Sound of Madness: An Enemies To Lovers Royal Romance (Broken Crown Book 2)

Fans of Maria Luis have eagerly awaited this book since Road To Fire hit our e-readers. That wait has not been in vain. No, Luis has crafted the second book in the Broken Crown Trilogy with the finesse of an orchestral conductor directing an intricate piece by Mozart. This isn't any book, it's filled with secrets, lies and betrayal, and it's waiting for you, to consume you, heart and soul. This is Sound Of Madness. The Mad Priest, Damien Godwin, is the youngest of the infamous Priest brothers, chained and collared by the bounty on his head, and now banished to Holyrood. The truth of his life has been shaped by a cruel hand. Protect the Crown, to be a weapon, to expect no mercy. All of this has brought him to the brink of madness. Damien is no hero. He has blood on his hands, soiled in service to the Crown. And yet his soul screams in silence for another way, another life. He wants. He desires. He craves. A strong woman, not one to be cowed by any man, least of all Damien, is Rowena. This is a woman who has survived by her keen intelligence, honed by betrayal and deceit. But the betrayal and abuse of her youth has taught her how to navigate in a world where the language of secrets is currency. In this, she is fluent. Rowena is no simpering damsel in distress, she's not waiting for anyone to save her, least of all Damien. Beautifully flawed characters, damaged but not broken by the circumstances of their birth, at the hands of others, and by choice. By choice, these two choose to come together. And when Damien and Rowena come together, it's not the glib, sweet love of fairytales. No, they collide like two celestial bodies meeting in the vacuum of space. Their love is ferocious in its need. Their dialogue is like swordplay in its thrust and parry. The power play of desire between them is frankly seductive. They fill the void of darkness in each other. And when a world stood between them, they each lived their vow to one another; I will always come for you. I don't like to use the word epic, I find that it's used too often in daily conversation when other words would serve just as well. That said, this book is just that, epic. Epic for its scope, it's infinitesimal focus of setting and of a plot that spans centuries, of its design, description and wordsmith. It is a masterpiece of work. Sound Of Madness ends as it begins, in a London in chaos, with Damien and Rowena at its center. All the pieces of Maria Luis's chess board are now in play. The next move is in the hands of a mastermind, and we can only imagine and wait.

To understand how I feel about this amazing body of work, I need to share something. This is an aųthor I’ve been with since her first book, and we're now at number fifteen. Luıs is great at the snarky, hilarious, smexy romcom, and her dabble to the dark side is decądent and oh so delicious. But the more I get to know her work, the more of an enigma she becomes. This lady has some serious hidden depths, y'all, and she has now set the bar impossibly high with this book. I’m still in shock, just having finished reading, and I don’t even know how to classify it. First of all, its phenomenal, and unlike anything you’ve ever read. Romance, yes, but with a historical backdrop, because, let’s face it. You really can’t have a book set in London about loyalists to the monarchy without the influence of the history and the amazing, centuries-old architecture. But then it’s also equal parts angsty drama, nail-biting suspense, and mind-bending psychological thriller. Full of twısts, turns and shocking surprises, just when you think you know what's happening, along comes another zinger to mess with your mind in the most insidious, maddening, and wıckedly delightful way. Then there is the physicality of London with its famous landmarks. I’ll just say that merry ole England will never be the same once Ms. Luıs is finished with it. Let the devąstation and carnąge commence! Of course we have to talk about Damien and Rowena. Oh my heart! I can't even with these two! The things Luıs puts them through on their tortųrous journey to forever! Secrets, lies, deceit and trust are at the heart of it all, but bąttered, tòrn and bròken, they somehow survive it all, and you can’t help but cheer them along every step of the way. Their souls could be as evıl and black as that of the Devil himself, and they would still have you eating out of their hands. If you love a good enemies to lovers, this book is the pinnacle of that trope. Never were any two enemies ever as enemied as Damien Priest and Rowena Carrigan. This is the second book in the Broken Crown trilogy, and you should probably read the first book, Road to Fire, before starting this one. While Luıs does an excellent job of filling in the blanks so you’re not lost coming in at this point, the beginning of this book is an epic spoiler for the end of the previous book, so fair warning. If you’re ready for something different, and I mean something like you’ve never seen before, run to the 1-Click now. It's an epic romance between two immensely improbable but perfectly suited souls who are beąten and brokęn countless times and survive insurmountable odds to find their forever love. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride that whıps and drops and loops, leaving you gasping for breath. And it's a masterful thriller that seduces your psyche only to taunt and twıst and manipulate it, leaving you questioning reality altogether. It is magnificent, extraordinary and unsurpassed, and definitely this author's most accomplished work to date. If you miss this book, you will have missed your best read of the year, because this one is truly in a league of its own.

WHAT. THE. HECK!!!!!! I just finished an incredible story that has left my mind spinning, twisting and contemplating!! Sound of Madness has been on my list of my most anticipated book this year, ever since the mind blowing cliffhanger at the end of Road to Fire. I have just finished reading and I’M NOT OKAY! Maria Luis has definitely come out to play with book 2 in the Broken Crown Trilogy. I'm trying to unscramble my brain to formulate a coherent review. So excuse the ramblings below... My mind is completely blown away by what I’ve just finished reading. It messed with my heart and my head! It was absolutely magnificent. Filled to the brim with political intrigue and a riveting storyline, I was glued to my seat the entire time! The secrets, lies and the intrigue were mind boggling. Damien and Rowena’s story gutted me, it rocked me to my very core, and it tortured me. I must be a glutton for punishment because I loved Every. Single. Word. They are both so freaking compelling and memorable I couldn’t help but love them. And together, they’re electric. Explosive. Incendiary. They were pure perfection! From the beginning until 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, yet I absolutely loved single every minute. Sound of Madness is phenomenal. It’s thrilling. It’s insanely sexy and suspenseful. A complete package. I was enamoured with these amazing and layered characters and blown away with the premise of the story. Maria has left me guessing and questioning while I fall deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole. It’s twisted and so damn addictive. She’s laid the perfect foundation for the final part of this trilogy and I seriously can’t wait to see what she has in store. I had such a hard time putting this one down and I’m dying to pick up the third and final book after being smacked in the face with the craziest of cliffhanger endings!! And I’m obsessed with this evil genius, wicked, brilliant mind of hers. I bow down to this gifted author!

I am so NOT okay. SOM has caused some major tear shedding for me. Damien and Rowana are most definitely my favorite characters so far, and that says a lot because I didn’t think anyone could steal my heart from Saxon and Isla. These two characters have touched me in a way that I won’t soon forget. As a matter of fact I know I will be thinking of them in the days and weeks to come. Their story was raw and visceral at its core. The characters flawed, complex and that just made it gut-wrenching and my Damien and Rowan imperfectly perfect in my eyes. I wanted nothing more than to be transported into this amazing fictional world Maria Luis created and see how I fared when I joined the alliance I most certainly would have aligned with, because I love them so! Damien and Rowena are absolutely hands down my favorite characters in this series. Both of these beautiful characters were no strangers to tragedy, the world around intent on breaking them but they remained the picture, the embodiment of perseverance. I’m not going to give away any specifics because #SpoilersSuck, but their journey has touched me in ways that I will never be the same. “Broken, but never defeated,” They have clawed, chewed, scratched and fought for their version of redemption. Redemption and strength beyond comprehension when you look at all they have endured, found because they found each other. Both flawed and scarred by their past found acceptance and love on one another. They found strength to go on when they wanted to lay down and give in. The kind of strength that comes from finding the other half of your soul. That person willing to breach the gates of hell and duke it out with the devil himself, with no regard for their own self, just to rescue the other from a fate such a death. GAH!! The tears and the begging I did for these two. My heart splintered over and over again, because the odds were continuously stacked against them. “I wanted to live”...“but never could I have predicted you.”...“I wanted happiness and you drove away the darkness.” Will Damien and Rowena be able to overcome all the obstacles they have in their way to have a chance at being together and finding freedom from the shackles that have bound them to the darkness once and for all? Well… you will have to read to find out. So grab some wine, tissues, chocolate and a blanket and settle in for this unforgettable, unputdownable second book on the Broken Crown Trilogy. I’m already super anticipating book three. Cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐️- MY HEART!! This book O-M-G.. Action, secrets , suspense, angst, hot sexy times, so much heart, banter, blood and sweat, tears, fight scenes, forgiveness, revenge, and frustration, lies on top of lies! These characters have my heart. FOREVER. Their growth together and separate was phenomenal. These characters are LIFE!💀💀! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥-Holy Hades Y’all!! Damien and Rowena were hurt and healing perfection! Damien was alpha AF and Rowena took everything he had to give and gave back when he needed it. This was sexy, dirty, raw, and rough love makin’. There are melted hearts, panties and kindles all across the world because of this book. (Maria’s not even sorry either y’all) 🌪Cliffhanger Warning-🌪🌪There is a storyline cliffy, but our beautiful couple get an ending I was happy with! 😍 🔫 Trigger Warning-This book is a Dark romance feel and does have violent scenes that could be considered triggers for some. If you have concerns you can PM for more information.

Speechless!!!! This book is like reading a “classic “. The story, descriptions, and details are so vivid, I truly felt like I was there with them. Damien and Rowena are each perfectly flawed and perfect for one another. Each one totally devoted to their “duty”. I highlighted so many quotes in this book, more than any other I’ve ever read. It looks like a textbook and I’m cramming for a final exam. The storyline is gripping, the characters are addicting and I have the biggest book hangover ever. I cannot wait until book 3 of this trilogy gets here. Prepare yourself, this book is simply a masterpiece. It contains suspense, intrigue and smoking hot romance. Bravo Maria Luis, I kneel at your feet!

Sound of Madness has been my most anticipated book ever since I finished Road to Fire earlier this year. I just finished SOM and I'm trying to get my brain to quit scrambling long enough to form a cohesive review. I will start this off by saying IT'S EVERYTHING WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR AND MORE! I want to leave a review without any spoilers and this feels an almost impossible task but I will try! We pick up immediately where we left off in RTF. We are introduced to our heroine, Rowena and what a BAD ASS! Her and Damien are fire from their very first meeting and their intensity and passion bleed through the pages. We are given some answers and left with so many more! The political games that are played are as much a character as the rest. Loyalties are constantly questioned and tested and it's proved over and over what you will do to save someone you love. While reading RTF I felt like my heart was in my throat the whole time, while reading SOM, the angsty knots in my stomach NEVER let up! Maria kept us in the same world with totally different tones and feelings between brothers. I'm seriously amazed at what her brain has come up with and how she has done it! The Broken Crown world is now forever one of my favorites and I need Guy's book NOW! "Long live the Queen"

Sound of Madness by is one major rollercoaster of a ride, and my mind is blown. "I would rather die trying to live than die knowing that I never tried at all." Damien and Rowena are two completely broken and damaged characters who've somehow managed to find one another in the midst of a war. These two broke my heart into a million jagged pieces, and it HURT. So much. Having lived a life as a pawn, Rowena has spent the past decade living life on her own terms. Damien believes himself to be nothing more than a villain and a monster, the Mad Priest; the one who lost his soul a long time ago. But for her? For her, he will break and be every bit the hero - one who would chase her to the ends of the earth, be her shield, and cut down anyone who dares hurt her. "I'll walk through darkness with you and I'll dance in the pits of hell at your side..." SoM is one bombshell after another. And though it is a long one, it is filled with so much action and intrigue, I barely noticed. A crown. Political warfare. Lies and treachery abound until it is no longer clear which side is on the right. So much deceit and death. It is amazing how one decision can create a chain of reactions resulting in irreparable damage and absolute chaos. Friends, after Road to Fire, we thought we knew. But we didn't. We weren't even close to knowing or even remotely prepared for the absolute carnage that is Sound of Madness. And while many secrets are revealed, they only manage to create more layers of uncertainty. I'm eagerly awaiting A New King, because Guy? Man. Both he and Mags have a heck of a lot of redeeming to do, and I'm excited to see how this plays out.

Let’s face the facts… many trilogies have a middle book slump. The book is needed to move the story forward, but they tend to miss the excitement of the first or epicness of the final books. Kudos to Luis because she managed not only to beat this trend but also smashed it and sent the crumbs flying. I was a conspiracy theorist and wanted Damien with Margaret. Now I know how silly I really am. I’m fully team Rowien (what I’m calling them - unless I have I missed the naming?) This book is FIERCE. And yes, the capitals are needed. I’m going against my norm with Maria Luis’ books and won’t wax poetic for days. Wait, I will, just not in this particular review. All that needs to be said is you need this book in your life. Without this perfectly written masterpiece of dynamic, mind-blowing, and steamy ball of all the yeses in your life, you are not whole. Dramatic - yes. But true - heck, yes!!!! Do yourself a favor: click the button, settle in, and read. Just be prepared — you absolutely will have a book hangover in a significant way.

Sound of Madness was an excellent addition to the Broken Crown world that Maria created in Road to Fire. She is an excellent wordsmith; painting vivid imagery and characters with her words! It felt like I was watching a movie play out while reading this series! This is Damien's story, the Mad Priest, and it picks up right after the events of Road to Fire and doesn't let up. My heart broke for Damien multiple times in this book. This poor man just cannot catch a break and has succumbed to the fate that he has been dealt with. (I don't normally cry when reading books but there's a scene towards the end of the book where I choked up because it was so heartbreaking.) Damien definitely surpassed Saxon as my favorite Broken Crown hero! I loved how beautiful, fierce and strong Rowena is. I loved how, even from the beginning when they were on opposite sides of the table, it was like their souls recognized their other half. I loved how Rowena showed Damien that there was something to fight for and I loved that they not only fought alongside each other but for each other. This is a beautiful story tied up in the intrigue and suspense of a London thrown into chaos. The story does end on a cliffhanger but don't let that stop you from reading this excellent book/series! Anxiously counting down the days, months to Guy's story!

This was a journey that had more twists and turns than you could imagine. Just when you think that you knew where the story was going there goes the next curve ball. I laughed, cried, really ugly cried wanted to throw the iPad across the room... all the emotions but it was worth it. To finally get to see Damien the Mad Priest fall in love was amazing. Rowena gives as good as she gets, is a true warrior goes toe to toe with him and never gives up. They both have such damaging childhoods it is good to see them both heal as the book progresses. We finally get to see glimpses of the “Boy genius with the heart of Gold” that Saxon always used to talk about. They both make each other better people when they are together. I can not recommend this book enough. Maria you have done it again! I can not wait for Guy and Mags book!! 😉

Fans of Maria Luis have eagerly awaited this book since Road To Fire hit our e-readers. That wait has not been in vain. No, Luis has crafted the second book in the Broken Crown Trilogy with the finesse of an orchestral conductor directing an intricate piece by Mozart. This isn't any book, it's filled with secrets, lies and betrayal, and it's waiting for you, to consume you, heart and soul. This is Sound Of Madness. The Mad Priest, Damien Godwin, is the youngest of the infamous Priest brothers, chained and collared by the bounty on his head, and now banished to Holyrood. The truth of his life has been shaped by a cruel hand. Protect the Crown, to be a weapon, to expect no mercy. All of this has brought him to the brink of madness. Damien is no hero. He has blood on his hands, soiled in service to the Crown. And yet his soul screams in silence for another way, another life. He wants. He desires. He craves. A strong woman, not one to be cowed by any man, least of all Damien, is Rowena. This is a woman who has survived by her keen intelligence, honed by betrayal and deceit. But the betrayal and abuse of her youth has taught her how to navigate in a world where the language of secrets is currency. In this, she is fluent. Rowena is no simpering damsel in distress, she's not waiting for anyone to save her, least of all Damien. Beautifully flawed characters, damaged but not broken by the circumstances of their birth, at the hands of others, and by choice. By choice, these two choose to come together. And when Damien and Rowena come together, it's not the glib, sweet love of fairytales. No, they collide like two celestial bodies meeting in the vacuum of space. Their love is ferocious in its need. Their dialogue is like swordplay in its thrust and parry. The power play of desire between them is frankly seductive. They fill the void of darkness in each other. And when a world stood between them, they each lived their vow to one another; I will always come for you. I don't like to use the word epic, I find that it's used too often in daily conversation when other words would serve just as well. That said, this book is just that, epic. Epic for its scope, it's infinitesimal focus of setting and of a plot that spans centuries, of its design, description and wordsmith. It is a masterpiece of work. Sound Of Madness ends as it begins, in a London in chaos, with Damien and Rowena at its center. All the pieces of Maria Luis's chess board are now in play. The next move is in the hands of a mastermind, and we can only imagine and wait.

To understand how I feel about this amazing body of work, I need to share something. This is an aųthor I’ve been with since her first book, and we're now at number fifteen. Luıs is great at the snarky, hilarious, smexy romcom, and her dabble to the dark side is decądent and oh so delicious. But the more I get to know her work, the more of an enigma she becomes. This lady has some serious hidden depths, y'all, and she has now set the bar impossibly high with this book. I’m still in shock, just having finished reading, and I don’t even know how to classify it. First of all, its phenomenal, and unlike anything you’ve ever read. Romance, yes, but with a historical backdrop, because, let’s face it. You really can’t have a book set in London about loyalists to the monarchy without the influence of the history and the amazing, centuries-old architecture. But then it’s also equal parts angsty drama, nail-biting suspense, and mind-bending psychological thriller. Full of twısts, turns and shocking surprises, just when you think you know what's happening, along comes another zinger to mess with your mind in the most insidious, maddening, and wıckedly delightful way. Then there is the physicality of London with its famous landmarks. I’ll just say that merry ole England will never be the same once Ms. Luıs is finished with it. Let the devąstation and carnąge commence! Of course we have to talk about Damien and Rowena. Oh my heart! I can't even with these two! The things Luıs puts them through on their tortųrous journey to forever! Secrets, lies, deceit and trust are at the heart of it all, but bąttered, tòrn and bròken, they somehow survive it all, and you can’t help but cheer them along every step of the way. Their souls could be as evıl and black as that of the Devil himself, and they would still have you eating out of their hands. If you love a good enemies to lovers, this book is the pinnacle of that trope. Never were any two enemies ever as enemied as Damien Priest and Rowena Carrigan. This is the second book in the Broken Crown trilogy, and you should probably read the first book, Road to Fire, before starting this one. While Luıs does an excellent job of filling in the blanks so you’re not lost coming in at this point, the beginning of this book is an epic spoiler for the end of the previous book, so fair warning. If you’re ready for something different, and I mean something like you’ve never seen before, run to the 1-Click now. It's an epic romance between two immensely improbable but perfectly suited souls who are beąten and brokęn countless times and survive insurmountable odds to find their forever love. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride that whıps and drops and loops, leaving you gasping for breath. And it's a masterful thriller that seduces your psyche only to taunt and twıst and manipulate it, leaving you questioning reality altogether. It is magnificent, extraordinary and unsurpassed, and definitely this author's most accomplished work to date. If you miss this book, you will have missed your best read of the year, because this one is truly in a league of its own.

WHAT. THE. HECK!!!!!! I just finished an incredible story that has left my mind spinning, twisting and contemplating!! Sound of Madness has been on my list of my most anticipated book this year, ever since the mind blowing cliffhanger at the end of Road to Fire. I have just finished reading and I’M NOT OKAY! Maria Luis has definitely come out to play with book 2 in the Broken Crown Trilogy. I'm trying to unscramble my brain to formulate a coherent review. So excuse the ramblings below... My mind is completely blown away by what I’ve just finished reading. It messed with my heart and my head! It was absolutely magnificent. Filled to the brim with political intrigue and a riveting storyline, I was glued to my seat the entire time! The secrets, lies and the intrigue were mind boggling. Damien and Rowena’s story gutted me, it rocked me to my very core, and it tortured me. I must be a glutton for punishment because I loved Every. Single. Word. They are both so freaking compelling and memorable I couldn’t help but love them. And together, they’re electric. Explosive. Incendiary. They were pure perfection! From the beginning until 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, yet I absolutely loved single every minute. Sound of Madness is phenomenal. It’s thrilling. It’s insanely sexy and suspenseful. A complete package. I was enamoured with these amazing and layered characters and blown away with the premise of the story. Maria has left me guessing and questioning while I fall deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole. It’s twisted and so damn addictive. She’s laid the perfect foundation for the final part of this trilogy and I seriously can’t wait to see what she has in store. I had such a hard time putting this one down and I’m dying to pick up the third and final book after being smacked in the face with the craziest of cliffhanger endings!! And I’m obsessed with this evil genius, wicked, brilliant mind of hers. I bow down to this gifted author!

I am so NOT okay. SOM has caused some major tear shedding for me. Damien and Rowana are most definitely my favorite characters so far, and that says a lot because I didn’t think anyone could steal my heart from Saxon and Isla. These two characters have touched me in a way that I won’t soon forget. As a matter of fact I know I will be thinking of them in the days and weeks to come. Their story was raw and visceral at its core. The characters flawed, complex and that just made it gut-wrenching and my Damien and Rowan imperfectly perfect in my eyes. I wanted nothing more than to be transported into this amazing fictional world Maria Luis created and see how I fared when I joined the alliance I most certainly would have aligned with, because I love them so! Damien and Rowena are absolutely hands down my favorite characters in this series. Both of these beautiful characters were no strangers to tragedy, the world around intent on breaking them but they remained the picture, the embodiment of perseverance. I’m not going to give away any specifics because #SpoilersSuck, but their journey has touched me in ways that I will never be the same. “Broken, but never defeated,” They have clawed, chewed, scratched and fought for their version of redemption. Redemption and strength beyond comprehension when you look at all they have endured, found because they found each other. Both flawed and scarred by their past found acceptance and love on one another. They found strength to go on when they wanted to lay down and give in. The kind of strength that comes from finding the other half of your soul. That person willing to breach the gates of hell and duke it out with the devil himself, with no regard for their own self, just to rescue the other from a fate such a death. GAH!! The tears and the begging I did for these two. My heart splintered over and over again, because the odds were continuously stacked against them. “I wanted to live”...“but never could I have predicted you.”...“I wanted happiness and you drove away the darkness.” Will Damien and Rowena be able to overcome all the obstacles they have in their way to have a chance at being together and finding freedom from the shackles that have bound them to the darkness once and for all? Well… you will have to read to find out. So grab some wine, tissues, chocolate and a blanket and settle in for this unforgettable, unputdownable second book on the Broken Crown Trilogy. I’m already super anticipating book three. Cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐️- MY HEART!! This book O-M-G.. Action, secrets , suspense, angst, hot sexy times, so much heart, banter, blood and sweat, tears, fight scenes, forgiveness, revenge, and frustration, lies on top of lies! These characters have my heart. FOREVER. Their growth together and separate was phenomenal. These characters are LIFE!💀💀! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥-Holy Hades Y’all!! Damien and Rowena were hurt and healing perfection! Damien was alpha AF and Rowena took everything he had to give and gave back when he needed it. This was sexy, dirty, raw, and rough love makin’. There are melted hearts, panties and kindles all across the world because of this book. (Maria’s not even sorry either y’all) 🌪Cliffhanger Warning-🌪🌪There is a storyline cliffy, but our beautiful couple get an ending I was happy with! 😍 🔫 Trigger Warning-This book is a Dark romance feel and does have violent scenes that could be considered triggers for some. If you have concerns you can PM for more information.

Speechless!!!! This book is like reading a “classic “. The story, descriptions, and details are so vivid, I truly felt like I was there with them. Damien and Rowena are each perfectly flawed and perfect for one another. Each one totally devoted to their “duty”. I highlighted so many quotes in this book, more than any other I’ve ever read. It looks like a textbook and I’m cramming for a final exam. The storyline is gripping, the characters are addicting and I have the biggest book hangover ever. I cannot wait until book 3 of this trilogy gets here. Prepare yourself, this book is simply a masterpiece. It contains suspense, intrigue and smoking hot romance. Bravo Maria Luis, I kneel at your feet!

Sound of Madness has been my most anticipated book ever since I finished Road to Fire earlier this year. I just finished SOM and I'm trying to get my brain to quit scrambling long enough to form a cohesive review. I will start this off by saying IT'S EVERYTHING WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR AND MORE! I want to leave a review without any spoilers and this feels an almost impossible task but I will try! We pick up immediately where we left off in RTF. We are introduced to our heroine, Rowena and what a BAD ASS! Her and Damien are fire from their very first meeting and their intensity and passion bleed through the pages. We are given some answers and left with so many more! The political games that are played are as much a character as the rest. Loyalties are constantly questioned and tested and it's proved over and over what you will do to save someone you love. While reading RTF I felt like my heart was in my throat the whole time, while reading SOM, the angsty knots in my stomach NEVER let up! Maria kept us in the same world with totally different tones and feelings between brothers. I'm seriously amazed at what her brain has come up with and how she has done it! The Broken Crown world is now forever one of my favorites and I need Guy's book NOW! "Long live the Queen"

Sound of Madness by is one major rollercoaster of a ride, and my mind is blown. "I would rather die trying to live than die knowing that I never tried at all." Damien and Rowena are two completely broken and damaged characters who've somehow managed to find one another in the midst of a war. These two broke my heart into a million jagged pieces, and it HURT. So much. Having lived a life as a pawn, Rowena has spent the past decade living life on her own terms. Damien believes himself to be nothing more than a villain and a monster, the Mad Priest; the one who lost his soul a long time ago. But for her? For her, he will break and be every bit the hero - one who would chase her to the ends of the earth, be her shield, and cut down anyone who dares hurt her. "I'll walk through darkness with you and I'll dance in the pits of hell at your side..." SoM is one bombshell after another. And though it is a long one, it is filled with so much action and intrigue, I barely noticed. A crown. Political warfare. Lies and treachery abound until it is no longer clear which side is on the right. So much deceit and death. It is amazing how one decision can create a chain of reactions resulting in irreparable damage and absolute chaos. Friends, after Road to Fire, we thought we knew. But we didn't. We weren't even close to knowing or even remotely prepared for the absolute carnage that is Sound of Madness. And while many secrets are revealed, they only manage to create more layers of uncertainty. I'm eagerly awaiting A New King, because Guy? Man. Both he and Mags have a heck of a lot of redeeming to do, and I'm excited to see how this plays out.

Let’s face the facts… many trilogies have a middle book slump. The book is needed to move the story forward, but they tend to miss the excitement of the first or epicness of the final books. Kudos to Luis because she managed not only to beat this trend but also smashed it and sent the crumbs flying. I was a conspiracy theorist and wanted Damien with Margaret. Now I know how silly I really am. I’m fully team Rowien (what I’m calling them - unless I have I missed the naming?) This book is FIERCE. And yes, the capitals are needed. I’m going against my norm with Maria Luis’ books and won’t wax poetic for days. Wait, I will, just not in this particular review. All that needs to be said is you need this book in your life. Without this perfectly written masterpiece of dynamic, mind-blowing, and steamy ball of all the yeses in your life, you are not whole. Dramatic - yes. But true - heck, yes!!!! Do yourself a favor: click the button, settle in, and read. Just be prepared — you absolutely will have a book hangover in a significant way.

Sound of Madness was an excellent addition to the Broken Crown world that Maria created in Road to Fire. She is an excellent wordsmith; painting vivid imagery and characters with her words! It felt like I was watching a movie play out while reading this series! This is Damien's story, the Mad Priest, and it picks up right after the events of Road to Fire and doesn't let up. My heart broke for Damien multiple times in this book. This poor man just cannot catch a break and has succumbed to the fate that he has been dealt with. (I don't normally cry when reading books but there's a scene towards the end of the book where I choked up because it was so heartbreaking.) Damien definitely surpassed Saxon as my favorite Broken Crown hero! I loved how beautiful, fierce and strong Rowena is. I loved how, even from the beginning when they were on opposite sides of the table, it was like their souls recognized their other half. I loved how Rowena showed Damien that there was something to fight for and I loved that they not only fought alongside each other but for each other. This is a beautiful story tied up in the intrigue and suspense of a London thrown into chaos. The story does end on a cliffhanger but don't let that stop you from reading this excellent book/series! Anxiously counting down the days, months to Guy's story!

This was a journey that had more twists and turns than you could imagine. Just when you think that you knew where the story was going there goes the next curve ball. I laughed, cried, really ugly cried wanted to throw the iPad across the room... all the emotions but it was worth it. To finally get to see Damien the Mad Priest fall in love was amazing. Rowena gives as good as she gets, is a true warrior goes toe to toe with him and never gives up. They both have such damaging childhoods it is good to see them both heal as the book progresses. We finally get to see glimpses of the “Boy genius with the heart of Gold” that Saxon always used to talk about. They both make each other better people when they are together. I can not recommend this book enough. Maria you have done it again! I can not wait for Guy and Mags book!! 😉

Really - no words. But I'll try. I've been anticipating the release of this book after the ending of Road to Fire and - wow - no disappointment here. We knew Damien's story would be something else, but the things revealed from his past totally lay out why he is such a "Mad Priest". Rowena was tasked by the King to protect Margaret from the Priests at all costs. And it almost cost her life. As Rowena and Damien's lives tangle and the pull that draws them together ignites, we go along with them to find the truth that will release Damien from his prison. And the ending. You will not be prepared for it. What a great set up for Book 3.

"𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝, 𝙍𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙣𝙖. 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙛 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙." ★★★★★ – 10000 steamy, emotional stars for this book. Sound of Madness picks up right where Road to Fire leaves off, and from the very first page it had me hooked. Maria is an amazing storyteller, and this world she has built is so fascinating and unlike anything I’ve ever read before and it’s easily one of my favorite series’ ever. There were so many twists and turns, as there was in Road to Fire, and I was always on the edge of my seat, never knowing what to expect next. Damien and Rowena are such a beautiful couple, their personalities complementing one another perfectly. As Saxon and Isla buried themselves in my heart after I read RTF, Damien and Rowena are currently in my soul. I know I love characters and the story when reading the tense parts, I’m casually screeching while clutching my phone in my hand. There were so many moments where I just had to lay back and take a minute to process before continuing. 𝙄'𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚. I fell in love with Rowena Carrigan from the minute I read the first chapter from her point of view. She’s got such a big heart, but she’s also so tough and endured so much and came out stronger than ever. I loved her even more than I loved Isla, which says something because Isla is one of my all-time favorites too. Throughout the course of the book, you see so many different layers to Rowena, you see her highs and her lows, and you see her standing tall despite everything she goes through. She cares so much for her friends, for Damien, and for everyone in her life who hasn’t mistreated her. Above all else, she was the highlight of the book for me. And then there was Damien, dark and tormented as he was, but so loving on the inside. He’s simultaneously deemed boy genius with a heart of gold and the mad priest, and you see both of those sides to him. You see how his situation has altered his mindset, and his personality but as you go further in the book you get to see his softer side. I absolutely love him and seeing his growth throughout this book is one of the best things ever. 𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮. 𝙃𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝙁𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡, 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙨𝙤 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄'𝙢 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙬𝙤. This book also shows more of the brotherly moments between the Priest brothers, who we first met in Road to Fire, and when I tell you this family tears me apart inside? Maria writes all of the brothers so particularly and different from one another but still very similar. It’s easy to become obsessed with a series when the main family is interesting, and you want to know all about them. It was like that in the first book and it’s like that carrying into this book as well. The brotherhood is unlike any other I’ve seen before, and it’s beautiful. 𝙉𝙤 𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙮. 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬. 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙚. All in all, this book was one of the best I read this year. It is action packed, steamy as hell, unpredictable, and pulls at your heart strings over and over again. The characters are amazing, the plotline is extraordinary, and Maria Luis is an absolute queen.

Sound of Madness picks up right where Road to Fire ends and it is full of action, heat and mystery that sucks you in right away! The story kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and kept me guessing what was going to happen with every turn of the page. Damien and Rowena chemistry was off the charts hot and I loved them together. I loved Rowena and how fierce she was! Another amazing read from Maria Luis. Definitely pick this one up but be sure to read Road to Fire first! This does end on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the conclusion in A New King.

This is a story of fierce love. It’s messy, intense, heartbreaking and transcendental. I’ve shed a few tears over a book now and then, but this one had me sobbing with tears running down my face while I fought for enough vision to keep reading because I couldn’t stop reading even to wipe my tears. It was so worth it! The book hangover is a real thing. I find myself daydreaming and reliving it over and over. I highly recommend it. It’s book 2 of a series and reading Road to Fire first is recommended but not required to enjoy this one.

Maria Luis has been blessed with the ability to write a very intriguing story! I have lost sleep , and chores have gone forgotten because I could not put this down. Now I have to wait for the next book to find out what happens to these book people that I have cried over, swooned over, laughed at their antics and feared for their lives. Until we meet again Godwin’s! Here are more of the stars I couldn’t give above🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Sound of Madness is part of Maria Luis' Broken Crown Trilogy. Maria has taken modern day London (which normally doesn't hold my interest) and made it into something I can't wait to read more about. Her characters are real, flawed, and so alive. She has managed to weave a tapestry of intrigue, romance, and villains that you will fall in love with and not soon forget. As for the third installment, I don't know that I've ever anticipated a book so much.

This book was amazing! I was captivated from start to finish. I could not put it down. After you one click, make sure you set aside time to read it in one sitting! The characters, the locations, the history and secrets and everything in between were spectacular!

WOW!!!! I am left speechless after reading Sound Of Madness. This book has it all... Twists, turns, anger, deception, secrets, action and love. All. The. Feels. SOM was everything I expected from Maria Luis and more! Definitely left with a major cliffhanger, but in the best possible way. There is so much I want to say about this book, but I don't want to leave any spoilers. Sound Of Madness is 100% a MUST READ!

I thought the first book, Road To Fire, was fantastic, but this second book just builds on it. An enemies to lovers story and so much more. Damien and Rowena overcome so much to be together and to stay together. There's nothing I can say that won't be a spoiler. I can't believe the last two chapters and all that is revealed. I had to re-read them to make sure that I understood what was happening. Maria Luis is making us wait until next year for the conclusion of this series and I can't wait! I know that it will be her best work ever since she just keeps getting better. I love her rom-coms but her darker series are unbelievable. Write fast, Maria!

Maria Luis has done it again. This book continues her alternate version of England, where chaos is the true ruler. There’s mystery and mayhem at every turn, and the power struggle between Damien and Rowena is everything. Maria has this ability to pull you into her worlds, take you hostage, rip your heart out, and put it back together even stronger (until she does it again).

This series is everything. The second offering was definitely my favourite. The characters were epic and it was so refreshing to get a female character that was so much more than her looks. Only reason it's not five stars is because I feel like it's unfinished. I know the overall story continues, but I felt like Damien and Rowan still had so much left to explore with the revelations and reunions. I'm not sure the next book will manage to close these gaps since it's the final brother's story, but here's hoping.

These books might be the best I’ve ever read ! These stories are so crazy as they twist and turn and I never see how it’s going to go! Throughout the story I found myself thinking, “ no. He/she wouldn’t do that. “ Then I’m floored at the next turn. Wow. Just wow! I cannot WAIT for the next book!

Love this series. A twist on history. Dark romance. Broken people finding each other. Anxiously awaiting the third installment! Have read many of this authors books and have never been disappointed.

Holy cow! Worth the wait for sure! I don’t know what kind of literary witch Maria Luis is, but I’m am all here for it. I didn’t want to read the last chapter because that would mean it was over. Damien and Rowena are the characters I never knew I needed. And I cannot wait for Guy’s book.

Maria is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint absolutely loved it it only made us more anxious about the next book wishing we didn't have to Waite for it all her series makes me wish there were more characters to read about cause you love all the supporting characters and wish they had their own stories

I loved this book. This series has been amazing. Lots of twist and turns in this book. Definitely tears shed will reading. The last chapter was unexpected. Loved and hated Marie Luis at the end of the book. Spring can't get here fast enough.

Sound of Madness has been my most anticipated read for 2020. It is incredibly so much more than I have ever expected from Ms. Luis. She has mentioned that this is the book of her heart. This novel gives her readers EVERYTHING. It is an extremely rich, well written, deviously plotted, entrenching read. It is one that a reader picks up, and struggles to put down. Ms. Luis starts her novel off in high gear and never, ever lets off the gas. Sound of Madness is the story of Damien (Godwin) Priest and Rowena Carrigan. Damien is the youngest of the Priest brothers, and the third in charge of Holyrood - a secret black ops group that has been around for centuries and whose only mission is to keep the monarchy alive. Rowena is the daughter of the sitting Prime Minister. A man who supported the assassinated king, and wants the king’s daughter off the throne. A decades old friendship with the Queen has Rowena on a razor thin blade between saving the monarchy or throwing in with her father. Sound of Madness can not be read as a stand alone novel. It is the middle book of the Broken Crown trilogy. Road to Fire does need to be read prior to starting this leg of the Crown journey. As with Road to Fire, Damien and Rowena reach an ending of sorts within these pages, however be warned that this book closes with an unforeseen cliff hanger. The characters within this book are beautifully broken and staunchly loyal to their causes. The suspense base of the plot line is strongly and perfectly written. While this series is indeed a dark/suspense romance, Ms. Luis’ book is so strongly written that I would recommend lovers of the Bourne books, Brad Thor and Jack Higgins consider picking up these novels. Ms. Luis’ espionage plot with multiple levels of government, power plays, and secret missions underfoot are on level with masters of this genre. Do not underestimate this book. Based on the absolute density of the plot and the stunning twists Ms. Luis weaves into this particular story, writing a spoiler free review is a struggle. There were so many times I had to put my reader down and just ask “What has she done?!” I apologize in advance for keeping to a high level of review, but it is for the better good. I promise. As hinted at in Road to Fire, Damien is currently under house arrest due to an alleged crime against the crown. Bounty for his capture is highly publicized and he is listed as a top wanted domestic terrorist. Damien is also an electronics genius who can make any sort of computer or gadget bend to his will. His house arrest is mainly the result of his oldest brother, Guy, handing down a mandate that Damien remain hidden on one property. In Guy’s thoughts this is for the safety of his brother. In Damien’s thoughts this is his oldest brother stripping him of what little life he was living to begin with. Damien IS the Mad Priest. Both Mad in the Evil Genius way and Mad in the unhealthy mental state way. This is a delicate war that Damien wages within himself. A war that bleeds its pain in his pages. The language and imagery are visceral in places. Rowena is a new character to the Broken Crown world, being introduced to readers in this book. She’s been best mates with the Queen since they were teens, yet she’s NEVER been listed on any of the Queen’s “safe persons” lists which are provided to the Priest brothers for security reasons. Her noted absence on these lists is just one of the myriad of reasons that Rowena’s very existence within the Queen’s inner life both puzzles and worries the gentlemen. Rowena is also the daughter of the Prime Minister. Via the plot we learn that this role comes with an almost insurmountable amount of strings and quite a lack of love or care. Rowena, it seems, is just a puppet and pawn in her father’s layered political chess match. Only to a point however. Rowena’s side of Ms. Luis story is one of immense pain, loss, destruction, and rebirth. Our story begins with Rowena extracting the Queen from a burning and crumbling Buckingham Palace. While the ladies survive physically, much is lost to them in other ways. The story is told via shifting points of views with Rowena and Damien both taking us through the events following the destruction of the palace and the arrival of the women at the Priest’s safe house. The characters also share critical pieces of their past and events in those pasts which have molded them to their current day selves. Both Damien and Rowena can be heartless on the surface. Both are portrayed as driven, broken, unapologetic survivors. These two are a match in mental fortitude, stubbornness to survive even the most damaging blows, and the heart wrenching ability to turn off their needs and emotions to work towards one more day for something outside of themselves. These traits will bring you tears. Ms. Luis is not kind to her darlings. You will want to tell her that they need a break. Something to go their way. Breathing room. Time. Healing. Throughout the story we see these two souls stretched and also broken. Many times over. Both are forced to ashes of their former selves through actions they must take to keep Queen and Crown safe. Both have lost the ability to hope. Both struggle with the concept of faith. Faith in oneself. Faith in another. Faith that there can be change. The themes in this book run heavy and deep. For all that we watch a tentative relationship and love grow between two fierce operatives, we are also given an amazingly through military suspense story. There are counter intelligence officers that no one realizes are in play. There are schemes that have been in the making for decades which are revealed layer by layer. For every level of destruction, betrayal, and desecration that the main characters suffer to their own personal stories, the same is given to the over arching story line of secret loyalty and protection to the Crown. Every time our humans find a moment of breathing space, the Crown is struck a staggering blow. For every fix to the monarchy, our characters kill off more of their souls. Neither of which either had much left to give going into this story. As with Road to Fire, the reader will finally start to relax, noticing that the pages are growing shorter towards the back cover. They may think “we’re over the worst” and you may be. Or it may be that the worst for NOW has been crossed but there is yet to be a deeper worse yet to come. The devil we know in this trilogy is NOT the devil we appear to be fighting. There is a quote from Rowena in chapter 33. It reads - “I’m stronger than you know, stronger than anyone ever realizes. Stronger, even, than I realize.” This is a quote that struck me while reading. It is now one that I feel in my bones after reading Damien and Rowena’s story. A good quote to close my rambling review would be from Damien in chapter 27 “Ash rises from the destruction. It hangs like death in the air, drying my throat and stinging my eyes.” This quote can be used to sum up the large themes of this book. The image of the Phoenix is used heavily in this novel. The Phoenix is incredible fitting. For what Ms. Luis takes down to ash in her story, she rebirths in a stronger manner. A surprising manner. An unforeseen manner. I can not stress enough how well written, beautifully illustrative and emotionally driven this trilogy is. I can not recommend enough that this trilogy be read. It is absolutely a stunning trio of work from a multi faceted talented author.

Let me preface this by saying, I am not a professional reviewer. I’m actually a writer who clams up when she tries to wax poetic about other people's books. (Oh, wth - my books, too!) That said, when I started reading contemporary romance about 14-months ago, I fell in love with Maria Luis’s books. They were some of the first books I’d read outside of the historical romance genre. So, it was a no-brainer that when Road to Fire released (The first book in the Broken Crown Trilogy), I was going to own it. And, I do. It became my favorite read of the year. Not to mention, I’m seriously in love with the H. (Saxon). I’ve probably gushed to Maria a dozen times how much of a fangirl I am, and she’s sweet enough to not take out a restraining order. Lol In the last couple of days, just before SOM released, I was LUCKY enough to get an ARC copy peek (that I may have begged for just a little) and all I can say is that this series blows my mind. Maria’s writing in these two books is phenomenal. The amount of time, energy, and plotting she’s undertaken in creating this world is absolutely mindblowing and inspirational. Now, I’m not one to detail the entire book to you. I’m not one to give spoilers. I’m the one who is going to tell you how the book made me feel and react and let me assure you - I had every feel and every reaction! I went from envying Maria’s writing prowess in the opening chapter to soon dropping my jaw as the story took off. There was a lot of talking aloud to no one in particular, a lot of note-taking, a lot of squees, screeches, and cheek reddening. (Seriously, you’ll never look at an altar the same. ;) ) The scope of this story, how intricate it is, chock full of twists and turns, some that will probably make your neighbors think you’re insane if you react like I did, is worthy of picking up a television series deal. It is literally That good. The action, the suspense, the romance, the steam… the big reveals - all done flawlessly. All of Maria’s books are fantastic, but this series? This series is her “crowning” achievement thus far. Don’t miss out on this. You’re going to obsess, stay up way too late, and fall in love with a trio of brothers you’ll never forget. Enjoy!

Maria Luis has tapped into the political conspiracy theory realm and I don't have any idea if I want her to come back! This series is darker, drearier, and so much more edgy than her other works but she definitely knows what she's doing. If Road to Fire was a wake up call/call to arms, then Sound of Madness is being kidnapped, blindfolded, and deprived of sound. Sedated and then unknowingly finding yourself in a pitch black tunnel of unknown origin, unknown destination, with only your fear of the unknown propelling you to an end- yours or the tunnels you do not know. The anger, frustration, and fear are all fed by the lack of sound- a silence so profound it's as though even your heartbeats and breaths are muffled. Your fear ratchets up, your pulse skyrockets but that unknown darkness eats at your mind, fuels your panic, and twists your rational thoughts. You only know up and down and even that seems shaky. Sound of Madness is that fear, that paranoia, that confusion. You have an assumption of up and down but in this true darkness...you really don't know. My brain stopped, paused, and tried to reset while coasting through all the options, motives, and theories is was sprouting. Luis keeps a steady stream of possibilities around to toy, tease, and torture an inquisitive mind. So watch your back, trust no one, and always write a review (tip your waitress didn't make sense here!). Oh and Rowena, you go girl! Talk about a heroine with a backbone that makes Wolverine look wussy. I can honestly say I am proud of all she is. Damien, Damien, Damien...boy are you a suprise! I can honestly say that your tormented bad boy vibe totally works for me. Your need to avenge- also not a problem. What can I say...this boy is poison! (You don't want me to sing it!) Just remember, something wicked this way comes...

Gahhh why does Maria keep doing this to me?! That ending killed me and I swear she's making it harder and harder for me to wait for Guy's book, especially since I'm already pretty obsessed with him😍 And all the plot twists! I couldn't get enough of them, and im loving how everything is so intricately woven and I'm excited to see how everything will come to fruition in the next book. It really kept me on my toes the whole time just waiting for the next ball to drop. “I come as your prisoner. Cuff my wrists , if you want. Make me the villain of your nightmares. But let me stay.” I absolutely love Rowen and Damien, and I loved them even more together. They both have been through hard times but they were also the light in each other's lives. They started out rough, emphasis on the "enemies", and I loved watching them slowly fall for each other. I also really liked seeing them support each other and wanting the other to strive. Why can't I have a Damien? Then again, I also want myself a Saxon and a guy.🤷 If war is hell, then love is carnage, and the blood that’s spilled belongs to us both. There were a couple hiccups I had that took my 5 star down to a 4 unfortunately, because I normally am legit obsessed with anything Maria writes. One was at times it did drag, just a bit, I think because this book is so long. Though I think all the scenes were necessary, some just went on a little too long for me and others I wish had been expanded on more, such as the heroine adapting to or having troubles with her temporary blindness, or maybe even insecurity, or just feeling something about her looks after the fire (such as her hair). She was just a bit emotionless on those aspects for me and I needed something more. At times I was also confused, maybe it's because of all the name drops, but I couldn't figure out at times who was who and who was supposed to be bad or good. Also the actions or their past was just a bit confusing, such as what exactly happened with Damien's mom and him. Despite all of the problems I had though, I still loved this book, and the writing and the amount of work that went in the plot alone, is amazing, and I'm so glad Maria is giving us this masterpiece of a series and I cannot wait for my boo Guy's book (I've already claimed him)! “Own the darkness or it’ll own you. Revel in it. Consume it and bend it to your will. But never, ever let it drown you.”

“We are nothing if not a fairytale steeped in tragedy” Wow. Just… wow. This book was unlike any I’ve read, not just in 2020, but ever. This book was nothing short of excellence in my mind. It was beautiful, breathtaking, haunting, and wonderful. These two characters were absolutely made for each other in every single way. I enjoyed this journey so much. And I can't wait to see what comes next “Broken, but never defeated.” ROWENA… Oh… my.. I thought Isla was my favorite Maria heroine, but in just a few chapters, Rowena came in and took that crown like it was hers. She is fierce, loyal, and independent. Everything I imagined for the Mad Priest. I loved learning her journey and watching her show Damien she won’t back down no matter what he puts her through. And Damien put her through hell. “Beauty is a man as roughened as he is – the villain, the monster – who breaks for only one woman.” I knew Damien would break me. Maria warned us many, many times. However, I was still extremely unprepared for it. Damien is someone we knew would not be the hero, we knew he was portrayed as the villain and was seen as such by the whole country. But the secrets he held and the twist that came I didn’t see coming had me sobbing like a child at 4am. This book, to me, felt like a love story to the unloved. Those of us who ever felt like enough. And for that, I thank you. No mercy. 5 mad stars from me.

Rowena, the Queen's best friend. Damien, the Mad Priest. One wouldn't think they'd make a good match, and they don't, at first. There's so much animosity between them, but we all know what that kind of passion can lead to, what it can be concealing... "If war is he--, then love is carnage, and the blood that's spilled belongs to us both." So much happens here, action, suspense, intrigue. More shady politics, more spy craft, and more betrayal and of course, love and passion. "My heart beats only for you, Damien. And without you, I'm in he--." Damien and Rowena's tory is probably even more enticing and addicting reading than Damien's brother Saxon and his love, Isla's. Damien is so broken, so set in the idea that he's not worthy of love, that it takes an even fiercer woman to get through to him, to get past his walls. And that woman is Rowena. She is quite honestly, amazing. I think she's my favorite part of Sound of Madness, perhaps even more so than Damien, whom I loved from the first page of his story. But, as much as I love this story, I have to warn you, the cliffhanger is even more upsetting and bigger than the one in Road to Fire. So be prepared! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy.

"Society dictates beauty, but what society never acknowledges is that the most beautiful amongst us are often the ugliest within." I really hope a movie will be made based on this book, on this series. This story is a mind-blowing experience. It's captivating, soul crushing and every other word that can describe a masterpiece like this story. I don't know where to start and what to say to make it justice for how good it is. If I fell in love with Saxon in Road to Fire, Damien broke my heart and put it back together (and keeping it between us, Guy will be the death of me, that I'm sure). Sound of Madness has the most beautiful broken main characters I ever read about. Both Damien and Rowena have painful stories that made them to be strong fighters, two souls searching for happiness in their own darkness. Damien, the Mad Priest they call him, he was hated, hunted, but no one saw the real him...until Rowena. Rowena, the Prime Minister daughter, was a beautiful woman, used by her own father for despicable purposes, but no one saw her...until Damien. She is the she-wolfe. Together they are fire! And the burning scenes between them, oh God, I'm hot all over again. Every detail in this book is so well written, that the plot, the twists and turns will keep you at the edge of madness. The end nearly gave me a heart atack. Maria, I never saw that coming!!! I need A New King now!😁😁😁 I'm not good at making amazing reviews and I'm so frustrated right now because this book deserves the best.

If you've read Road to Fire (this series should be read in order and if you haven't read it you MUST) then you know where we left these characters. Sound of Madness picks right up and we are immersed in this wonderful world Maria Luis has created! Sound of Madness is Damien Priest's story. The Mad Priest is so not what he seems. There are so many details to learn and this book explains so much more but definitely leaves me wanting the rest of their story! Rowena, the prime ministers daughter, claims to be the queen's best friend. With so much deceit and so many secrets you never know who you can trust. When these two come together and put that trust in each other they are quite the unstoppable force. I love this series and this second book just confirmed it. The second half of this book nearly crushed me and I couldn't read fast enough to find out what happens - no spoilers here! We do get a taste of Guy and what may come from his book though and I am SO excited for it!

HOLY HELL! Sound of Madness has so much going on in the story that I'm not alluding to anything about the actual story, just my reaction to some stuff. I'm a dark & twisty girl who reads dark & twisty books on the regular but I can't remember one of them going this far, and I was so happy in a sense. While reading the f-bombs were dropping loudly, the name calling was the most original that I've ever come up with (I'm a tad proud), and just straight up rage. My rage was so out of control that it was like everything was happening to me so it took me some time to calm down once that last page was finished. It's safe to say that predictably was thrown out the window in the penning of this story so there wasn't one single time I guessed anything correctly. And since my reviews barely scratches the surface of how epic this story is, I'll just leave y'all to experience it for yourselves by hitting those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

You do not want to miss this! This is one of the best books I've read this year! Sound of Madness is the second book in the Broken Crown trilogy and it does not disappoint. The chemistry and love between the main characters is so raw and real. I laughed and cried over some of the situations our characters found themselves in. If you read Road to Fire, you’ll know that it was full of twists and turns. Well, Sound of Madness is no different. It is full of plot twists and things that will keep you guessing. Just when I thought I had something figured out Ms. Luis would twist it on it’s head. I love the writing in this book. It gave me all the feels while keeping me on the edge of my seat. Rowena is such a kick butt heroine! She’s amazing. Damien is so complex and nuanced. I absolutely adore them together. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

It's has taken me far longer to finish this book than it should have, but every time I got started, there was so much to take in, I would get stalled out. I am a huge fan of romantic suspense. But Sounds of Madness is more; this is like Robert Ludlum decided he would write romance. The plot of this is so much more than a romance novel. Sounds of Madness is incredible world-building in an alternate history setting that is detailed and well thought out. This alternate England is a strange place, and it reminds me a bit of the strife in Northern Ireland in the 1970s and 1980s when there was a drive against the monarchy. Maria Luis has woven such a rich story. In the previous book, we met Saxon, the middle brother. We also met Damien, the youngest, and Guy, the eldest. We understand why they do what they do, their heritage, and how that heritage has exacted a heavy price from all of them. Damien, we know, is a wizard with all things technical, and this book draws us into his mind and heart. It also shows us the power of love from the right woman. And for these Priest brothers, the women need to be brave and strong. Rowena is all that and more. She has been used by the most influential people in her country for what she believed was right. Now she is being drawn in another direction after discovering she has been used and betrayed. Lending her skills, people, and home to the Priests, she works with them to try to right all the wrongs that power-hungry people in England have done. Along the way, she finds her soul-mate in Damien Priest, and working with him, they both find their path to the light. Breath-taking scenes of danger and courage are on every page of Sounds of Madness. Betrayal is around every corner. Those you expected to give information end up as dead ends or just dead. There are races against the clock to keep the country from civil war. Relationships get fixed, friendships get damaged then restored, and people get hurt. Sacrifices made and retribution dealt. It is non-stop in this book to the cliffhanger at the end that just left me gasping for the final book in this trilogy, which cannot come soon enough. Please, Maria, you have to make more books with alternate histories like this--girl, you are good.

**Disclaimer: I was provided an advance reader copy by the author in exchange for my unbiased review and opinions** 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Welcome to the Broken Crown Series. It is very possible you will need a support group once you've entered this world. And I guarantee you, you're not the only one that feels that way. It's okay, there are plenty of us. Important: It is imperative you read Road to Fire (Book 1) before you read Sound of Madness. Without reading the first book, the story won't make sense. There are many reasons why we bibliophiles read. To escape the real world, to explore, to get broken into a million pie...uh, nevermind. I have been a voracious reader since I was very young. I read pretty much everything that falls in my hands. Of course, I have a soft spot for romance. Who doesn't love a happily ever after? But I am a complicated human, so of course, I love my twists and turns. However, nothing I've read prepared me for this series. Nothing. Prepared to be consumed by this world. This is Damien's story, the youngest of the Priest Brothers, as they're known to the world. Rowena is the woman he never expected nor wanted, and his match in every way. She's the queen's best friend, but who can we really trust in this world full of deceit? And if only this book was as simple and easy to describe as that short phrase. Maria Luis has created an epic story unlike we've seen in contemporary romance. (And I don't throw around the word epic like salt bae sprinkles salt, people!) The combination of real landmarks, incredibly complex characters, and sometimes-too close -to -reality- for- comfort political intrigue make this series one of the few redeeming aspects of the dumpster fire called 2020. While we have Damien and Rowena and know this is their story, their actions and feelings are not the only things to take into consideration. There's simply too much at stake. These two are breathtakingly extraordinary. It's why they belong together. Their darkness calls to each other's and it's beautiful. Yes, there's beauty in darkness. And this is not your typical, one-dimensional love story. This story will seep into your veins. It's very possible it'll infiltrate your dreams. It will become your book obsession. The book hangover will last days on end. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Very few authors would be brave enough to take this on in 2020. You gotta have guts, heart, and passion for your craft. My hat's off to Ms. Luis. This is not a story I will forget and one I will revisit often. I simply cannot wait for the third book of this series! My second ever six-star rating belongs to Sounds of Madness and Maria Luis!

There haven't been very many books this year that made my jaw drop, but this one did. Multiple times. And I may or may not have gasped very loudly at the end of the book. This is book is just as gritty, suspenseful, and twisted as I thought it would be. But it also has a romantic and sensual side that combines perfectly with the grit that had my nose in the book almost non-stop until I finished it. Just like with the first book, I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns, and I got so into the book that I had to take a couple of days after I finished to really digest it. I had been (im)patiently waiting for Damien's book, and MAN did this book not disappoint. It blew my expectations out of the water and was so much more than what I was thinking I would get from Damien. There are so many layers to this story that I re-read chapters multiple times to make sure I didn't miss a thing. My heart raced for, broke for, and loved Damien throughout the course of the book, and trust me when I say you are NOT ready for what happens to his character throughout the story. His backstory is incredible, what he goes through in the book is wild, and this Priest is so much more than I imagined. And Rowena. Holy cow, that woman is a goddess. She's got a dirty, gritty side to her, but she's also stunning, and strong, and has her own twisted story that makes her a perfect enemy - and match - for Damien. I loved the tango the two of them played, loved the growth that Rowena went through in the book. Her transformation is like a phoenix - she rises from the ashes in a way you're not prepared for. Once again, Luis provides a book that is mind-blowing and beautiful in the same breath. I'm not quite sure any other book will top this one in 2020.

Sound of Madness picks up right where Road to Fire left us, but focuses on Damien, the “Mad Priest”. SOM is a romance set against the background of a spy thriller. There’s evil plots, espionage, and dangerous villains. Even if you took away the overt romance, Sound of Madness would still be an epic book. The love story, however, really makes it sing. Damien and Rowena, they’re perfection. Rowena, especially, is a favorite. She’s a tough-as-nails heroine with a spine of steel. She’s unafraid to lead the charge, or apologize when she’s wrong. She’s absolutely brilliant. Damien is the dark and growly alpha of your dreams. Together, they’re crazy hot. The ending left me with my jaw on the floor, and I cannot wait for Guy’s story!

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Whoever came up with that blasted proverb clearly never dabbled in British politics." Rowena Carrigan has, in fact, dabbled in British politics. The daughter of the prime minister and the best friend of Queen Margaret, Rowena has endured more than a lifetime's worth of politics, which have foisted her into a bitter life full of murder plots, deceit, and distrust. "Monsters hide in us all." The world thinks Damien Priest is a monster. Most days, Damien believes himself to be one as well. He's the number one most wanted terrorist on British's list of fugitives and he resents being locked away and not having any freedom. Thrown together in an inconceivable political twist, Rowena and Damien find that what they've thought about the world --and about each other --couldn't be further from the truth. Their explosive meeting and even more explosive chemistry make their love story beautiful despite their environment constantly being filled with carnage. As the second installment in the Broken Crown series, I wasn't sure Maria Luis could blow me away any more than she already had with "Road to Fire." I should know better than to underestimate her. Sound of Madness was a whole other level of conspiracy, deceit, violence, wreckage -- masterfully melded with an unlikely but beautiful love story. The layering in the plot and the characters of this series are mind-boggling. It is absolutely amazing how Maria has created this world in a way that seems both so realistic yet so much like the best action, spy-movie you've ever seen. I am waiting with bated breath for A New King, the next installment in the series.

Let me start this review out by saying that I am irrevocably in love with Maria Luis. Not only are her words extraordinary, but she’s as genuine as they come. I mean, I’ve NEVER had an author interact with their fans the way she does, let alone respond to my DM’s as I’m reading her books and have a genuine conversation with me. Literally I could go on and on about this woman. But most of all...she completely takes me to a different dimension when I’m reading her worlds. I was first introduced to her through her book, 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲, and I’ve been addicted to her writing ever since. 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲. 𝐆𝐨 𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫. Now as for Damien and Rowena? I genuinely don’t know which character I adore more. Rowena is strong-willed, compassionate, and such a complete and utter BAD A. Damien, The Mad Priest, is grumpy and angry at the world, but man can he surprise you. He was crass, crude, 𝐀 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐆𝐄. But the way he let Rowen into his heart made mine beat outta my chest. “𝑆𝑜 𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑒, 𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑒𝑛” And ruin her he did. These two were a force to be reckoned with. They were complete opposites but perfect for each other in every way. Damien filled the void Rowena was missing in her life and vice versa. And this storyline? 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐘 𝐂𝐑𝐀𝐏 there were so many twists and turns in this mother, I was sitting at the edge of my seat throughout 95% of this book. Why only 95%? Well because this is most definitely Maria’s steamiest book as of yet. And I am so so here for it.

I don't even have the words...I mean thank god I am not a writer, however I do not need to be because my friends we have Maria. Maria, Maria can I say that I bow down to you. I met her with her rom-coms and I love her, loved her then and she continues to blow me away. I have to admit that when she started writing this series I was a little scared because I knew what she could do with comedy but could she do angst, and let me tell you she can and so much more. I wont say more because why should you waste time reading my review when you can grab a copy and see that I am not just blowing smoke she actually delivers. rcvd an ARC at no cost to author....voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.

Imagine my excitement when this book landed on my kindle. It was epic level people are not who they seem and an absolute crazy ride from start to end. Sometimes I wasn't sure what was going on. I think I knew then I didn't. With that somewhat hanging conclusion from book one where do go from there? It gets even more complicated. So I'm going to be as vague as that blurb but just to say don't miss this one. Damien and Rowena is fire, the chemistry is crazy. Like rubbing two objects that cause a spark to a flame. Both broken souls but in much different ways. Each has their own agenda in mind. Never underestimate a Priest. Damien is pretty much all grit, very layered from his past to his present. Rowena has walls so high and shrouded in secrecy. They were an intriguing pair to read, they somehow get each other. The passion between them was strong. Some reveals change everything in play for them. The hold my emotions moments and breath. I started this and it was hard to put down and mind this was not a short read. Truly well crafted and riveting story by Maria Luis, the writing just captures every nuisance. Much applause for the intricate plot of this series. The twists are exciting and not predictable at all. The Priest brothers are mysterious and intense each different that other. Their relationship with each other is very interesting, a brotherhood nonetheless despite everything. But Holy shmoly that ending! Talk about bomb drops!

I can't remember the last time I anticipated a book more, and Maria has absolutely outdone herself! The writing, the suspense, the romance...everything about this book is next level! I was holding by breath, on the edge of my seat and in tears during this book, and I wouldn't change any of it! I devoured this book in less than a day, and am in MAJOR book hangover! The action picks up right where Road to Fire ends, and IT DOES NOT STOP! Rowena is the heroine we all want to be in our own lives. She is a badass (as you learn in the first few pages) and she does not let anyone take over her life. I had chills reading parts of this book because she is so incredible, and the most EPIC of heroines. And her hero (she doesn't need one, she's the hero in her own story!), Damien? He's epic as well. Our unlikely hero in this story, he is all kinds of dark and twisty, and to see his journey unfold is incredible. With the way Damien and Rowena meet, you don't see redemption for the Mad Priest. But Maria spins this beautiful story that we just have to hold onto dear life for, and it had me floored. The chemistry and pull between these two had me swooning and crying in the same breath. Damien and Rowena are now one of my favorite couples! And the way Maria portrays London? Gah! It's not the London we know and love, and it sets the perfect backdrop for this dark, royal romance. London is her own character, and I love the dark, underbelly of her we get to see. Being able to follow along with Maria's writing journey, you know this book took her longer than she expected, but I would have waited YEARS for this book! It was utter perfection! I don't say that about a lot of books, but there is nothing I would change in this book! The love Maria poured into this book doesn't go unnoticed, and her words are so incredibly powerful. I could keep gushing about my love for this book, but all I can say is, you need to go read this book now! You will not regret it!

I wasn't prepared for this jaw dropping, heart thumping twisty story that led me on an adventure that had me biting my nails and sitting on edge, breathlessly turning the pages and being surprised time and time again! Rowena is they type of heroine I never expected. She has secrets and is tough...tougher and stronger and more incredible than ANY heroine I have EVER read. And Damien is wicked and scary and is full of surprises...both good and not so good but my goodness, him and Rowena burn up the pages with both their passions and their twisty, unpredictable secrets. This story had twists so unexpected and mind blowing, it left me reeling! I lost count the number of times I was thrown for a loop. I LOVE that I didn't have a clue what was going to happen next. Maria Luis put together something so dark, twisted, and unforgettable, I won't be able to sit still until I get the very last book! And I need to just take a moment and say....if you think you read some good cliffhangers in the past, be prepared, you haven't read anything yet. This has one seriously eye popping, holy-crap-I-wasn't-expecting-THAT cliffy that has officially left me in the worst kind of book hangover...I now don't have a clue what I am supposed to do now....WOW! Sound Of Madness gets a MADENNING FIVE UNPREDICTABLE, UNPUTDOWNALBE STARS! No reader will be bored with this trilogy I tell you. Its a MUST read, MUST OWN trilogy EVER...and its not quite over yet!

I feel like this book should come with a warning: be prepared for heartache, utter devastation, betrayal, twists, turns, and a MASSIVE book hangover! May the odds forever be in your favor. But to be real with you, this book is utter & complete genius. It is beautiful broken madness that will demand your full attention, captivate you, and set your soul ablaze. Damien is the epitome of an anti-hero. He is tortured, despised, haunted. And he will both rip your heart out & set your veins on fire. Damien, all the ways I want you. Wow. Just wow. He is madness. And I've never craved insanity so completely. Rowena, she is no shrinking violet. She isn't a damsel in distress, nor is she a princess awaiting rescue. She rescues herself. She holds her own. She is who her men look to for answers, for orders, and the final say. She DEMANDS respect, and is all the more beautiful because of it. Broken. Ruined. But beautiful. She is everything Damien never knew he needed, never even hoped to want. This book y'all. I thought I was prepared. I thought I was ready to accept & embrace the twists and turns and surprises I knew were coming. But I was so wrong. And I have never been so delighted to be wrong! You're a bloody genius Maria. Absolutely bloody brilliant. Saxon was amazing, Damien has been my absolute ruin, and I cannot wait to see what Guy has in store for me! Gah!

I know that Maria Luis had to push back the release date for this book, but it was absolutely worth it. Sound of Madness follows the epic, somewhat tragic, but also triumphant love story of Rowena Carrigan and Damien “the Mad Priest” Godwin - two people who seemed to be on opposite sides from the outset. Rowena - Rowan - is Queen Margaret’s best friend, and Damien is part of the Holyrood team sworn to protect the crown. Rowan and Damien meet by chance and, some might argue, by fate. I said this about Road to Fire as well, but I don’t usually read gritty, dark romances. They’re not usually my jam. Give me a romcom and leave me alone. But I’ve read literally everything Maria Luis has published, so I figured why stop now? (Also, I read her Blood Duet books and loved those, so I assumed I would love the Broken Crown Trilogy.) But wow, Maria has outdone herself! Damien is dark and twisty, and complicated, but a hero nonetheless. He fights with heart and against his will, he ends up falling in love with Rowan. And Rowan - she’s the heroine that we all needed. She is strong, and brave, and also quite vulnerable. And man oh man, when these two get together...! It took me much longer to read this one because quite frankly, this book is not for the faint of heart and I - the forever-romcom lover - am the faint of heart. Still, I enjoyed the many twists and turns and wish I had a full day to just sit and read this gem. Five stars, would highly recommend - loved it to pieces. Awesome read.

Damien thinks Rowena is a traitor to the Queen. Rowena believes Damien is a monster. Will he be her ruin? Or will she be his? Buckle up! It’s a wild ride from beginning to end!!! Filled with secrets, intrigue, deceit, and betrayal, Sound of Madness has more twists and turns than a Shakespearean play. I loved every minute of this riveting book!!! “Broken, but never defeated.” I loved Rowena and Damien as a couple. Their tit-for-tat in word and action makes them worthy opponents and hot as a couple. They are kindred spirits. Once they are all in, their loyalty to each other knows no bounds, and they are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the other one. I think I have a girl crush on Rowena. She is the very definition of resilience. While she’s never had an example of what love is, she gives all of her love and commitment to Damien. Often underestimated, Rowena is resourceful and a true leader. Hopefully, these first two books, Sound of Madness and Road To Fire, have adequately prepared us for what is sure to be an epic conclusion in A New King! Guy and Queen Margaret's story is going to be intense!!! Thank you to the author for a gifted copy of this book. This voluntary review represents my honest and unbiased opinion.

Whoa! I was not expecting that! This book was so hard to put down. And while these two are falling for each other, they are still dealing with what brought them together. Rowena is no damsel, she can take care of herself, especially after surviving a traumatic past. When she shows up at the Palace with an injured Margaret, the last thing she expects is to be treated as an enemy. Damien also dealt with trauma as a boy and it has shaped who he has become. Meeting Rowan leaves him craving more than his current existence. Ugh...I'm struggling with what to say without giving anything away. If you like dark, twisty suspense you should definitely pick this one up but start with the first book in the series.

I waited with bated breath for this release and to say I am speechless after reading is an understatement. I don’t usually gravitate to the darker reads, but after reading “Road to Fire,” I became hooked on the genius that is Maria Luis. Damien Priest, the Mad Priest, the broken, intriguing Godwin brother. The abuse he suffered as a child and the carnage he lived through as an adult. One would think a man so battered would have a heart that bleeds love. But it does for one Rowen Carrigan. Rowan, best friend to the queen, daughter of the Prime Minister. Loyal to a fault. Rowan and Damien were fire. They bled for one another. They were both broken but not defeated. “Love is carnage. Love is ruin. And I’m yours through the wreckage.” Start the swoonfest! And then came the plot twist. Say what???? Maria knows how to drop those zingers. I never expected that! And do we just see a glimpse into book 3 with Guy? I’m not ready for his story quite yet. I’m still getting over Damien and Rowena. I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review

I have no words for this story. I absolutely loved Road to Fire and didn’t think that anything could surpass that, but Sound of Madness did. It exceeded everything and took me on a ride that I wasn’t ready to end. There were twists and turns right off the bat and continued throughout the story. I didn’t think it was possible to love Damien as much as I did. I mean, who doesn’t love an amazing anti-hero? I loved Rowena. She is broken, she is a fighter, and she is strong. You can’t help but fall in love with her and root for her from the very beginning. Together her and Damien are perfect. They are the missing pieces to each other’s puzzle. I didn’t want their story to end and when it did, I was dying for more! The pictures Maria paints in your mind with her words it magical and transport you directly into the scene as if you’re watching a movie. If you haven’t started the Broken Crown Trilogy, I HIGHLY recommend it because it will take you on a wild ride through betrayal, mystery, suspense, fire and madness. It is addicting and will captivate you from the very first page and never let go.

This book is the best kind of madness. Mystery. Intrigue. Hope wrapped in the darkness. Secrets and Lies. Sound of Madness is an intricate rollercoaster of a story that unravels more players and questions into play and you won't want to put it down. This book starts right where we left off in Road to Fire (Book 1 in the Broken Crown). We meet the heroine of our book right away and she is FIERCE. A phoenix that rises from the ashes and doesn't accept defeat as an option. "Every scar you bear is a battle that you've fought and won. Wear them proudly and apologize for nothing." We get a look inside the "madness" that is Damien, the Mad Priest, and what drives him along with more of his history that made him who he is today. I loved seeing the 3 Priest brothers and their love and connection with one another. These tough, seemingly indestructible alpha males that would do anything to protect each other. The heat between Damien and Rowena is combustible. This book sucks you in from page 1. I devoured it and that ending ... I can't wait for Guy's story! "Monsters hide in us all"

Wow, just wow!!! This book is everything!!! I loved every single page. Is deep, is emotional, is dark and a heartfelt story that touched my soul and like Road of Fire (book 1 in the series) has become one of my ultimate favorites book of this year. It took me a couple of days to read this book because honestly I had to re-read entire chapters because I didn't want to miss anything. I was at the edge of my sit throughout the whole story and I'm in a book coma. The level of suspense, enigma and revelations were top level. Damien and Rowena were the most perfect characters for this story. Both broken and lost found a way to each other in the most difficult circumstances ever. You feel this characters in your soul and I cried for them and cheered for them. What can I say, Maria Luis is one of my most favorite writers and with this series she demonstrated she can write anything and make it beautiful. I'm addicted to her words. I don't want to give too much the story away because is honestly a must read. I can just tell you to prepare yourself for an amazing ride.

I was right to assume that the reason it took longer to get invested in the previous book, Road to Fire, was because this author was world-building and setting up the backstory that would run through this series. I have to say that it paid off because this book had me from the start and didn't let go until the very end. The suspense, the epic characters, the storyline, the mystery, the chemistry, the intrigue, and the steam (good LORD the steam was on a whole other level in this book), made this story excel even more than the first one and even more than any expectations that I might have had going into this story. I wasn't expecting to fall in love with Damien and Rowena the way that I did but good lord, I fell and then some. Each of these characters was dynamic in their own right but together they were unstoppable. I loved seeing them both offer something to the other that nobody else in the world had been able to do. I liked seeing the hope and growth in the characters. And again, the steam? Yeah, I almost needed to say umpteen Hail Mary's to save my soul because the first scene was one of the hottest I have ever read. I am looking forward to whatever this author decides to do and see what she has in store. I know this book was just released but I already need more. One of my favorites for 2020 and from this author period.

My words will never be able to do this book justice. Sound Of Madness feels like written art. Every word is another stroke of color, purposely chosen to add depth and life to this masterpiece. Damien Priest is a beautiful, tortured soul and not what I expected him to be at all. He’s not mad, he’s just a man with a broken little boy inside of him. Rowena Carrigan takes badass heroine to a whole other level. She has done things and survives traumatic events that would break even the strongest person, but not her. Rowena and Damien certainly don’t belong together but that makes their union even more dangerously delicious. They are both desperate for the connection and you can feel the yearning and heat coming off the page. This story is dark and bloody, intriguing and twisty. There’s a lot going on and a lot of information to digest but I never felt lost. But, you have to read book one, Road To Fire, to get the full story. This book ends with a bit of a cliffhanger and I’m already dying to know how Maria is going to wrap up this epic trilogy! I can’t wait! All the stars for Sound Of Madness ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “If war is hell, then love is carnage, and the blood that’s spilled belongs to us both.” I was provided an arc to read and review.

Let me first start by saying I am a historical romance reader with very specific likes and dislikes. I can count on one hand the number of contemporary authors that I have read books from in the last few years. Well Maria Luis is at the top of that list right now. So much so that I stopped in the middle of a good book to start this one on release day. I have never read a book quite like this one. I knew it would be gritty and dark like Road to Fire but this one shook me to the core. Both Damien and Rowena are deeply scarred emotionally and physically which makes their hate and then love for each other raw and dirty, wink wink. But even though the plot and twists took me to some low places, I also found it humorous at times. I enjoy solving books/movies ahead of it being spelled out for me. I’ve been trying to figure this series out from the beginning, actually before I started to read Road to Fire and while I made some good guesses, there were also things I never saw coming. Anxiously awaiting A New King!

Where RTF had a slow build, Sound of Madness jumped right into the fire, all pun intended. Things were popping off on the first page. Maria Luis kept that intensity throughout the story. I never could guess what was coming next. She had me literally on the edge with anticipation. She also tore my heart out at times because Rowena and Damien’s story had some strong emotional feels. Speaking of...Rowena had fire and spunk and I couldn’t stop cheering in my head for her. She gave as good as she got and refused to be bested. Her fierceness was everything that tested Damien but at the same time perfect for him on a soul deep level. Oh my and Damien...that man...it’s hard to find the words because he was like an onion. Soo many layers to him...hidden beneath the man known as The Mad Priest was a man full of heart. So much heart and hidden truths and passion and love. But, what I can’t get past is that freaking ending!! Maria Luis that is just cruel!

Wow, just what the....and yes, I said that clear through the entire book right to the last paragraph...because, woooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwww. I honestly just can’t even. This book picks up right where the first one left off, the fire at Buckingham Palace. Rowena is Queen Margaret’s brave bestie, that meets her match when she meets Damien aka the Mad Priest. These two were seriously intense fire together, they had some scorching heat, right from the beginning. Such a fantastic storyline, with more plot twist and turns than you could ever dream up, and it was fantastic. You will literally be saying “what the actual” and, “oh wow” throughout the entire book...you’re welcome. If you haven’t read the first book...Do. It. Now....then read this one. It will be the best use of your time, and totally worth the sleepless nights...and again, you’re welcome. Psst....get to reading... NEXT BOOK PLEASE....NOWISH WOULD BE GREAT.

After read Road to Fire, I wasn’t sure Maria Luis could Top it. But oh she does. Damien and Rowena were both such tortured souls. But on my when their souls met...all bets were off. They both were thrown into these lives as children that made them grow up so fast and not pleasantly. They both took their own paths. Both had similar goals, but were pushed towards them by different people and different reasons. There is so much carnage in this book, they are lies and secrets and slowly everything is coming to light. There were truths told that you never expect and an ending you never see coming. The backgrounds characters are superb and I cannot wait for Guy and Mags.

THE GUIDE TO ROMANCE NOVELS - ARC REVIEW Not my first read by the author and I have read the other in this series and I can't express how WOW this was!! Damien Priest was something out of this world! This entire story captivated me from page one. Maria really brought the BANG! Beware of the twist and turns in this one, every time I think ahaa I got it, I get side swiped in the best ways possible. I really love the EMOTION in this, everything was with whole heart...I am tongue tied on how much I loved it all! The details, the secrets, the expressions...characters, side characters...you learn so much more here and it really gives YOU ALL! Action packed is what I safely say about this, at each corner. While I was new to Maria a while ago, her books really are full of LOVE and written so. This one Maria took it out of the park, just plain WOW!!! A MUST READ! Romance: ♡♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: NA Standalone/Series: Book 2 in Trilogy Type: All Tags on top of this page! Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

Holy smokes! Maria Luis has done it again! This was action packed, had me sitting on the edge of my seat with twists and turns GALORE! Damien and Rowena were amazing. Both strong, broken people who lived in darkness and didn't think they deserved anything good because of what they had done and been through. Kindred souls describes them perfectly. Damien was bada**. But you know what? Rowena was just as tough. Maria Luis has shown me with this and the previous book in the series that she can write a tough female lead who shows just enough vulnerability. The ending had me literally screaming! My only complaint is that it took me a minute to reorient with this world since it was a bit between books and this picks up almost immediately after the first one. You can not read it as a stand alone. I'm anxiously waiting for the next one!

Whew! What a ride! The connection between Rowena and Damien is palpable, you can feel it through the pages. It’s hard to get specific because there are so many twists and turns with never ending suspense. Who to trust? Where to turn? Even though this is a longer book than normal, you definitely won’t be bored! It starts out with a big bang and ends with an even bigger surprise. All I can is if you enjoyed Road to Fire, you’ll love this one. Guy’s story has a lot to live up to and I think that he and Maria are up to it.

Maria Luis can write the heck out of a story. Every book of hers I've read has been instant favorite and Sound of Madness is no different. The storytelling is engaging and immerses you in the lives of Damien and Rowena and the secondary characters that make up the Broken Crown world. I was drawn in from page one and loved getting to know them better as the story, and all its twists and turns, unfolded. This is the kind of book that is nearly impossible to put down once you start it. It's intense and darker than some of Maria's other series, but she is one of the rare authors who can write different subgenres of romance equally well. As this is book two in a trilogy, you do need to read Road to Fire first, but it is definitely worth starting at the beginning to read these books!

We've waited a LONG time for this book and Maria Luis did NOT disappoint! Damien and Rowena were worth every single second of the wait. This world that Maria has created and pulled us into unlike anything I've ever read and I just want to stay there FOREVER. I thought that Road to Fire (book #1 of this series) was amazing, but let me tell you Sound of Madness absolutely blew RTF out of the water! Not only the relationship between Damien and Rowena but just the entire story as a whole. It was PERFECT. Maria's ability to paint a picture of this world is just truly phenomenal. This has easily become my favorite read of 2020. Now we will (im)patiently await the conclusion of the Broken Crown trilogy with Guy's book while cursing Maria for that ENDING! If I could give this book a million stars, I would.

Sound of Madness is a must-read! SOM is a definite five star and solidly in my top ten of 2020. It is the second book in the Broken Crown trilogy. These books must be read in order. It’s hard to review this book without spoiling anything so I’ll keep it brief. Damien and Rowena were everything. This book kept me guessing till the very end and I stayed up way too late reading it. I didn’t want it to end and now that it did all I can think about is THAT ENDING. Currently counting down until Guy’s story!

Rowena is the Prime Minister’s daughter and the Queen’s best friend who finds herself in an impossible situation. She is strong, resilient and hasn’t let the turmoil of what she has endured changed the fierce and loyal woman that she is. Damien considers it not only a duty and a honor to be part of Holyrood as they protect the royal family. He may be a warrior however it is only those closest to him that are allowed to see the man he is and how special he truly is. Both Damien and Rowena find themselves facing one of the most challenging times of their lives who find themselves facing difficult choices both when it comes to those around them and when it comes to each other. Their journey is filled with intrigue, surprises you don’t see coming, emotions that will tear at your heart and characters who will captivate you.

Sound of Madness was by far one of the best books I have read in 2020! So far with this series, Maria is writing a movie in your head. It is so descriptive and real that you swear you can see it all as you’re reading. This isn’t a series SOM picks right up where Road to Fire left off. This book has so many twists and turns. You’re up and then you’re down. You honestly question, how can these two come together in the beginning. Damien and Rowena have electric chemistry and there is definite attraction from the start. There is so much against them though. They feel they’re on opposite sides and both are exceptionally flawed and complex characters. There is so much angst it isn’t funny! But when they finally come together it is explosive! This book is full of mystery and darkness. The politics are so intriguing that you find yourself not able to put the book down because you have to find answers! We get some but we also end up having even more questions with the massive cliffhanger at the end of the book! Maria is an amazing author and this series so far is proving just how great she is! I cannot wait to see what is in store for Guy!

There are just TOO many words that can do justice to this incredible novel. And it’s not a book; it’s a NOVEL! Every word, piece, phrase was meticulously picked and the storyline was incredible! This book took over 8 hrs to read and I still wanted it to go on! Damien and rowena are the epitome of anti-heroes but they are twins; they are a perfect match for one another. This isn’t a romance novel. It’s an EPIC NOVEL!!! what’s the BEST read of 2020? THIS BOOK!!!!

7+ months ago, I would have said RTF (Broken Crown #1) was hands down Maria’s most well written, page turning, gritty, fiery book....and I would have been DEAD WRONG. Sound of Madness has knocked it out of the park - like, not even in the same ball field. I can honestly say I don’t know if I’ve ever read something as beautifully written as this book by her or any other author. Not only is it a beautifully written novel but the story line and characters just rip you apart in the best way possible. There were so many twists and turns throughout the entire thing (never mind that ENDING!!) it was impossible to put down. Don’t get me wrong, I love Saxon and Isla, but Damien and Rowena just had such amazing chemistry my fingertips were singed from turning their pages. And each on their own as characters were exactly who I’d hoped they’d be. Dark, bad ass and vulnerable. Damien is definitely my new book boyfriend - can you get hall passes for fictional characters ‘cause I’m gonna need one. Not only does Maria weave such an intricate and detailed story line, she makes it entirely believable in the process, which to me is one of the biggest feats any author can do. You give me a crazy gritty and twisty turny story AND make it believable, you’ve got a new fan from me and Maria did just that. Please if you only read one new series this year, read this one. Start from the beginning, read slow and absorb the beauty that is this story. *I was given an advanced copy for my honest review*

Let me start by saying book hangovers are real! It took me two full days to rip my head from this world that Maria Luis has created. It is dirty, gritty, and will make you bleed as you are consumed by Damien and Rowena. He is the perfect tortured anti-hero, who had me wanting to slap him one second and swoon the next. Rowena is his match in every way, tough, broken, but with sweetness buried under her armour of scars. She softened his edges and he makes her see the strength she has inside her. There are so many twists and turns that it is impossible to predict which I loved. Not many books have the power to break you and then make you feel but this one did. I can't wait for book 3. I mean literally, I need it now. If I could give this 10 stars I would. Highly recommend this was in my top 5 books of 2020.

I kind of like this series. It's definitely intense and well written. It gets 5 stars on the writing quality. But not on enjoyment. In a way, I liked the first one better. But in other ways, I liked this one more. Both couples are made of people who take action. Of people of see something wrong in the world and do something about it instead of complaining and doing nothing. Be warned, there is a lot of violence in both books. There is some foul language and definitely some steamy scenes. It seemed like there was more of a disconnect between the H and h in this book compared to the first one. There was definitely chemistry but it didn't fly off the page like it did with the first couple. This book did have some twists and unexpected revelations but nothing quite as severe as learning what the h was guilty of in the first book. I was very confused on throughout the last chapter of the book. I didn't follow the action well. I commented on that in Ms. Luis's FB group and she said it was intentional for the last chapter to be confusing. Quite honestly, it was a little disappointing but that adds to the suspense. I'm disappointed these left KU but I understand her reasoning. I will probably purchase the next book between Guy and the Queen, Margaret. I need to know how the series ends. I think if they had left KU after the first book, I wouldn't have finished the series. I'm definitely more committed to the ending after reading the second book!

After the blazing ending of Road to Fire, I was prepared for this book to throw me anything. Anything. Or so I thought because from page one this book grabbed me by the throat and dragged me through a roller coaster of twists and turns that took me by surprise over and over again. Damien and Rowena were completely unexpected! Both fierce, destructive, ruthless souls who circled each other as both predator and prey and respected each other yet waited for their chance to pounce. There is a scar of devastation that marks them both. They are not soft by any means, but there is a layer of tenderness to their personalities that unites them. An inner piece that is wrapped in the charred remains of what was left when all the good in their lives was burned away and the restlessness that haunts them as they fight tooth and nail to recapture some of the happiness they lost. When I say there are twists and turns, I mean it. They were dropped and caught me by surprise, and each one made me think rethink everything and see all the hints that now make sense. It was as enjoyable as it was gut-wrenching. I can't say too much without spoiling, but I will say that the suspense element is very present here and intricately woven into the story. And the ending ... I'm holding my breath until the last book is released! I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and chose to review voluntarily

It's been two days since I finished this book. Therefore it should be safe for me to review it. Had I tried to leave one as soon as I finished, it may have looked like I didn't like it or that I hated Ms. Luis! Neither of these are true....I LOVE both!!! Having read RTF(Road to Fire) I thought I was somewhat prepared for SOM. WRONG! The twists and turns...the highs and lows...the laughter and tears...the love and hate made this story more than worth the wait. They also left me feeling "gutted"!!! My only hope is that by the time Guy's book is ready I have somehow managed to knit myself back together. I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.

I put off reading this book for bit after it was released. Mostly due to the sheer size of the book. Well having now finished it I could kick myself for not reading it as soon as it was released. I absolutely loved Damien and Rowena. They are twin flames to one another, both burning in the pits of hell and reveling in every minute of it. Luis' writing in Sound of Madness is absolutely spectacular. I highlighted passage after passage in this book. Not because it was a key plot point or something I wanted to remember about the story later on. No, I spent most of my time highlighting sentences purely because of the beauty in the pain that the words conveyed. While this book focuses on a different main couple from the first book in the series, the books must be read in order of release. Not that reading reading Road To Fire is any hardship. That book was wonderful as well. While I loved this story and the two main characters, I did find the plot a little overwhelming. The sheer volume of backstabbing, subterfuge and sabotage that takes place was hard to follow. In addition to that there were a couple small errors in the story. Having said that I still felt the story merits a 4 1/2 star rating and I will be reading the next book in the series as soon as it is released!

Get ready to hand the keys over to Maria because she's going to get you all twisted up. We are in the middle of more twists and jaw-dropping moments and scenes that prove Rowena and Damien are the bosses who own their power over the reader. Get ready for the mother of all cliffs because it's going to have you convinced that Maria can write no wrong. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.

If you could perpetually freeze a face in abject surprise and astonishment, that would be my face the entire time I was reading Sound of Madness. Not only am I going insane with theories, but I've already started a re-read on this beauty and I'm not even mad about it. Damien is just the right amount of crazy to make it sexy and Rowena is the definition of heroine goals. Like can I be her when I decide to grow up? The steam. GAH the steam. I don't think there is a single part of this book that didn't leave tingling nethers across the land. 100% recommend, I loved every single second of it and CANNOT wait for Guy's book.

Talk about a non stop, gritty, edge of your seat, thrill ride that will keep you guessing all the way to the end!! The Sound Of Madness was the second book in Maria’s Broken Crown Trilogy. It picked up right where Road To Fire ended and took off running. Buckle up...you are in for quite the adventure. Damien and Rowena were fire and ice. One burning hot and one with ice in their veins; two people that should never interact but the pull was too strong. Who would win? Just when I thought I figured something out, Maria would add another mystery to solve! Such a thought provoking, suspenseful, and sexy read! And the cliffhanger...oh my!

What did I just read? I’ve been waiting for this book since the shocking cliffhanger from the end of Road to Fire! Wow! It was more than I expected! This book was overflowing with secrets, lies, danger, intrigue, drama, suspense and so many twists and turns that you won’t know what will happen next! Damien and Rowena’s story is both heartbreaking and heart-touching at the same time. They have been through so much. This story had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning until the end! I couldn’t put it down! Maria you have outdone yourself with Sound of Madness! Now I have to wait on the final book in the Broken Crown Trilogy. It can’t get here soon enough for me!

WHAT DID I JUST READ! Sooo much twisty, turney, yummy, dark goodness here.... where do I begin? Sound of Madness picks up where Road to Fire ends and it is pedal to the metal non-stop from there. The level of sheer brilliance is off the charts. This is Luis at her finest. What else is there to say except, grab book one, and book two and buckle up buttercup because you are in for the ride of your life!

“If you’re Death,” she says softly, her lips briefly landing on my left thigh as she works my trousers down my legs, “then I’m the raven that you send to the slain.” “If I’m Death,” I counter gruffly, locking my hands around her shoulders, “then you’re the mercy in my bones that gives me hope to do good.”🖤🖤🖤🔥🔥🔥🔥🖤🖤🖤 I AM OBSESSED!! Hold on to your knickers, my friends, because the Broken Crown Series will easily go to the top of your most favorite reads in this lifetime! This is Book 2 of a royal romance that is so well thought out and plotted by Maria Luis and it is packed to the brim with intensity, intrigue, and a “fairytale love steeped with tragedy”. Your heroine, Rowena, is a walking talking force to be reckoned with from the moment you open this book! Your hero, Damien, a man on a mission for revenge, for time lost in a world full of chaos and suffering, as you will constantly question where the Loyalty lies with each and every single twist and turn!! Long live the Queen? We shallllll seeeeee!

This book was the penultimate enemies to lovers story. Damien and Rowena were the last two people who should have ever been together. And yet, it works. On 1,000 different levels. The pure energy that resonated between them whether anger or desire crackled off the page like wildfire. Sound of Madness has everything you could ever want or hope for in a book. Fear, anger, mistrust, betrayal, friendship, perseverance, heroism and traitors, all within the first 3 chapters. Chaos reigns and it drew me in and didn’t let go until I reached the last page. Bow down to Maria Luis, storyteller extraordinaire!

Wow!! This book is very, very dark, and very beautiful. Rowen and Damien (The Mad Priest) are the main characters, and they both have very deep scars from their past. The story of their journey to being together is difficult and heartbreaking, but when they do finally come together, it is a beautiful thing!! Maria, this book did exactly what you said it would do – it ruined me! But I loved it very much. The ending is a HUGE cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to find out what happens in the final book!! If you like this kind of romance, then you owe it to yourself to read this. It is epic!

OMG!!! This is by far one of the best books I have read by Maria. I couldn’t stop reading and the suspense with a little twist made this story even better!! I love Damien and Rowena, they are both strong characters and have their own dash of madness that we love. Their story is pretty chaotic, sexy, and hopeful. I love everything about them and I can’t wait to read more! The suspense is killing me!! I really enjoyed reading Sound of Madness and can’t wait to read what Maria will have in store for us. I voluntarily leave an honest review of this Advanced Readers Copy!!

This is the 2nd book in the Broken Crown series, definitely read Road To Fire before Sound Of Madness as it starts off right where Road To Fire leaves off. From the first page this book had me hooked. Damien Priest is absolutely amazing as is Rowena Carrigan. There’s little more that can be said as this book is twist after shocking twist. Be prepared to not want to put this book down until the very end. It’s full of shock, stunning events, epic fights and an unexpected love story that’s so hot your kindle may start smoking. Be prepared for every emotion possible to hit you!

Wow. I thought Road to Fire was good but Sound of Madness is EVERYTHING! Dark, edgy, gripping, suspenseful, steamy, emotional...plot twists and intrigue galore. This is a piece of writing genius by Maria Luis. I love all of her work, but I can easily say that her darker books like these and the Blood Duet are superior by far. These books can be read as standalone romance stories but to get the full effect, must be read in order as there is an overarching plot that continues through the series. I can't wait for book 3 to find out what happens!

Maria's writing is exquisitely beautiful while riding the line between haunting and terrifying. Maria Luis just wrote a spy novel to rival all spy novels. The madness of this book, the dark- secrets that are threaded between brothers and whispered between lovers: it's all so twisty and good. Let me say it kidder louder for the ones in the back, IT'S SO BLOODY GOOD!! I was left wide-eyed, slacked jaw, and utterly floored by how well written/ plotted and executed this whole thing was. Standing ovation, Maria. You deserve a standing ovation.

Amazing, spectacular, suspenseful, on the edge of your seat kinda book. I love the characters as they had so much undeniable chemistry. Damien Priest and his brothers will do whatever they can to protect the crown and find out who is trying to kill the Queen. Damien trusts no one, including Rowena who is the Prime Ministers daughter. Rowena struggles to show them that she is not a threat to the Queen, and finds herself attracted to this stubborn man. I enjoyed reading the Sound of Madness and highly recommend it.

I am at a loss as to what to say about Damian and Rowena's story. They both have so much to overcome and yet they hold on to their secrets until they are faced with death. Their growing attraction to each other is raw and passionate and it's what they both need to make them whole. Can they save each other and will their loyalty to her friend and his family stand the betrayal that rocks their world. Strong willed women and fierce protective men in both books makes me wonder what's in store for the Margaret and Guy. Awesome story and cannot wait for the last installment.

This dark and suspenseful storyline picks up where Road to Fire leaves off. It is filled with action, adventure, betrayals, twists, passion, and animosity. The main characters are magnificent in their development, enemies to lovers, strong, determined, first attraction then through many layers to arrive at love. Allegiance, oaths, vengeance, spies, plots, and violence are all present in this wonderful read. I loved it. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

I don’t think there are proper words to express just how genius this book was. The story was diabolical. The love story tragically beautiful. The steamy scenes were HOT. And the writing was poetic. This book was amazing and I cannot wait for the third. Truly a one of a kind masterpiece.

Hold on to your pants, this is madness! Pun intended. It's a crazy, delicious and completely riveting read. I was already curious about Damien after reading RTF, I mean - tech genius? I'm a bit of a nerd and he totally piqued my interest. To find out more about him was a no brainer. There is so much more to him than just brains. He is more than a villain. More than a monster. Rowena was the perfect heroine for his story. Beautifully broken but not defeated. Her strength and her loyalty were awe inspiring. Tensions run high (and so does the body count) in this absolutely gripping second instalment. Prepare to board the crazy train - perhaps have some tissues or a strong drink on hand - prepare for secrets to be revealed and for allegiances to be shattered.

Good lord. I'm floored by Rowena and Damien's story. So many feels. I'm finding it hard to put into words exactly how I feel. I can't wait for Guy's book because I know it'll be the ending I so very much need. The twists and turns, and the heat from these two will forever be etched in my brain. I don't know how I went so long without missing sleep to read this. Maria has yet again made me love her and be so angry that I don't have the third book, all at the same time. I am wrecked over this one.

Rowena and Damien's turbulent, adversarial relationship leads to wild attraction, espionage, danger, violence, betrayal and so many hidden motives, shifting alliances and secrets. It's a suspenseful, action packed love story with complex, memorable characters and quite a few unexpected, emotion filled plot twists. This book ends abruptly with many unresolved issues. The next book in this series isn't out until Spring.

This book left me breathless. Not just at the end but multiple times throughout. The plot twists and the declarations, both of love and hate, kept me turning pages and asking questions. It was a Rollercoaster ride of emotions and so much fun to devour. I didn't see so many of the twists and turns coming. The ending will leave you amazed, broken, and wanting more. Grab it quickly!

Twists and turns. Emotional highs and lows. Fantastic ending! What I liked: The writing style The characters Broken Hero Bada** Heroine Breathtaking moments Dual POVs Fantastic ending This is Damien and Rowena's story. It ends with a cliffhanger. Next story is Guy's. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC.

Oh my goodness, I. Am. Done. Damien was every bit the tortured hero I expected and wanted, and Rowena was the strong woman who brought him to his knees. Rowena is probably my most favorite heroine, because she overcomes time and time again without fail. And Damien. Yall. That man is beautiful. That plot twist at the end!! I cannot wait for Guy’s book!

Sound Of Madness is the second book in the Broken Crown series written by one of my favorite authors, Maria Luis. This journey abounds with darkness and untold heartbreak! The paths that Rowena and Damien travel are filled with treachery and deceit while hiding behind masks of pain. I am anxiously awaiting the next chapters of this fascinating series!

I had no idea what to expect from SOM and I certainty could not have predicted most of it. It is constant action from start to finish. Damien and Rowena are torture characters. They have been through more than many of us can imagine but they are still relatable. Don't most of us struggle with the darkness at some point and crave the sunshine? I cannot wait to see how this trilogy ends with Guy.

These two definitely give you a great back and forth but man when they get in sync they are all fire. I love the back and forth and love between the brothers. The suspense and fire is so addictive and page turning. I am so in love with the story building of these book and how they are unfolding. So worth the long read!!

I'm going to be honest I rarely ever review books I've read (it's a struggle for me) but this book ruined me. I knew after reading RTF that SOM would be nothing short of amazing. The love story between Rowena and Damien is powerful. This book made me laugh, cry, and throw my kindle. The character back stories, the way all of the characters are intertwined, the sex scenes (the alter), and the plot twist I didn't see come equaled my ruin. Now I anxiously await ANK so I can dive right back into the Broken Crown universe wholly. It appears this trilogy is off the beaten path for Maria but in case she reads this - While I've read 90 % of your work this is by far my favorite and you had to write this, there is no one else who could bring this world to life the way you did!

This book is EVERYTHING. I have read a LOT of books in my lifetime and Sound of Madness (and Road To Fire) are probably my favorite reads ever! Sexy, swoony, dark and twisting. Heart-pounding, heart-stopping, heartbreaking and heart-melting from beginning to end. I’m not sure how I will survive the wait for the next book. You need the Broken Crown series!!! It’s incredible.

110% fire! This book is amazing. I can not wait to dive in again and really let the story seep into my soul. Damien and Rowena are perfectly imperfect. They match each other so well. The twists and turn that Maria takes us through are so unexpected. I was on the edge of my seat.

I've written and rewritten this review since I finished Sound of Madness. Have you ever read a book that just left you reeling? That's this entire series. This book was raw and devastating in the best way. Rowena and Damien are two of the most complex characters I've experienced and I was not as prepared as I thought I was. If you are ready to be emotionally wrecked in the best way READ THIS BOOK. If you aren't... Read it anyway but with more wine? Maria, thank you for letting us into this vivid and dangerous world you've created, it's been a delightfully torturous time and I can't wait to visit again.

Rowena is the heroine you root for in a story. She's fiery and doesn't back down from Damien. Damien is an alpha male that is used to having things his way. He wants Rowena on her knees before him but she will give him a merry chase. An exciting story that will keep you on edge until the last page.

Freaking OMG Maria has done it again. This story was so epically amazing. I can’t get it outta my head. 😍😭 You will not regret reading this series, check it out! I received an advanced copy of the ebook and am voluntarily leaving a review. My opinions are my own.

This book makes you feel like you are on a roller coaster with all of the ups and downs ands twists and turns. I really liked Damien and Rowena’s characters. I thought the story was dragged out a little in some places, but felt unfinished in others. Overall though I thought it was a great book and can’t wait to keep reading. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

This was a book I have been waiting for so bad and I wasn’t disappointed at all! Damien and Rowena literally brought out any and every emotion I had and put my head into a tailspin. I knew I’d enjoy this book but it surpassed anything I originally thought.

Pure genius twists and turns. Action all through the book. Keeps you on your toes, With a major bomb dropped at the end. Book is devastatingly beautiful. Can’t wait for the third book.

Such a great read! It’s a fitting sequel to Road to Fire, with more plot twists and turns. And the ending will leave you breathless in anticipation for the third book.

My head is still spinning and I don’t know how to describe how well written this story is! And oh my gaaaaah, that ending. So much happened so quickly and I had to re-read the last few pages. Maria has done a fabulous job showing us she can write absolute anything and we will love it.

As usual Maria has left speechless and waiting to see what happens next. The broken crown series has become my new favorite addiction and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.

Hated for it to end. As always, Maria sucks the reader in to her charismatic characters and plot. SOOO GOOOOD. Seriously, do not hesitate.

Couldn’t put this book down. Maria once again, you have outdone yourself. Although I screamed like a lunatic at the end!!!!! How could you do this to us. In the most light way. Spring are you here?!?!?

I'm speechless. I could exclaim Holy Plot Twist(s) Batman! Or weep over Damien & Rowena saving each other. I'll just sit here with my head spinning, and continue waiting for what I saw coming in book 1-Guy & Margaret. (What ARE you up to, Guy!?)

So another wicked awesome book. It lured you in and so many turns. It flows nicely but now I want more

Maria Luis had done it again. She never ceases to amaze me. She draws you in from the very first word and you never look back. This book might just be my very favorite of hers, and I love them all! Ready for the next in this series.

Omg so good. Love the plot. what an ending

I just finished this book, the second installment in the Broken Crown series, and I am speechless. I have no idea what happened. I have 57 questions about who and why and how. Just like the first book, I am going to have to go back and read this a second time in order to truly understand what happened because you have to get to the end for some parts to be revealed. Before I do that, I will say that the author lived up to all her promises. She promised that this would be even darker and more compelling than the first book. She promised that Damien would be even more of an anti-hero. She promised that it would be a crazy ride with twists we couldn't see coming. She absolutely delivered, even more than I expected. I have no idea how she came up with a bigger cliffhanger than the first book, but holy cow! All I can say is, if you enjoyed the first book, you are going to love this one. (They have to be read in order, or nothing makes sense.) Damien has some serious secrets going on and has carried an even larger burden than Saxon's. Rowena is even tougher than Isla but with a softness for the people she loves. We get to see Queen Margaret more in this book, and I have a ton of questions about her. We also learn more about Guy, but he left me with more questions. (Frankly, I am mad at him for a couple of things in this book. He better have a good explanation!) We are getting closer to the real villain in this whole series, but not everything has been revealed yet. I don't know how I will make it until the third book because I have to know how this will all work out. I know it will be as astounding as this book was.