God of Fury: A Dark MM College Romance (Legacy of Gods)

This book is the reason I read all of the books in the Rinaverse. I was intrigued from the get go. And let me tell you that it was worth it.

This book is ABSOLUTE perfection. It was such a an excellent combination of angst, romance, darkness, pain, love and joy. I loved the humor.

Rina Kent knocked it out of the park.

Nikolai and Brandon the men that you are. SWEET LORD.

I had been intrigued in reading MM romances for a while now but held off because I wanted this one to be my first. 33 books later and I am so glad I waited because this story was EPIC.

This is totally a 7 star read.

Well, this book is going to stay with me forever. The cat-and-mouse game between Niko and Bran reel you in from chapter one. ‘Enemies to lovers’ doesn’t even begin to describe these two as Bran struggles through his attraction and magnetic pull that Niko has. Niko is one of the most unhinged characters I have ever read and he had me laughing out loud several times. I could NOT put this book down. I was laughing out loud one minute and then sobbing uncontrollably a few chapters later. GoF also had some of the hottest spiciest scenes I had read and I loved how even though there was a strict ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ dynamic, neither cared about their roles when it meant bringing their partner pleasure. This book is going to give me the worst hangover in a while.

This has been my favorite book in the series, and it will forever be in my soul. I loved Nikolai and Brandon they both have chaotic minds just in different ways. Nikolai is unapologetic in his pursuit of Brandon and truly shows his true self from the start. He has never been a one-person man but that changes in a blink of an eye. Nikolai gravitates to the darkness and thrives there while Brandon may have his demons, he tries hard to keep everything on the up and up he is a controlled personality and is a complete opposite to Nikolai. The story is an emotional journey for these two and your heart will break at times, the tough push and pull, but the story is perfection, and I could not get enough. They calm each other's darkness and chaotic minds and give each other the love and peace they deserve.

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation: Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️ World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎 Cover:📔📔📔📔📔 Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒 Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞 Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂 Page Turner Level:📖📖📖 Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧 Overall View: ✨✨✨✨5

First Impressions God of Fury is the fifth installment in the "Legacy of Gods" series and this series has completely blew me away and I was so curious to see how this author would handle a MM romance as this is her very first novel in this type of romantic interest and she knocked this aspect right out of the park. God of Fury is a story that I think may push some readers and may not exactly work for everyone but I was so fascinated in the growth that we see our couple go through within this story. I had such a fun time with this match up because on the surface you wouldn't think that these two would have anything in common, but when it comes to the heart and mind....they truly find what they need in each other but their journey is a battle.

First Line What am I doing here?

Summary So the setup of the story is that we have our two male protoganists: Bran and Niko. Niko is the psychopath of the two. He is such an alpha male, and he has his eye on Bran and wants him more than anything. So much so that he is losing interest in what he normally has interest in. Then we have Bran, who has his own mental struggles he has been battling it, and is more of a demisexual. So we see how struggles being in relationships...until Niko. Niko has him feeling things especially more sexually that he has never really experienced but he has always considered himself straight, and doesn't know how to face up to being attracted to Niko in the way that he is. There is this pull and push between Niko and Bran on what they have and if its worth fighting for....will Bran be able to fight for Niko and their love before Niko gives up on him completely?

What I Loved Wow! this book packed such a punch and I was there for the ride that this author takes us on. I absolutely adored Niko so much. He was a hoot. Seriously this character had me laughing all over the place. He is such a anti hero and its delicious. I have always loved Niko though and if you have read the other books in the series you are very familiar with his crazy. Then we have Bran who is the prentious prideful of his group of friends. Bran has been the character that we have seen to be the most mysterious. We just know he is the serious twin, but his character is more in the background. In God of Fury we get to see his story and see his background and his story melted my heart and broke it just a bit. What we see Bran struggle with was so heartbreaking. Through much of the story you aren't sure what he is struggling with exactly or what trauma he was dealt, but you know its pretty bad and you know his family is ignorant of it. He has kept it hidden and for years has been dealing with severe depression and is on the verge of being suicidal. I really connected with his character and his struggles. I think if any reader has dealt with depression of any kind, they will be able to see so much of themselves within Bran's character.

So the romance is very push and pull. Bran is always on the run and Niko is the one chasing. But there is so much more happeni9ng with Bran than meets the eye. Niko knows that there is something deeper driving Bran's fear then just him coming out of the closet as gay. But Bran is on the run not just sexually or physically but also very emotionally. Niko is pretty patient considering the fact that he is a bit of a psychopath. We see how much he is having to deal with but also knowing that their relationship is practically forbidden and that Bran's twin is his greatest enemy. What we see being developed within the plot was so superb. It kept me on edge all the way through. What will really carry the reader through though is the depth of their relationship. I loved the feel of cat and mouse play game that these two go through and the third act was simply perfection. I knew going into this what was ahead for this one and its hard to see but Rina Kent really handled this scene so very well. I was highly impressed with how it was handled, and seeing how the family and especially Niko deals with it, just breaks your heart. But these two come out on top in the happily ever after and Kent has created such a unique dynamic romance that melted my heart from beginning to end.

Spoiler (view spoiler)

What I Struggled With The pacing in this book dragged a bit in some parts. The middle section of the story kinda was a bit slow at times. So I feel like there were aspects to the battle between Niko and Bran going back and forth that could have been reduced just a bit because it did get slightly repetitive. But I only knocked off half a star for this element as the rest of the story was a win for me.

Overall View God of Fury is a powerful story that tugs at your heartstrings and melts your heart at the deep vibrant emotion that carries the romance through. Its a story of identity, growth and learning to heal past wounds and embrace the love that is steady and impactful.

Favorite Quote(s) Seems that Bran runs way deeper than I thought, but as he hangs on to me as if I’m his only anchor, I know that I’ll never let him go. Not even if I burn with him. For him. In him. I’d willingly catch fire if he so much as asked me to.

Book Details (also in my shelves) Sub Genre: Dark Romance, New Adult Character Types: Alpha Male, Anti Hero, Athlete, Psycopath Themes: LGBTQ, Hot Smexy Times, PTSD, Secrets Tropes: Forbidden Love, Unrequited Love, Enemies to Lovers

Book Perspective Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict A Mix of Both

Song This Book Inspires k( all I got to say) by NUVILICES

Recommendation For Reading Order You can read as standalones, as the events intermingle with all books in the series

This is the first story of Rina’s I have read and it’s mainly because it’s MM and that is my go to! #sorryNOTsorry Let me word vomit about my opinions on it, if anyone cares to listen!

First of all, if you have TRIGGERS then be warned and check those out before jumping in!!!

This is a little bit of sexuality awakening, kinda enemies to lovers, stalkerish vibes, forced proximity in a way, heart breaking, mental health reality, funny at times, back and forth, swoonish, possessive and more. Yes you can read it as a stand alone as I did but I’m sure if I had was the ones before it it would also be helpful to know the side characters and their backstories a little better also. 🤷🏽‍♀️ HEATHENS VS ELITES. Yellow mask. 💛

Nikolai & Brandon/Nico & Bran/Kolya & Bran Jr. “It’s a situationship.”

Nico is suppose to basically be a psycho. And don’t get me wrong, I mean I see how he could be considered that by most people but I didn’t get the psycho vibes from him. I did get alpha, possessive, funny, true to himself, bad boy slight mafia, but deep down big teddy bear vibes more than anything else. Nico loves hard and is loyal to those he loves. Overall he just wanted to be loved back! The talking to his 🍆 and naming him Kolya some may think is dumb but I personally found it funny and part of who he is! Maybe because I’m a boy mom to 3 teens and that’s basically my life all day everyday. 😂🙄 Nico is chaos and messy and basically a man child through and through. He knows what he wants and ain’t afraid to go after it!

“You don’t look at him like he’s an enemy.”

Brandon, or Bran, is the “good twin” of Landon. He plays Lacrosse because Landon didn’t. He’s a runner, kinda OCD and control freak, an amazing Artist, inferiority complex and has demons that you see throughout the whole story but don’t find out about WHY until basically the very end! He basically wants to feel “normal” (I dislike that word!) and wants a relationship with Lan, and to be loved for who he is but he hates himself so it’s a huge struggle. Starts off being the uptight, snobby, a-hole but ends up being just as possessive as Nico!

“You’re a fing nightmare.” “Your nightmare.” “I hate you.” “I don’t.” “You’re fing crazy.” “About you.”

The back and forth, there’s a lot of that. The mental struggles from BOTH of them, yup you can expect that throughout the whole book but they help each other deal with them. They are complete opposites and they do say opposites attract! Love the banter throughout the first half! The way Nico just inserted himself on the morning runs and Bran hated it but secretly loved it all at the same time. The sexy scenes are 💋 chefs kiss!!

However, I didn’t really like the way Nico gave Bran the ultimatum for choosing him or his brother BUT I understand why he did it. I didn’t like the way he ignored Bran after he opened up a little but again kinda understood why he did that too. But yeah.

Levi’s chapter was good too! Loved the way he was the crazy over protective father and how he kept saying things about Killian and Nico and that no one could be worse than Killian. SURPRISE!! 😈

“I love this man with everything I have and don’t have. I love him with my sane and insane parts. He’s my lotus flower. My Prince Charming. The love of my life. Mine.”

So much passion, so full of darkness that it envelops these emotions making your heart skip a beat. I love Nikolai and how unapologetically raw he is and very true to himself. I was low key team Nikolai all the way until the end. He’s the epitome of I don’t give a (beep) how you feel. He actually welcomes the danger and breathes it. Even if you threaten him, it would just tickle his rage even more. Literally he gets off on the violence. Even though he suffered his own demon but he strong enough for both Brandon and himself. I enjoyed how the author touches on the psychological aspect of the characters have. From my analyst Brandon suffered Major Depressive Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder and of course a majority of self-loathing. After reading further, the root cause of his disorder stem from the trauma experience he faced by an adult he should have trusted. It sadden me that he places this wall up and kept everyone out by creating this fake personification to fill that empty void to the point he began Self Injurious Behavior to cope. He did everything in power to make sure that the red curtain never lift. I must say Chapter 26 made me hold me breathe. I finally breathe after I ended that chapter. It was very disturbing but in a good way. Brandon literally had this “no way out” situation after Nikolia discovered the secret Brandon has been trying to keep under wraps for 8 long sufferable years. It also brings up an issue in today society where people don’t take a woman molesting or raping a boy as crime. From the grooming aspect to the very act. Overall, Nikolai is funny. There’s moment I laughed at his ridiculousness. The spicy scene were beautiful. I’m glad it ended the way it needed to ease the darkness of cloud. Slowly, the light began shine…..

4.5 Stars!

This audiobook was 10 stars on performance! Teddy Hamilton, Shane East, Zara Hampton Brown and Mackenzie Cartwright all were superb. This was truly acting. In this dark MM, college, bully romance, Shane and Teddy really reached to some dark places. Check TWs for sure.

Teddy plays Nico who is a very toxic character with obsessive and violent tendencies. I really struggled with him at first because Nico was so cruel to Bran and tried to force him to "out" himself. But as the story went on, I understood him more and Teddy definitely brought a charisma and humor to this complex character. Shane absolutely broke my heart with a very expressive and emotional performance for a character with trauma and a deep hatred for himself. Their love story was beautiful.

This was my first book by Rina Kent, so I was a little confused with some side characters, but not enough to be really lost. Glad I branched out of my comfort zone to try this one for the performance alone.

I really wanted to wait until I finished rating the series to rate all the books or series in one go but after this book I realize how dumb that is cause each book is a standalone and yes they have interconnected characters but each couple have their own story to talk about and after this book I really can not, not talk about it! Nikolai and Brandon have got to be my absolute favorite love story by far! Niko is this big muscled, tatted up, chaotic, violent and possesive force of nature who thrived on violence and destruction. But he was also extremely loyal, protective and yes, loving! Brandon, was quite, respectful, ant-violence, artistic, caring, a philanthropist and the person who took care of his loved ones but never took care of himself. On paper the both shouldn't work but when they came together it was beautiful. Their process was messy and hurtful, they had me in a chokehold. I cried quite a bit throughout the book but I've never rooted for a couple to get together as much as I did them. They both had demons that messed them up but together they were the balance they each needed. Nikolai and Brandon will live rent free in my heart and my head for a while. Please check the trigger warnings before, some things Brandon went through resonated with me so remember your mental health matters, you matter. But I promise the HEA is worth the tears. Thank you Rina Kent, for these bringing together these two beautiful men and inviting us into their story.😍

I mean, really, this book is so dark and swoony. I inhaled and absolutely loved it. It’s an enemies to lovers, a secret relationship, a forbidden love, and completely engrossing love story. Niko is the ultimate boy obsessed but he’s also a golden retriever, irrepressible and unhinged in his love for Bran. Bran is controlled and perfected and it all works to cover his insecurities and self doubt. But with Niko, Bran feels free to let go and it is everything. My heart was beating for these two. Rina Kent took seemingly unredeemable Niko and made him a hot bodied, dangerous masterpiece. This book is a little different from other books in this series as it’s not as trigger filled, and is more of a traditional dark (but not that dark) romance. It’s simply a great love story. These two characters both work to be together, try to communicate, and when they don’t, it feels like a genuine struggle to say the words that need to be spoken. Of course they fall in love in the most heart-melting, honest, root for them forever way. I loved this book. 5 stars. 3 peppers. Go read it!

My first M/M romance - I'm going to need more, I think. I can't believe how much I enjoyed this book. It has to be one the best written - in the Legacy of Gods series... possibly is the best. Was it my favorite? No. That spot is still reserved for God of Wrath.

I did think the book was somewhat drawn-out. Some parts could've used a shaving down - of sorts. And some parts needed more fleshing out. Most especially the ending bit involving Grace. It seemed to be brief for the monumental impact it had on Bran. Also, there were instances where it felt as though Bran was being slightly pressured into coming out, which made me want to knock some fictional heads around. With that said, I thrive on books that evoke those kinds of emotions in me... the ones that make me want to reach through the pages and do some rearranging of other character's attitudes or actions.

The character dialog still swings towards sounding scripted, but R.K. pulls it off so well. The inner monolog (conversations) Niko has with his man part had me rolling. Every. Time. I was so here for that!

I loved the pacing of this story. I felt the natural progression, which allowed me to believe in the love these two people found. It was an engrossing romance filled with palpable angst, complicated affection, and beautiful fury.