saxon.
So many emotions along the way, so much anxiety in the fast moving dangerous parts , & so much when it came to Saxon & Isla finally coming together.
That ending though…this story is just beginning & as the chapters unfold, I’m completely here for it! I am so intrigued by Damien & absolutely need more. Guy…I’m still on the fence…he’s got some changing & groveling to do to gain his full redemption in my heart & brain (but I have no doubt you’ll be able to accomplish that).
Gah wrote out this long review then accidentally deleted it, so instead you’ll get a short and sweet one as dying to start book 2..
After reading the prequel I certainly wasn’t expecting this book!(in a good way)
I’m so glad I’m taking a break offline, as these books are huge (again in a good way) and will utterly consume you from cover to cover.
The prequel left many questions unanswered, whereas this book had so many details and moving pieces your head will be spinning.
This was an unlikely pair, especially when all cards were put on the table, but will they be able to put their differences aside to save each other and their country?
Definitely recommend especially since I can’t wait another second to dive into book 2 after that chilling ending.
This is the first book in a trilogy, and my word, what a beginning Saxon and Isla’s story is! Saxon is cold, ruthless, and a notorious killer, who has a tortured past, while Isla is feisty, strong, and fiercely protective of her family. When these two cross paths the sparks fly, and even though they continually butt heads, the chemistry between them is combustible and undeniable. This is an enemies / lovers’ tale, which just when I thought I had everything pieced together, an unexpected surprise blindsided me. This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty, action packed, emotionally charged, and filled with angst, betrayals, murder, lies, family, intrigue, twists, deception, and love, which all leads to a heartwrenching and steamy riveting page turner. I look forward to reading the next book in this impressive series, and I highly recommend this talented authors’ work.
Saxon met Isla Quinn who wants a job he will not hire her until after he picks her up out of the street during a riot where she had been trampled he threw her over his shoulder and their lives change completely because of the pull between them he hires her but not as a waitress as she would have thought but as a go-between for Saxon and the priest at the church. Unfortunate for Isla she is a bit too ambitious and finds herself at the University trying to get the information she is not supposed to be involved in she puts herself in the middle of the anti-loyalists meeting that could be very dangerous for her and Saxon puts himself in harm’s way for her. A very interesting storyline and the characters are all entertaining. A page-turner, mysterious, suspenseful, dangerous, murder, intrigue, and love. I read an ARC via BookFunnel without obligation. I volunteered an honest review.
Secrets. Lies. Loyalty. Betrayal. Hate. Love. Passion. Pain. Fire. Ice. Danger. Destruction. Love.
The first book in the Broken Crown Trilogy, this book tells the story of Saxon Priest and Isla Quinn. It ends with their HEA. There is an underlying story which runs through all three books in the series and the books should be read in order. This book does end with a tiny cliffhanger involving the over-arching subplot of the series. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
This book weaves a story that takes place in a reimagined history of England. There are complicated layers of secrets, lies, manipulations, and danger at play. I loved the twists and turns throughout the story. I adored Isla. Though she is somewhat naïve at times, I love how fierce and brave she is. Her courage and determination are remarkable. She is a smart cookie with balls of steel. Saxon is tough and has had a difficult life. I appreciated that the author gives the reader a solid picture of what has happened in his life to make him who he is today. I loved reading about the relationship dynamics between the three brothers. I love the subplot of danger and conflicted loyalties. The heat and passion between the Saxon and Isla is intense and satisfying. Your Kindle may melt a bit.
I was not sure how the author was going to breach the divide between Saxon and Isla to get to their HEA. I really could not put the book down till I knew the answer, and I loved how she worked it out. I put off reading book one till book three was almost here. In hindsight, I should have read it when it released and just read it again now. This is a series I am sure to read more than once.
#RomanticSuspense #DarkRomance #FamilySeries
I LOVED every cruel and desperate second of Saxon and Isla. There’s so much raw emotion in this story it immediately sucks you in and doesn’t let go. Isla is the definition of fierce and the dance of seduction that her and Saxon engage in is nothing short of mesmerizing. This is an absolute must read as the start of the Broken Crown Trilogy.
‘I breathe, you inhale and we both go up in flames.’
“I breathe, you inhale, and we both go up in flames.”
I remember reading this blurb in my email and I was like I need this. I want Saxon and Isla’s story, like now.
In Road to Fire, Maria Luis definitely built the anticipation up for readers. I will admit initially, the story moved a little slow for me and with every turn of the page, I kept waiting for something to happen. At the same time, I feel like that was the plan. To have you eager and on edge with want.
It’s a true and definite slow burn but have patience. Because once the story picked up, it picked up and I couldn’t look away.
I loved the strength, fire and vulnerability Isla and Saxon had. The two shared so many similar traits it’s no wonder they were at each other’s throats. Isla is that heroine you admire with your whole heart because she takes risks and sacrifices it all for the ones she love. Fear is nothing to her. Saxon, this man is blindly and wildly dedicated to his family and obligation. These two had walls of Teflon steel built up but somehow they broke through each other’s walls and oh my I was an absolute goner for the coupledom of Isla and Saxon.
Luis gave passion, fire, hot sexual tension, suspense, and ended with a twist and crazy cliffhanger you never see coming.
I loved Isla and Saxon.
I was not expecting all the intrigue that was going on in this book.
Saxon is a spy for the crown. His family has sworn loyalty to king and country for generations and He and his brothers are no different other than they also have a complicated history with the recently assassinated king. Saxon is being blamed for the king’s death and little does he know that the woman who just walked into his bar looking for work is the actual king killer.
I’m obsessed with this new series and characters!
Maria Luis has taken us on an adventure that can’t be missed and I loved everything about it. From the first chapter to the mind blowing cliffhanger, from the twisted story to the steamy moments and the strong headed banter, everything screams perfection in here.
It’s gonna be a heck of a ride.
I’m a lost for words!! Road to Fire is by far the most intriguing, intense, mysterious, and sexy book I have read this year! I seriously could not put it down! Saxon and Isla’s are one of my favorite couples. Their story will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. I really enjoyed reading Road to Fire and I can’t wait to see what Maria will write next.
Ok, so ever since @marialuisauthor’s Road To Fire came out, @Book.and.beagle and @cool_moms_who_read have suggested me to read it every time I ask in my stories what I should read. When I saw the second one was coming out next, I decided to hop on board and read it. Y’all, I. Could. Not. Read. This. Book. Any. Faster. And to be honest, I kind of wish I’d waited because after the next one comes out, I’ll have to impatiently wait for number three.
I love reading, and I feel like most authors build their worlds fairly well, but there aren’t many authors who build a world as thorough as Maria. It can be hard to get into a book about the British monarchy when it’s a made up one versus the one that we’re very well aquatinted with today, but Maria did such a fantastic job. She was able to mix real (and accurate) history and smoothly blend it with her own imagined royal family.
Saxon Priest, isn’t a real person, at least as far as paperwork is involved. Rather he’s an agent of the crown, due to an oath taken from generations before. He, and his brothers, have one job: to keep the monarchy alive at all costs, even if it means sacrificing the one thing he didn’t think he had. His heart. And Isla Quinn, thinking she’s found solace with likeminded company, attempts to get employed in Saxon’s anti-loyalist pub, all while harboring dark and dangerous secrets of her own. They both end up with more than they bargained for and results are These two are the oil and water, agreeing on very little with sparks galore. Their story is so different than any I’ve read before, and it cause so much anxiety. I was stress eating Halloween candy like a mad woman but the story and world were just so, so good!
Road To Fire was the perfect balance of romantic suspense, romance, and wit. I can’t wait to read Damian’s story! If you haven’t read this and have been putting it off, stop what you’re doing and read it ASAP!
#roadtofire #brokencrowntrilogy #marialuis #darkroyalromance #romanticsuspense #redsreads #romancetagram #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookaddict #bookaholic
“I break everything I touch, but maybe—with you—I’d piece all the fractures back together. And, if not, then at least we’d be ruined together.”
Saxon destroyed me. He, Ilsa and I inhaled and went up in flames together throughout this book. Like usual, with first books in the series, the book took a minute to get rolling because there is A LOT of world building, but I promise you, it is worth it .
Saxon is an anti-hero that grabbed my heart, broke it, and tried to put the pieces back together. Ilsa… Ilsa… What to say about her? Well, she is queen. She is fierce and a force to be reckoned with and I can not wait to see where they go in book 2. I loved Damien and can’t wait to find out who his heroine will be.
Five stars for me for the world building and the anti-hero.
An intriguing, abrasive, and blazing read! Wow, I debated when to start this one and so glad I put it off because now I only have to wait a month or so until book 2. I knew it would be gritty, raw, and dark and me being the historical romance reader who sometimes just wants her hea wasn’t sure how I’d take to that. But I absolutely loved it and Saxon, so broken and imperfect. Ugh, who wouldn’t want a man like him who would sacrifice everything for you! Intriguing and poignant to the times. I am the reader/movie watcher that always wants to be steps ahead of the story and this book/series is encouraging me to do just that. Oh, where my mind has gone and is going! A book that should definitely be on your tbr list if you have not read it! Thank you Maria! Now it’s just me sitting here tapping my watch and waiting for Sound of Madness.
It was full of twists and turns and angst.
“Sometimes we simply amount to what we’ve always been destined to become.”
This story grabs you from the first page and takes you on a roller coaster ride that will leave you wrecked.
I loved how Isla, was able to melt Saxon’s heart.
Ilsa, is really a Warrior, who Is very smart and cunning. She can read Saxon like a book, because they are two peas in a pod, ruthless and broken.
Saxon, is born into a organization that is designed to protect the crown. As a spy he plays two sides of the field. He is known for being cold hearted. He does his job well until the moment he meets Ilsa. He recognizes that, sometimes we simply amount to what we’ve always been destined to become.
He is scared all over his body, but she can see past the scars, down to the man he really is. She is scared on the inside, because of the choices that she has made.
They are fire and ice, “I breathe, you inhale, and we both go up in flames.”
I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
So I’m going to be a bit of an outlier in this opinion, but I don’t think this book qualifies as an enemies-to-lovers romance. Yeah I know, but let me explain. Saxon and Isla are on different sides of a war, this is true. Do they have some altercations and disagreements at the beginning of their relationship? Sure. However, their “enemies” relationship is very mild and I would argue that a few disagreements does not an enemy make. They spend the vast majority of this book as unlikely allies who reluctantly work together for the same cause. Well, at least one of them thinks they are working for the same end result.
This book is much better suited as being classified as a Suspense, Romantic Suspense, or even Political Suspense. Luis does a great job of laying the ground work for her dystopian/urban fantasy-ish alternative reality of present day England. This isn’t the England that we all know. I really liked that she took something we are all so familiar with, the English royal family, and turned it completely on its head. I also really enjoyed Saxon and Isla. They were a perfect balance to eachother, the “fire and ice” that makes up each of them individually was great. While Saxon and Isla get their HEA the overall story arc ends in a cliffhanger. I’m interested to see where the Broken Crown trilogy takes us next with book two, Sound of Madness.