4 ⭐ I enjoyed this book so much and hope we get more stories set in this planet/realm!
"My beautiful little witch in the woods. You need to be apprecia4 ⭐ I enjoyed this book so much and hope we get more stories set in this planet/realm!
"My beautiful little witch in the woods. You need to be appreciated. You need to be touched. I think you need to be loved."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ cozy romantasy set in a haunted forest ✨ human healer FMC ✨ half Kylorr, half something else hero ✨ strangers to lovers ✨ she nurses him back to health ✨ he calls her “little witch” ...more
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ sci-fi monster romance ✨ human x kraken ✨ he saves her from drowning ✨ forced proximity ✨ distrust to lo5 ⭐ WE LISTEN AND WE DON'T JUDGE
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ sci-fi monster romance ✨ human x kraken ✨ he saves her from drowning ✨ forced proximity ✨ distrust to love ✨ forbidden romance ✨ 2.5/5 spice ✨ slight ow/om drama (but I promise it's not a big deal) ✨ (view spoiler)[accidental pregnancy (hide spoiler)] ✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
Yep. You're seeing that correctly. I'm giving this human x kraken monster romance 5-fucking stars.
I want to start by saying that it's been a challenge lately to read/listen to a book and stay engaged the entire time, and I certainly was while listening to the audiobook of Treasure of the Abyss. Hence my 5-star rating. No, it is not some high brow story or award winning drama. And I KNOW FOR A FACT that this book is not for everyone. But if you're someone who saw The Shape of Water and thought "Um, yeah I might be down to f*ck a monster" or if you're slightly interested in how a human woman and a male Kraken would get it on, then saddle up because this book is for you.
Summary: The story takes place on another planet in a different galaxy, years into the future. Macy is a human on a settlement near an ocean. She is about to get engaged and is not very eager about the prospect. When she's on a boat with her suitor, they get caught in a storm and Macy almost drowns but is saved by a Kraken named Jax. Until that moment, no humans knew about the existence of Kraken, but Kraken have been aware and wary of humans for hundreds of years. To keep his species a secret, Jax tells Macy she is not allowed to return home and will stay with him indefinitely. A little bit of captive x captor vibes going on here. ...more
3.5 ⭐️ Allarion is officially the new king of the simps
"You would burn down his life, whereas I would incinerate the man himself. Let me bring you hi3.5 ⭐️ Allarion is officially the new king of the simps
"You would burn down his life, whereas I would incinerate the man himself. Let me bring you his cinders."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ fantasy monster romance ✨ he’s an ancient fae ✨ she’s a human barmaid ✨ arranged marriage ✨ fated mates ✨ he falls first ✨ insta-lust ✨ miscommunication ✨ denial of feelings ✨ slow burn ✨ size difference ✨ 3.5/5 ...more
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ new adult paranormal fantasy romance ✨ gothic medieval-esque world ✨ couples: Elm x Ione (main), Elspeth x Rav3 ⭐️ It was a fine sequel
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ new adult paranormal fantasy romance ✨ gothic medieval-esque world ✨ couples: Elm x Ione (main), Elspeth x Ravyn (side) ✨ forbidden romance ✨ forced proximity ✨ insta-lust ✨ slow burn ✨ 1/5 spice (one open door scene that's not explicit) ✨ secrets and lies ✨ magic has a price ✨ high stakes ✨ multiple POVs
My Thoughts:
It was an interesting sequel. Once again, I like the gothic vibes, moody/creepy atmosphere, unique magic system, and characters. The story is well put together and the plot was unique and intriguing. However . . .
While I actually like Ione and Elm, it was surprising they were the stars of this book. Elspeth is the main character of book 1 but takes a backseat in this story. I get why but it’s a bitter pill to swallow when you've invested your time into Elspeth, only for previous side characters to take over as the main protagonists. Again, I liked the new MCs but I just wasn’t as invested in them as I think we were expected to be. So yeah, I was disappointed that Elspeth didn’t play a big part in this book.
Also, the romance between Ione and Elm was infatuation to love at best. The transition from "I'm horny for you to I deeply care for you" was too sudden and not believable.
I was not a fan of all the different POVs. It’s hard going from the previous book that only has two POVs to five POVs.
The twists/reveals were once again not shocking. Everything came together nicely but either the foreshadowing was too obvious or the story wasn't complicated enough that I was able to predict everything.
Maybe it was my disappointment and disinterest as I continued to read, but I found the writing to be overly descriptive and wordy at times. So I ended up skimming a bit.
And a few other random annoyances. There was a moment when time freezes and Elm could have killed his brother but he didn't. Why? This felt like a major oversight. Also, Elspeth's uncle / Ione's dad should have been sentenced to death for his betrayals.
I was expecting to be blown away because of all the hype but I just wasn’t. However, I would recommend this to people who like fantasy with a bit of romance and want to read something different.
Favorite Quotes:
If he ever grew old enough to do so, he would tell this story to his children, with the firm lesson being don't ever strike bargains with beautiful women. _______
"You have a wonderful mouth. . . And now, it's all mine." _______
"I want you to know me very well, Ione Hawthorn. Which is" -he dipped her again, bowing over her and speaking against her throat- "a rather horrifying feeling, if I'm perfectly honest." _______
"You're beautiful." "No. That word is only for you." _______
"Don't die. I won't. Because if you do, and we never get the time we're owed, I'll hate you, Ravyn Yew. I'll love you and hate you forever." _______...more
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ Christmas novella ✨ best friend’s brother ✨ doctor x tech guy ✨ he fell first and hard ✨ “it’s always been you” ✨ fo4 ⭐️ This was cute
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ Christmas novella ✨ best friend’s brother ✨ doctor x tech guy ✨ he fell first and hard ✨ “it’s always been you” ✨ forced proximity ✨ yearning/pining ✨ slight reverse age gap (2 years) ✨ 2/5 spice (1 open door scene) ✨ HEA ✨ single pov
My Thoughts:
Listened to the audiobook. The narrator was fantastic.
The story is cute with lots of yearning and a dash of spice. The fact they’ve known each other their whole lives only made this story sweeter. The spice was minimal and only there at the end. Wish there had been more since there was so much tension leading up to it but I know with novellas you usually have to sacrifice character development or spice, and in this case I’m glad it was the spice. I’d definitely recommend reading or listening to this if you’re looking for a short holiday romance....more
There once was a girl clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a kin4 ⭐️ An intriguing gothic fantasy romance
There once was a girl clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a king - a shepherd by his crook, who reigned over magic and wrote the old book. The two were together, so the two were the same:
The girl, the King...and the monster they became.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ ya/new adult paranormal fantasy romance ✨ gothic medieval-esque world ✨ Elspeth is one of the 'infected' and shares her mind with the 'Nightmare' ✨ Ravyn is the captain of the king's army and hunts the 'infected' ✨ reluctant allies to lovers ✨ fake engagement ✨ forced proximity ✨ insta-lust ✨ slow burn ✨ 1/5 spice (one open door scene that's quick and mostly fade to black) ✨ secrets and lies ✨ magic has a price ✨ high stakes
My Thoughts:
An intriguing gothic paranormal fantasy with a dash of romance.
Positives:
I enjoyed the gothic vibes. The world and magic system was fresh and interesting. The court politics were fascinating to watch unfold. I like the side characters and am excited to see what happens to each of them in the Next books.
Negatives:
I thought the plot twits/reveals were never surprises thanks to the obvious foreshadowing. So many things could have been avoided or solved if the Nightmare had just been forthcoming with Elspeth, which made his withholding information feel like a weak plot device. Elspeth overreacted towards Ravyn a lot, which came across as annoying and immature. The romance, while I liked it, was very insta-lust and I didn't quite believe the development and depth of their connection.
-
Again, I did think it was a solid read but everyone was raving about it so I guess I’m a little disappointed that I’m not obsessed. Don’t get me wrong, I really like the gothic vibes and dark medieval-esque world. And the characters are interesting. I just thought this book would have a bigger impact on me. Maybe book 2 is better and solidifies this as a top tier series? Please tell me if book 2 makes this series better or worse ...more
"A girl who can only love broken things, and a boy so broken he can only love what he cannot have. A perfect match."
WHA2.5 ⭐️ I was . . . underwhelmed
"A girl who can only love broken things, and a boy so broken he can only love what he cannot have. A perfect match."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ fantasy romance ✨ vicious vampires and meddling gods ✨ quest to the underworld / Dante’s inferno vibes ✨ she's a vampire prisoner once blessed by the sun god ✨ he's the bastard son of the Shadowborn vampire king ✨ captor x captive ✨ enemies to lovers ✨ forced proximity ✨ cold/reserved x sunshine ✨ slow burn ✨ 2/5 spice ✨ action-packed ✨ high stakes ✨ skeleton dog companion ✨ heavy descriptions of world building ✨ found family ✨ secrets ✨ single POV ✨ cliffhanger ✨ TW: OW drama (an ex consistently shows up), violence, grief, religious indoctrination and manipulation, emotional abuse
‼️THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS‼️ but I will announce when they are about to happen.
My Thoughts:
Carissa Broadbent is an auto buy author for me. I love the Crowns of Nyaxia series and I was so excited for this next installment of the series. Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed and ultimately disappointed by this novel.
But before I disclose what ultimately led to my disappointment, here's what I enjoyed:
This world continues to fascinate me. Throughout the story, we learn more about the relationships between gods, humans, and vampires and dive deeper into divine politics, ancient power, and the precarious balance between the different realms. I specifically enjoyed learning about Mische's relationship with Atroxus (the sun god) and seeing first hand how the gods manipulate for their own pleasure and gain. Additionally, the journey into the underworld, which is inspired by Dante's Inferno, adds a haunting, horror-esque aspect to this story where the characters are forced to face the deepest, darkest parts of themselves.
I like Mische as a character and thought she was such a strong individual to embrace gentleness and kindness when she has been the subject of much cruelty and felt so much grief. It’s an admirable quality that makes her a standout character.
Asar is a sweetheart and has a quiet strength that complements Mische's own vulnerabilities. I like him, but I also don't really feel strongly about him either. I’m still waiting for that deeper emotional pull to make me care more about his personal stakes in the story.
Luce, Asar's skeleton dog sidekick, was the real MVP. Her unwavering loyalty and love to Asar was heartwarming, and it was so adorable when that loyalty and love started to extend to Mische as well. She's also a fearless protector - stepping in to save the day more than once, by fighting off enemies and offering support in moments of crisis. Her presence brought a sense of comfort and security to both Asar and Mische (and even the reader). I hope we get to see more of her in the next book.
So what didn't I enjoy?
The pacing of this book felt like a tedious pendulum, constantly swinging between intense action scenes and painfully slow moments of rest afterwards. This repetitive back-and-forth quickly became exhausting, making the entire experience feel monotonous. Also, the story supposedly spans several months, but the jumps in time made it feel like it only took a few weeks. The timeline was off and negatively impacted the flow of the narrative.
Mische passing out from exhaustion or deadly wounds was overkill. It’s just boring and predictable how many of the high stakes situations ended the same. Also, ending chapters with Mische passing out and starting the next one with her waking up felt like something a less experienced author would do. So I guess I was disappointed with this writing choice.
While I liked the continued world-building and the setting of the underworld, much of it felt overly abstract and took away from the core plot and drama. There were just so many descriptions but instead of grounding me into the story, it was so tedious to get through that I lost interest and ended up confused as to what was being described to me. And even though each level was supposed to be different, they all felt like variations of the same thing. This only added to the sense that the story wasn’t progressing.
While I like the MCs, I wasn't convinced of their romance. They go from indifference to suddenly having a deep emotional connection, which feels abrupt and unearned. I think there should have been more romantic buildup.
‼️MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD‼️ . . . . . . . . . . Do not keep reading unless you want the story spoiled! . . . . . . . . . . I mean it!!!! . . . . . . . . . .
The OW/ex drama didn't work for me, either. Asar's dead lover being the main villain hunting Asar and Mische through the underworld? Come on. ...more
3.5 ⭐️ If you like small town, hate to love cowboy romances, this one is definitely for you!
Hating him is easy. But if I don't hate him . . . then wha3.5 ⭐️ If you like small town, hate to love cowboy romances, this one is definitely for you!
Hating him is easy. But if I don't hate him . . . then what?
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ small town cowboy romance ✨ she's just inherited her estranged father's Texas ranch ✨ he's the foreman ✨ city girl x country boy ✨ hate to love ✨ forced proximity ✨ grumpy x sunshine ✨ insta-lust ✨ delicious tension ✨ sharp banter ✨ 2.5/5 spice (mustache rides) ✨ bar fight ✨ he takes care of her ✨ found family ✨ HEA ✨ TW: death of parent, grief
My Thoughts:
I actually enjoyed this story. The characters had depth and were likable (even the side characters), the banter and tension between Cash and Mollie was fantastic, the spice was hot as hell, and bonus, there is NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP! Mollie's emotional journey surrounding her father's death was really touching, and I liked how her grief was handled. And I like that in the end, she embraced both the country and city life and didn't have to choose between the two. Instead she had a supportive partner who offered her both, and that's how it should be. Cash was a great, grumpy MMC who shoulders so much responsibility. It was wonderful watching him give up some of that control and allow himself the freedom to relax.
I do think this is a 5-star story, but my rating mostly has to do with me not quite clicking with the author's writing style. I found it to be a bit too wordy for my taste, so I ended up skimming a lot of non-dialogue (which is a majority of the book).
I also found it ridiculous how both Cash and Mollie would get super horny during every single encounter they had with each other, and mostly because of their looks alone. They took lust to a whole different level, and it was too unrealistic for me, so I definitely rolled my eyes more than a few times.
But overall, I do like this story and think it's worth the read!
Favorite Quotes:
Life is heavy. It'd be nice not to have to face it alone. _______
"You wanna know if I ride like the devil?" He shifts, angling his hips towards me. "Get in the saddle and find out." _______
If this heat doesn't kill me, Mollie Luck surely will. _______
"At first, I couldn't fucking stand you. And now I can't sucking stand how much I want you." _______
"You're a cowgirl now, honey. And cowgirls can't be tamed. Wouldn't dare to try." _______
"I do have a million things to do." "Make me all of them." _______
"Just because you're not perfect doesn't mean you're broken." _______
"Honey, I'd marry the shit out of you. Not because it's the right thing to do, but because I'm in love with you." _______
Having a boyfriend who's a filthy-mouthed cowboy in the sheets but an absolute gentleman in the streets sure as hell as its perks. _______
"Ride fast and ride hard, then. You know how." _______...more
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ rockstar romance ✨ small town setting ✨ hate to love ✨ blackmail ✨ boss x employee ✨ forc4 ⭐️ This is my favorite Meghan Quinn book so far
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ rockstar romance ✨ small town setting ✨ hate to love ✨ blackmail ✨ boss x employee ✨ forced proximity ✨ grumpy x sunshine ✨ brother's (ex) best friend ✨ forbidden romance ✨ age gap (12 years) ✨ secret relationship ✨ cheeky banter ✨ angsty ✨ 3.5/5 spice (open door, explicit) ✨ healing journey ✨ no cheating ✨ painful third act breakup ✨ HEA ✨ dual POV / dual narration ✨ TW: death of family member (past), grief, abandonment,
My Thoughts:
First off, Teddy Hamilton and Vanessa Edwin are fantastic narrators! There's a lot of emotions going on throughout the story, and they were able to capture them perfectly. The sad moments were gutting, the happy moments were fun, and the sexy moments were hot! They both did an excellent job. 5-stars for the narration.
I loved this book! There's so much depth to the characters and this story. Both Hattie and Hayes are lost and together, they embark on beautiful journeys full of healing and self discovery. I really liked that the romance truly was a hate-to-love situation and their relationship develops in a very realistic way. The tension and banter between these two is insane, and the spice was scorching! ...more
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ alien romance ✨ mars needs women trope ✨ willing mail order brides ✨ she’s a human on the ru2.5 ⭐️ It had a few cute and spicy moments
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ alien romance ✨ mars needs women trope ✨ willing mail order brides ✨ she’s a human on the run ✨ he’s an alien in a penal colony ✨ chatty x silent ✨ virgin MMC ✨ eventual smut ✨ 2.5/5 ...more
Two years after a night of passion, Cory finds herself face to face with the man she can't seem to⭐️ ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR IMMEDIATELY! ⭐️
Synopsis:
Two years after a night of passion, Cory finds herself face to face with the man she can't seem to forget. He might have let her go before, but as a cop, Garrett knows how to pursue what he wants—and this time around, he’s not letting her slip away.
Get ready for a hilarious chase as one man tries to prove that love is worth the risk!
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ contemporary rom-com ✨ Boston setting ✨ she's a tattoo artist opening a new shop ✨ he's a police officer ✨ black cat x golden retriever ✨ one night stand ✨ second chance ✨ she's anti-relationship ✨ he falls first and hard ✨ 3/5 spice (open door, explicit) ✨ found family ✨ little bit of mystery ✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
The Ink Vendetta is a dazzling debut novel that will keep you hooked with its blend of comedy, romance, and unexpected twists, leaving you eager to turn every page.
I've actually never read a rom-com with a cop MMC, but this was such a delight! Garrett is a total cinnamon roll with a heart of gold. I adore him and how he treats his friends, family, and Cory. But ladies, get ready for this gentleman in the streets to also be a freak in the sheets.
Cory was such a badass. I'm obsessed with black cat energy FMCs, and I love how she's also a tattoo artist and business woman opening up her own shop. It’s always nice seeing a strong female lead follow her dreams against all the odds!
The banter between Garrett and Cory is so fun, and suggestive at times. No matter how much Cory tries to push him away or pretends she doesn't want him, Garrett's always able to flip the script on Cory to make her blush. I love these two.
"You are my everything, Meera. You're my light. You're my peace. You're my home. I'm going to be all those things for 3 ⭐️ Cute addition to the series
"You are my everything, Meera. You're my light. You're my peace. You're my home. I'm going to be all those things for you too, when you're ready to let me, and not a single moment earlier."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ book 6 (standalone) ✨ monster romance ✨ shades x hunters ✨ both MCs are quiet and misunderstood ✨ friends to lovers ✨ slow burn ✨ 2.5/5 spice ✨ gentle femdom ✨ mates ✨ HEA ✨ TW: grooming (past), attempted sexual assault (past),
My Thoughts:
Okay, Meera and Verner are super cute. Their friendship was soft and sweet and then their romance became super hot and heavy. I think the friends to lovers romance was perfect. Verner is so patient and gentle with shy Meera. So much so that she finally feels comfortable to open up to him, but also feels safe enough to fully embrace herself and grow into a strong, capable, unafraid person.
While I enjoyed the romance and the overall story, I will say that this one didn't really stick with me/wasn't super memorable. But no matter what, don't skip it! I do recommend it if you’re reading the series.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ book 5 (standalone) ✨ monster romance ✨ shades x hunters ✨ both MCs are adorable, lonely introver3.5 ⭐️ The romance is so freaking cute!
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ book 5 (standalone) ✨ monster romance ✨ shades x hunters ✨ both MCs are adorable, lonely introverts ✨ MMC is ostracized bc of his appearance ✨ one night stand to friends to benefits ✨ miscommunication ✨ 3/5 spice ✨ mates ✨ size difference ✨ (view spoiler)[accidental pregnancy (hide spoiler)] ✨ political intrigue ✨ high(er) stakes ✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
Tallulah and Evrin are the most adorable pair in all the realm! They give off such golden retriever vibes but both are lonely and just want to be loved for who they are. ...more
"If I can't stand you, then why has my only thought of every minute of every day for the last week been me wondering what it wou3 ⭐️ It had its moment
"If I can't stand you, then why has my only thought of every minute of every day for the last week been me wondering what it would feel like to fuck you?"
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ contemporary romance ✨ he's a cocky, hockey player superstar ✨ she's a flight attendant on his team’ private plane ✨ forced proximity ✨ insta lust ✨ hate to love ✨ forbidden romance ✨ "one night only" ✨ he falls first and hard ✨ height difference ✨ 3/5 spice (open door and explicit) ✨ entertaining banter ✨ curvy FMC ✨ family drama ✨ found family ✨ POC rep ✨ TW: body image issues, emotionally abusive ex, panic attacks, mommy and daddy issues, abandonment issues
My Thoughts:
I like the writing, the banter, and the smut. It wasn’t a bad story. But it felt like a never ending therapy session. ...more
3 ⭐️ A sweet and sexy addition in the Monstrous World series
He held the whole world in his hand, and he wouldn't be foolish enough to let it go. She w3 ⭐️ A sweet and sexy addition in the Monstrous World series
He held the whole world in his hand, and he wouldn't be foolish enough to let it go. She was everything to him, the axis around which his world spun, his guiding star.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ fantasy monster romance ✨ he’s a half orc blacksmith ✨ she’s a human heiress ✨ neurodivergent FMC ✨ hearing impaired MMC ✨ friends to lovers ✨ denial of feelings ✨ he falls first and hard ✨ slow burn ✨ forbidden romance ✨ 3.5/5 ...more
3.5 ⭐️ Loved the first part, struggled with the second part
"I'd recognize your soul anywhere."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ Portland setting ✨ small town romance ✨ h3.5 ⭐️ Loved the first part, struggled with the second part
"I'd recognize your soul anywhere."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ Portland setting ✨ small town romance ✨ he's a voice actor who does erotic audios ✨ she's one of his subscribers ✨ they've sworn off love ✨ strangers to lovers ✨ aural fetish ✨ 3.5/5 spice (open door, explicit) ✨ hurt/comfort ✨ healing journeys ✨ MCs in their 30s ✨ fun Italian family dynamic ✨ both have traumatic past romantic relationships ✨ TW: depression, grief, (view spoiler)[miscarriage (hide spoiler)], forced pregnancy, postpartum, divorce, purity culture, r4pe (past), stalker, gun violence, topics of alcoholism, estranged father
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed the story overall. It's heartfelt, fun, deep, and sexy - so if you like a story that can make you feel, this is a good one.
I LOVED the MCs, Petra and Reed. Both characters have been through so much shit, and in this story we get to witness them help each other heal. ...more
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