“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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#absolutelyruined! I’ve been trying to form actual words for this review for over an hour. This book is unlike any royal romance you will ever read. If you think you know what you are getting your self into by opening that first page I will tell you that you are very very wrong! This book had me feeling so many emotions. These characters will pull you under their spell from the start! Just when you think “oh no they aren’t going to do that” or “that won’t actually happen” it flipping does and your jumping out of your seat! This book made me cry for something I didn’t even know was possible in real life let alone from reading it in a book. Saxon and Isla are both heartbreakingly beautiful! They had me scared, mad, always on edge, crying happy tears and sad tears. This book is honestly unlike anything I’ve ever read. I seriously didn’t want to ever put it down. Maria put so so much detail in this story and the characters. You can really picture everything! I already plan to pick this book right back up and read it again! I never want this book hangover to end….until book 2 that is.
TOP READ OF 2020!
So this review is probably going to be on the short side cuz this book is just incredible and I don’t want to give anything away! With that being said….
Everything about this book was amazing! Just the perfect amount of dark and suspense. Gosh this book was everything.
From the way Saxon and Isla meet. To the way Saxon is as a person, all dark, brooding and mysterious. And Isla was such a surprise for me. She wasn’t what I was expecting her to turn out to be. But the two of them together was the best. I just loved Saxon and how he was with Isla.
Everyone needs to read this book. We get a HEA and it is t a cliffy but leaves you wondering what book 2 is gonna be like!
5⃣
let me tell ya, I had to walk away for a minute from that first sex scene lol!!
recommendation!
I breathe, you inhale and we both go up in flames
And that’s exactly what I did, go up in flames beacuse this book was STRAIGHT UP FIRE
I was hooked from the very first page and found that this book was everything I didn’t even know I was craving and more. It was gripping, exciting, addicting and intense. It was full of violence, murder, passion, intrigue, steam and political struggles relvoing the British Monarchy.
Saxon was cold, distant and guarded. He was so very stubborn, grumpy and indifferent and often infuriating but for some reason this is my very favourite type of Hero and I fell hard and fast for him as did Isla.
He was conflicted with his loyalty and moral compass but he was also focused and determined to the point that he constantly underestimated Isla’s capability to be just as ruthless and cold as him and misjudged her from the get go.
Isla was strong, sassy, stubborn, vengeful, loyal yet broken and plagued by grief and tragedy. She takes on the responsibility to protect and care for her siblings after they lose their parents. She is a total BADASS. She wasn’t perfect and had many moments of naivete and doesn’t always think rationally before acting which usually lands her in dangerous situations but she is so incredibly tough and passionate and quite possibly one of my favourite heroines I’ve read recently . She is a true fighter.
Together Saxon & Isla were the best combination of two strong, stubborn individuals who were so similar yet completely different. I loved how they both went toe to toe with each other every single time. The banter, the fire, the heat and passion between these two sizzled. The entire story takes place over a 2 week period so their relationship was definitely fast paced but I didn’t mind one single bit.
She turned to fire and I turned to Ice
From the beginning til the end this story had me on the edge of my seat with feelings of nervousness and unease with not knowing what was going to happen next but I absolutely loved every minute of this book and if this were a movie I feel like I would rewatch it over and over again.
This is book 1 in a series of interconnected standalones with a storyline that will carry on through each book and ended on a soft cliffhanger that leads us into book 2 and I WANT IT NOW!!
My first read by this author and I’m seriously drawn in to where this trilogy will lead. At the beginning it took me a little bit to get into but I’m seriously glad I stuck with it. The steam between Isla and Saxon was just wow, Maria definitely knows how to write some smoking hot scenes. The storyline just pulled me right in, one entertaining and intriguing scene to the next. A definite must read and I’m excited for more!
Right or wrong Saxon has always known that his purpose in life is to protect the crown with no thought about what the personal cost may be. He comes across as withdrawn and arrogant but there is so much more to the him than first appears and he is a man in conflict.
Isla is his opposite as not only does she oppose the crown, but she is fiery, feisty and backs down from nothing and no one. She will do anything for those she loves, and she has learnt that the only person she can count on is herself.
From the moment they meet the sparks fly. They know that anything between them is a disaster in the making but what happens when their heads tell them to keep their distance, but their hearts tell them to stay?
This story takes you on quite the adventure filled with twists, intrigue and a love too strong to be denied.
This book blew me away in the best way! This is everything I love in a book—angsty, emotional, hard-won romance, great characters, twisty plots that keep me guessing at who is pulling the strings from the shadows, and all the excitement, action, and danger that keeps me burning the midnight oil for just one more chapter because I have to know what comes next! This series is already amazing but I can’t wait to see where this world and these characters go next. I’m really looking forward to getting inside Damien’s head and getting a peek into his notorious madness in the next book.
Spies, deceit, revenge—all of it weaves together in the most beautiful and enthralling way in Road to Fire against the backdrop of London. You can feel the love of history rooted in every detail on the page. Maria Luis has created a world that not only swallowed me, but made me want to dive in to never come back out! I loved this book from start to finish. It’s enemies to lovers set on fire with two characters who are incredible fighters who will go to the ends of the earth not only for their family and their individual causes, but for each other and that is a beautiful treat to watch unfold as they fall for each other in such heart-aching stolen moments. The tension between Isla and Saxon is mind-meltingly good, the two of them are like a powder keg waiting to go off. And once they do, damn. It’s something.
Isla herself is such a perfect heroine! She doesn’t take anyone’s crap, she holds her own, she’s a confident badass (that chokehold!!) She’s headstrong in her beliefs and hardened by the cards life dealt her, but at her core she is such a warm glowing light, the exact sort of light needed to thaw someone as hard-hearted as Saxon and his ice. I think I broke my kindle highlighter over their lines to/about each each other. And Saxon, ohhhh boy, Saxon! He is downright swoon-worthy, sexy, and capable. But he melts for Isla, and when he lets her in? My heart has never swooned so hard as it did at Saxon’s struggle in learning to accept love.
Road to Fire is a raw, emotional work of art. The plot is thrilling and tightly tied together. The secrets and lies collapse in a dance so beautifully crafted that you can’t look away, you have to know more, need to know what happens to Isla and Saxon. This book was such a gripping, immersive, twisty, page-turning read that left me with the best kind of book hangover as soon as I reached the end. This series is going to shoot to the top of my favorites and will linger in my mind for a long time to come. If you’re looking for your next addictive adventure, Road to Fire is it!
“Sacrificed, splintered, and forever altered.”
I had a really hard time connecting with this book. Typically, this is my kind of jam with the alpha hole, the fiery heroine, and the back and forth but for some reason, I couldn’t get into it.
I’ll definitely try to read the next book but I just don’t think this is my story. I’ll always be a fan of Maria. Just not my story.
“Who are you really, Saxon Priest?”
This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The tension, the grit, the FIRE! Isla is one of the most badass heroines I’ve ever met. And she needed an equally badass hero. That’s who Saxon Priest really is. He’s Isla’s match in every sense if the word. I literally cried with them, laughed with them and loved with them. It took me four days to read because I wanted to savor every single second. I don’t even know how to function after that. I can not wait until I get to read SOM. And if you think Damien is yours, I already licked him!
This book took me awhile to get into, but I think that’s more from the fact that monarchy stories aren’t my favorite troupe anyway. That being said, I did love Saxon and Isla. Two tortured souls fighting two sides of the same war. Their chemistry and loyalty in an unfair situation had my heart aching. I can’t wait to see what happens with them and the other Priest brothers in the next books.
Road to Fire was the first book I’ve read by Maria Luis. I have several of her books but I haven’t had the time to read any of them yet. But something made me want to read this book and I’m so glad I gave it a chance! This book perfectly melded the high stakes of a thriller or fantasy novel with romance. Neither overshadowed the other or made it feel as if something was happening at a time it shouldn’t be happening. I was hooked on this book from the first page and it was hard to put down. I loved the gritty, dark element of the whole novel. I liked seeing how Maria created an alternate reality of London and made it feel so real. The landmarks stood out and I felt as if I was in the city and could picture everything perfectly.
The characters were amazing in this book. I loved Saxon, Isla, Guy, Damien, Peter, and Josie. And even some of the side characters we only saw a few times that were apart of Holyrood. I enjoyed how dark and cold Saxon was because from the beginning we knew why. It wasn’t just who he wanted to be. We learn what happened to him when he was eight in the prologue and then as the book progresses we also learn of the other things he had to endure growing up. He was passionate and loyal and really would do anything for the people he loved. I guess I did not understand the Priest brothers’ loyalty to the crown. It’s only brought them pain and heartache but they continued to do it’s bidding. Saxon’s refusal to go against the crown and monarchy annoyed me, especially in the end. He finally came around but man did it take a while.
Isla was a hoot. She was strong, fierce, reckless, thoughtless at times, and funny. I loved how she cracked jokes or was sarcastic in the most inopportune times. She did what she had to do to keep her younger brother and sister safe after losing her parents a few years ago. When she loved, she loved hard and would do anything for those she cared for. But, she didn’t think things through. She didn’t understand the consequences of her actions. She did things for the right reasons but she somehow didn’t predict what could happen based on what she decided to do. Sometimes she was also naive in ways that just didn’t make any sense. Those things didn’t change how I felt about her overall but were frustrating at times.
Isla siblings annoyed me to no end. They acted like typical, judgmental teenagers at times as if their world isn’t being torn apart and their sister is trying to shield them from that world. I understood that their behavior had a lot to do with grief and fear as well. They loved their older sister and seeing the bond between the siblings was nice. Guy was a prick and I can’t wait to learn more about his story. I’m excited about his book. I don’t feel like I got to see a lot of Damien but he seemed kind-hearted and just wanted to do the right thing. I’m excited to learn more about him and read his book as well!
Road to Fire was a masterpiece filled with action, intrigue, gritty darkness, and steamy hot romance and I’m happy I had the honor of reading an early copy. I am now a fan of Maria Luis and will devour everything she writes as soon as I get the chance! I’m waiting on the edge of my seat to read Sound of Madness.
Another Fantastic Read from Maria Luis
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. I really enjoyed reading the brilliant “Road to Fire” by Maria Luis. If you are looking for a great, gripping book to read you want to read this. It has an enjoyable, well written, intriguing story and the great, interesting characters kept me glued to this book. I really loved their story. Their interaction and chemistry was engaging and addictive, I was engrossed, I couldn’t put it down. Yet another fantastic book from Maria Luis.
This book. It’s taken me hours to find words and I’m still not sure I’m there yet. I approached reading this with both excitement and hesitancy. I love reading romantic suspense, but this wasn’t a typical Maria Luis genre. Holy moly I should not have been worried. Everything this woman writes is amazing.
Saxon and his brothers are sworn to protect the queen. The same as their father before them. It’s been their family duty for a very long time. But all is not what it seems and he has no problem playing the other side. Until Isla.
Isla has the potential to break him. But can you break someone who is already broken and ruined? They are not on the same side. But she doesn’t know that. The heat and passion they feel when they are together cannot be denied.
But Isla has secrets of her own. And when they are revealed, it will be more than either of them bargained for.
Isla – “This isn’t about sex or lust or getting off. It’s something more, something….enigmatic. I breathe, you inhale, and we both go up in flames.”
Ilsa and Saxon are my favorite kind of enemies-to-lovers. The sexual tension they will burn off the pages. It’s dark, HOT, has all the mystery and suspense that everyone will want. And don’t forget all the jaw-dropping moments that will have you beg for more.
Maria has done it again. This is a book that you NEED in your life!!
England is split into two groups one for the queen and one against the queen. Saxon and Ilsa meet and think there on the same side but are they. Saxon is a cold, hard, man and Ilsa is a tough fiery woman. They both know that nothing will happen between them but the attraction is there. Will Saxon freeze Ilsa or will she melt Saxon? There are so many twist and turns in this book and your left on the edge of your seat. All the feels. Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Excellent book.
What did I just read???
Road to Fire by Maria Luis was an absolutely unputdownable, heart pounding read. This book captured my heart, and devoured me.
Saxon is a character who will have you falling love. Seriously, you will love him. He is tough, dark, gritty, and yet, I found him to be emotional as well. Plus, he doesn’t really do relationships. Enter Isla Quinn, who may just completely change Saxon’s world.
When you put these two together, the chemistry is off the charts. The dynamic connection that they share is a work of passion, desire. Right from when they met, I knew that this was going to be a special couple.
This book has so many twists, and turns, and unexpected events, that you will be left hanging on to every word.
This has quickly become my favourite read from Maria. I cannot wait to see what she can come up with next.
5/5 Stars!
This book is written unlike any other by Maria Luis. It is intense, captivating, unpredictable, hot, and so much more. As a reader with Maria from the beginning it has been amazing to watch her grow as a author. As her imagination flies with each series you see that each has been different from the previous. I have loved every book every step of the way. A author you want to follow and keep up with.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series and many more from Maria. This series is not for everyone so please be advised before reading. Thank you Maria for another amazing read!
This book is fire!!! It’s hot, it’s intense, it gives light where there is darkness, it’s smoking and it’s powerful! You need to respect it and appreciate all that it is!
Maria Luis has given us an incredible book! Her passion for history and her incredible writing skills gives readers a book you can’t put down.
Saxon and Isla are quite the story! Saxon’s family history, what’s he does, how he’s broken, he’s so complex. Isla is one of my favorite book heroines! She’s got quite the history herself! She challenges Saxon in the most amazing ways.
The book is full of intense situations and unexpected turns that I could not get enough of. I’ve got over 35 highlights throughout the book. It’s is beautifully written amongst all the angst and grit!
Maria Luis is a beautiful person, my special part about this book is I got to sit in a coffee shop in New Orleans with her and listen to her geek out about her thoughts of writing this book, where it all stemmed from. Watched my husband geek out with her about New Orleans history and reading this book just takes me back to that awesome night!
It’s a top 2020 read and one of my top books of all times because amongst all the chaos in the world…. there really can be happily ever after……. and then you read the last few paragraphs and say….. I NEED BOOK 2 NOW! I can’t wait for the next books in this trilogy.
Since the first mention of this trilogy by Maria Luis, I was hooked! Secrets. Spies. Royals. Traitors. Murderers….sex! I’m in!! Road to Fire hit the road like a high performance race car and did not let up on the gas until the last page. This was a fast-paced ride that had me gripping my kindle and wondering where this story would go next. All the feels in this dark, gritty read where loyalties are tested. Bonds are formed and love blooms under the most unlikely of circumstances. Saxon and Isla found something in each other that they where missing in themselves. “I was cold until you. Numb. Like the skin the king scarred, like my heart that wouldn’t beat. One touch from you – one kiss – and you’ve left me burning, still.”. I can’t wait to see where Maria will take us in the next installment of this intoxicatingly gritty series.
My Rating: ***
Type: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Narration: Dual POV
Primary Characters: Saxon and Isla
Source: Courtesy of Author/ Publisher – ARC
Review
Honestly this book was hard to rate, it started a wee bit slowly for my taste. I thought it will pick up, but as book progressed somehow it became difficult to connect with current world scenario. I understood and liked the concept but connecting and getting attached to the story became tough for me.
Saxon and Isla were good together, their banter was great, anti-loyalist vs loyalist was also good, but not realistic. Isla’s reasoning to be what she is or why she became an anti-loyalist was driven by rage and nothing else. She wouldn’t question herself. Same goes with Saxon, even though he has questions we can understand his binding to crown, but I couldn’t relate it with Isla.
Too much of internal monologue between the main protagonists and this took too much time between conversation and by the time conversation continues back, I forgot what the question was or what conversation is going on, it literally made me to go back and see what was going on.
Secondary Characters – I was more intrigued with Guy than Damien. Peter and Josie seemed more mature than Isla in some scenarios.
Overall, it has a spy, murder, suspense, democracy Vs Monarchy, Loyalty Vs anti-loyalty group everything surrounding a kingdom. If you can ignore the internal monolog and if you can connect and imagine this kingdom story to real world then this is for you.
Full review: http://meander23.com/2020/05/03/road-to-firebroken-crown-1-by-maria-luis/
Check out other reviews here: https://meander23.com
My poor heart Maria Luis!!! You totally wrecked me. I was drawn to this like a moth to a flame. I love this story so so much and I could not get enough of it.
Maria Luis “BRAVO” you did it again delivering another super star story that is pack with so much action, mystery, betrayal and lies but also its full of love and trust and finally *ahem* so many sexy scenes that were mind blowing hot.
“I breath, You inhale and We both go up in flames” (how amazing is this line )
Ilsa and Saxon have become on of my favorite couples EVER! Enemy to Lovers, their relationship its so intense and consuming and their story so freaking awesome.
My heart goes for Saxon, he is the antihero I want and need in my life. I can’t wait for whats next in the series.