Atramentum et Telum Pulvis
About
My entire life I’ve been blinded by distrust, forever damaged by the selfish choices of those meant to choose me first. Finding my father at the bottom of a bottle while my mother sneaked around with another man obliterated all my foolish hopes for a happy family.
It’s only fitting that I stay in Lost Hope. Twenty years later, my mother’s betrayal still smarts against my skin. The steel walls around my heart are reinforced when my son is abandoned at birth by his own mother; and my distrust in women cements.
Until an unexpected Thanksgiving dinner ends with HER in the close-confines of my car.
Quiet, reserved, and impossibly beautiful, she puts a spell on me.
Between my deep-rooted obsession and her innocent curiosity, we strike a deal. A one-night deal that ends with the sunrise.
Except... one taste is not enough. My instincts to run away fade into nothingness with every stolen glance and possessive touch. Her lips are forbidden to me, yet all I think about.
I may wear a badge, but I’m no wallflower’s knight in shining armor.
So what does it say about me when all I want is to destroy the wallflower of Lost Hope with my love?
Atramentum et Telum Pulvis is the third book in the Lost Hope series of interconnected standalone novels. It's a single dad romance with a pinch of suspense, complete with HEA, and a cliff-hanger introducing book four of the series. This book is intended for readers 18+, with explicit scenes, mature language, touching on sensitive topics, and more.
Praise for this book
Knowing that Book 2 would follow the sweet, soft Maevis and the charming, adorable Tatum had me salivating to read it as soon as I finished Lege et Lacrima.
Starting off with a wallop, Vanilla shows us another side of love. The love that's not always easy, not always sunshine and rainbows, but runs deep, burrowing into the heart until it takes it over completely. Vanilla explores vulnerability and trauma, heartbreak and forgiveness, and the bonds of found family. Nothing about this book is shallow or superficial. Every character, every moment, takes a hold of you and refuses to let go.
Once again, Alina was able to capture raw, powerful emotions, and then soothe it over with comforting characters and sweet, heartfelt moments of joy. I cried a lot and laughed even more thanks to the rollercoaster of feelings this book elicits. Come fully prepared with a box of tissues, some cupcakes, and a cozy blanket, because once you settle in to read Vanilla, you aren't going to want to move for a long time.
Now two of Alina's books hold a spot in my Top Reads of 2024, and I cannot wait for Book 3, because I'm sure it'll be joining their ranks.
I Love Her Books!
Anything she writes, I have to read 🫶🏻
Maddox, so far, is the most misunderstood man but he is also loved by those who understand him. When I read about him in the first book, I didn't know that he would get a book too but reading about him in his own book, I understood him better, where he was coming from. Maddox is a beautiful person but he is afraid he would hurt someone or someone would hurt him and so he maintains his distance from them, which fuels to the misunderstandings others have about him. The only people to see good in him were Ryker and Sawyer.
Sawyer and Maddox are no different. She is passionate and loves kids. She is surrounded by strong men but gets all her strength from her mother.
The story of these two people is filled with beautiful moments, passion, love and of course spice but it is also angsty and a little heartbreaking.Definitely recommended to those who want a touch of darkness in their books and want to be in the journey of two people who realise how much they mean to each other.
Alina does it once again, delivering a 5-star well-written read that is thrilling, passionate and intense. The romance and spice fit the storyline perfectly, and the wonderful dialog adds laughter and emotions to a strong cast of characters that I love visiting and connecting with. Which all makes this series one to read and enjoy. It is so easy to recommend this book and the entire series.
I didn't think it was possible. I thought, no way will she make me care for Maddox. He's too much of a playboy jerk. Well, I'm eating my words. This book was so freaking good, and I need the next one, like, now! *Grabby hands*