Jade isn’t a mafia princess in hiding or on the run from a cruel alpha. No, Jade ended up at the High Roller Club the way most omegas probably do: SheJade isn’t a mafia princess in hiding or on the run from a cruel alpha. No, Jade ended up at the High Roller Club the way most omegas probably do: She didn’t a safe place to go or anyone to turn to and at least at the High Roller she had choices, safety, and money of her own. She doesn’t take on clients (except one that comes around every now and again that she just couldn’t say no to), she just serves drinks and dances. She loves the club, her co-workers, and her job. They are the family who filled in most of the hole left behind when her foster siblings (and alphas she fell in love with) forgot all about her after they left her behind to become huge rock stars.
Only, nothing is as it seems, as both Jade and the three alphas who stole her heart when she was a teenager find out during a chance run-in at the High Roller one night. It seems like someone conspired to keep them apart. But who?
I’m not going to lie, this book isn’t really what I thought it would be. It’s not truly friends to lovers, in my opinion: it’s closer to a second chance romance. There’s not really an age gap except with one character. And as for slow burn? Yeah, I don’t even classify this book as a slow burn and I don’t like waiting long for my spicy scenes to begin.
What does this book have for us? Two possessive, more than a little unhinged alphas (which is a trope I love), an omega who is more than a little turned on by that (which I love), and an established all-male alpha triad within the pack that is hotter than hot throughout the book.
There are weak spots in the plot and execution, but the story itself is solid. I loved the book as a whole and the spice is so nice. A solid read.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
Marie Mackay writes some of the best omegaverse out there right now and it’s like the woman has a direct wire to exactly what gets my engine revved whMarie Mackay writes some of the best omegaverse out there right now and it’s like the woman has a direct wire to exactly what gets my engine revved when it comes to spice, because Queen of Diamonds is full of some of my absolute favorite tropes, subtropes, and microtropes (I don’t care if that’s not a thing because I’m making it a thing).
For those not aware of the plot for Queen of Diamonds, this is the story of Glade, the bartender at the High Roller Club. Turns out, Glade has a lot of secrets and a lot of scars (both internal and external).
Where Queen of Hearts and Queen of Spades were both distinct mafia romances (and Queen of Clubs is a rockstar romance), Queen of Diamonds is a gang romance, despite Glade being born a mafia princess. Her being mafia-borne isn’t all that germane to the plot. All of the alphas in this book being born into gang families and the gang life is completely germane, because they’re all absolutely psychotic and violent. (Don’t worry, Glade digs it a lot). If they’re not busy being walking, talking red flags, they're busy being scary-brilliant or completely primal in either their rage or lust. Really, it’s hot either way. (There is more than one scene of primal spice between two alphas that’s beyond hot and I need more of it in my omegaverse romances, please and thank you).
There is a good deal of bullying in the first half of this book. There’s a very valid plot reason for this. It lightens up some around the halfway point, but doesn’t let up completely until maybe out 65% of the way through. The groveling wouldn’t nearly be up to par in a traditional bully romance, but for this subgenre of omegaverse romance, the grovel is totally apropos.
Glade is a touch-starved omega, so when she finally gets to actually indulge her omega a little, she gets possessive and feral about it. I loved it. Reading about how feral omegas nest and how their mates watch them with dopey gazes like their omegas are the cutest creatures in the world is one of my favorite things. The nest that Glade builds toward the end of this book is one of my favorite ones now. I adored it.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
There will never be a time in which I don’t look forward to a new Grace McGinty book. She’s one of my favorite writers–an auto-buy author, in fact. I There will never be a time in which I don’t look forward to a new Grace McGinty book. She’s one of my favorite writers–an auto-buy author, in fact. I knew I was done for the first time I read her Dead River Days series. She can even get me to read tropes I usually stay away from with a ten-foot pole, as evident with Make My Heart Race, in which the FMC is pregnant for a large part of the book and has an infant for the rest of it. Not only do I usually stay away from the pregnancy trope, but I don’t tend to enjoy infants in the main part of the story (in epilogues they’re great). Somehow, Grace McGinty will get me to shrug my shoulders and read it anyway.
Was I disappointed this why-choose didn’t have sword-crossing? Yeah, sure, but to tell you the truth, this book had a lot going on. Between the main plot involving Tally (our FMC), her pregnancy, and trying to climb her way back into the world of racing after being driven out by misogynistic buttheads, there’s a few B plots and even C plots running through the story that make this book very fast-paced. It also unfortunately tends to make it feel a little crowded in places and some characters and/or situations didn’t get the time and attention they deserved. I honestly could’ve dealt with this book being longer if it meant certain characters got more page time or relationships got to develop with a little less force or certain plot points weren’t as rushed to resolution.
Does that mean this book wasn’t extremely entertaining? No. As all of Grace’s books, it was entertaining as heck. I love romance novels set in the world of motorsports. I grew up in motorsports, in the pits on Saturday nights with my dad sitting inside of race cars pretending to drive while my dad and uncle talked shop with mechanics and other crew members. My dad would’ve let me drive midgets if we’d had the money. I’ve been on a superbike. I’ve been in the car during a street race. There’s just something about fast cars, and this book reminded me of that.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
We’re almost at the end of this delicious series and we get a call back to book one in the form of Caleb, the first person to make friends with JT wheWe’re almost at the end of this delicious series and we get a call back to book one in the form of Caleb, the first person to make friends with JT when he came to study at Astor. You may recall him warning JT about the Park Avenue Princes, and it turns out that knowledge was direct insider information since he used to be one of them. He’s Travis McKinney’s stepbrother.
I love forbidden romances, especially of the stepbrother variety. Salacious Park Avenue Prince is enemies-to-lovers, with a bi-awakening, forced proximity, a secret romance, and a manwhore who falls fast, first, and hard. (Then there’s pining. So much pining). This installment is spicier than the last one, but not as spicy as Scandalous Park Avenue Prince (book 3, and still my favorite one).
A lot of the animosity in this book is based on miscommunication and what feels like willful misunderstanding, which isn’t a trope I like all that much no matter who’s involved. I did enjoy the chemistry between Travis and Caleb a lot, but that’s probably because I just enjoy Travis as a character a whole lot (I have throughout the whole series). I can’t put my finger on what exactly feels off about the character development in this book, but it feels like the relationship evolved but the characters didn’t evolve with it. I don’t know if that makes sense to anyone else but me, but there it is.
The spice is absolutely excellent, with dirty talk I love, lots of physicality, voyeurism, solo play, and a touch of exhibitionism. The romantic bits were exactly what I wanted to see, which is always nice. There was also no third-act break up, which isn’t an easy feat to accomplish when the miscommunication trope is in play. I was absolutely grateful for that.
As always, a great read from Ella and Brooke, and now we get a handful of months to wait before we finally get East’s story.
I was provided a copy of this title by the authors. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
I thought this book was absolutely fabulous. It was like the largest, most decadent mug of paranormal, supernatural, romantic dark fantasy that was thI thought this book was absolutely fabulous. It was like the largest, most decadent mug of paranormal, supernatural, romantic dark fantasy that was then topped with marshmallow-y emotions. Don’t mistake this book for cozy in any way, though, because this is a wicked read in a variety of ways. The one thing it isn’t, though? It’s not spicy. A little steamy, yes, but these two twisted, star-crossed love birds don’t do more than kiss and maybe dirty talk a little. Heck, there’s not even solo play in this book. Guess what? I didn’t care! For once, lil’ ol’ impatient, fast-burn and extra spicy lovin’ me didn’t mind the slow burn. There’s not only a very valid plot reason for it, but it’s also very consistent for the characters of Marlowe and Minnie. Since it makes sense for the story in every way I found myself more than okay with the lack of spice.
This is the first book in a trilogy, and if the story that Lancet starts here is any indication it’s a doozy. A lot happens in this book–more than enough to justify the page length. Some of it is expected. Some of it is unexpected. A lot of it is absolutely fascinating and some of it is tragic. All along the way we’re surrounded by Lancet’s thorough world building, two absolutely fantastic main characters, and some absolutely delightful dialogue.
The story slows down a bit in the second act, but this book never truly slows down enough to be considered slow. The second act really only slows down a little to let Marlowe and Minnie get to know each other as people better and to develop a more solid dynamic before moving onto the events of the third act. That second act is delightful if only for the delightful banter between Marlowe and Minnie and getting to read Marlowe’s intrusive inner narrative (one-third controlling germaphobe, one-third obsessive stalker, one-third possessive tyrant). The “touch her and die” in this book isn’t just a vibe.
There is more than one twist, a bunch of turns, and unexpected fun in this book. I’m really looking forward to the next installment!
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: 5 Star Review/Book Series/Dark Fantasy/Romantasy/Fantasy Series/Forbidden Romance/Kindle Unlimited/Paranormal Fantasy/Romance Series/Supernatural Fantasy ...more
We’re Sara Cate readers, so of course we love our good girls and good boys; however, we also love it when our good girls and boys go bad, too. That’s We’re Sara Cate readers, so of course we love our good girls and good boys; however, we also love it when our good girls and boys go bad, too. That’s exactly what The Home Wrecker has in store: A sweet married couple with a silly daughter who live in the suburbs and have gotten caught in a very big rut (not that kind of rut, get your head out of the omegaverse). What do these two happy marrieds need? A bit of a shake up. And if that shake up just happens to come in the shade of tall, dark, tattooed, sexy, and working at the local sex club? Well, they’re good people and he needs a place to stay. Charity begins at home, right?
Did I like The Home Wrecker as much as The Anti-Hero? No. Does that mean it isn’t good? Absolutely not. Sara Cate is just as amazing as always. I don’t know what it was about this book that just didn’t make it hit 100% with me, but it had nothing to do with the quality of the book or the writing. I just couldn’t vibe with it all the way. It happens with the best of authors, and Sara’s an auto-buy author for me anyway.
I did love just about every character in this book, especially Caleb with his need to please, his daddy issues, his protective instincts, and his endless well of love. I also adored Dean for every interaction he had with little Abby, because sometimes adults who’ve never interacted with kids have some of the most honest interactions with them.
I’m excited for this series to continue because this family is so interesting and I love seeing them learn, love, and grow.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. No compensation was offered or accepted in exchange for this review. Thank you.
Toxic Revenge is the first half of an omegaverse duology that’s part mafia, part motorcycle club, part criminal conspiracy, part scent-match sketchineToxic Revenge is the first half of an omegaverse duology that’s part mafia, part motorcycle club, part criminal conspiracy, part scent-match sketchiness, and part “omega has a revenge agenda”. It’s a whole lot of tropes and microtropes to cram into one plot and it does show, here and there, but by and large it’s spicy and fun.
When it comes to duologies, the first half has to do triple duty: the world building, characterizations, and place the most important building blocks for the story arc and romantic dynamics. This leaves the second half to do the heavy work carrying through with the plot, emotions, intimacy, and character growth. This first half has a lot to juggle and I think it does the best it can with the page length its given, but some elements did end up getting a bit of a lopsided treatment.
You know what makes it all better? Spicy revenge. Spiteful, spicy revenge. I loved the spice scenes in this book. Olivia Lewin writes excellent omegaverse spice and I love how she decided to take the idea of “cheating the cheater” and ran with it with no regrets. It was salacious. It was hot. I was here for it.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. No compensation was offered or accepted in exchange for this review. Thank you.
Miles and Bilson, despite their (not significant) age gap, are both just a couple of man children. Miles is a rookie goalie, has youngest child syndroMiles and Bilson, despite their (not significant) age gap, are both just a couple of man children. Miles is a rookie goalie, has youngest child syndrome, and is an overgrown frat boy from the frattiest frat to ever frat (which would, if you can’t guess, the Sigmas from Saxon’s Frat Wars series, which you should definitely read. For science.), except with lots of bromotions and LGBTQ members. Bilson is in a state of arrested development: He was raised by a coterie of nannies, butlers, maids, and other household staff and never had models around to show him what love looked like, or what a healthy relationship might look like. By the time Bilson was an adult all he longed for was affection and attention, which led to a disastrous four marriages (and the subsequent four divorces), and numerous failed relationships. He’s a serial monogamist who’s in love with love.
When Bilson transfers to Nashville from Seattle it’s the same day Miles is starting his rookie year with the same team. It’s the shared excitement of a fresh year, a fresh start, and a sense of camaraderie that leads these two to a fast friendship and a close bromance.
The Puckboys books never fail to entertain in any way. They’re funny, sweet, hot, spicy, and heartwarming. Eden and Saxon have built such an intricate universe of characters that finding the easter eggs hidden in each of their books becomes a fangirl’s treasure hunt and treat with each read. I love how, with each Puckboy book, the worries about coming out lessen more and more thanks to the efforts of the Queer Collective and the worries of each couple shift more to their own personal dynamics. There will never be a day I don’t recommend a Puckboys book.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
Endless is the first book in author Devyn Sinclair’s new omegaverse series, set in the rich and eccentric seaside town of Clarity Coast. Each novel wiEndless is the first book in author Devyn Sinclair’s new omegaverse series, set in the rich and eccentric seaside town of Clarity Coast. Each novel will follow a new omega but the stories are interconnected. This story is about an omega named Isolde and the pack she hires to escort her to her sister’s wedding because she’s the co-maid of honor and her dreadful ex is the best man.
I’m not huge on the fake relationship trope, but I like Devyn Sinclair’s omegaverse novels a lot and I’ve been gobbling up omegaverse novels like candy for the past year so I signed up for this one as soon as it was announced. I’m glad I did, because Endless had everything I love about fake relationship tropes and nothing I hate about them. Not only that, but the spice was so, so nice–full of filthy talk, rope, and endless pleasure for an omega who’s been starved of it.
I’m grateful to Sinclair for writing a FMC who has had difficulty with orgasms, because it’s not a topic discussed often in romance novels, especially not omegaverse novels. Even in real life it’s taken for granted that not all women have an easy time reaching climax. Sometimes it gets tiring reading novel after novel where every FMC can just orgasm as easily as she can breathe. To see Sinclair write an FMC like Isolde, who has had a hard time with orgasms and has a pack of men willing and able to help her explore what she likes and needs while giving her space…well, it means a lot to me as a reader.
This book is romantic, has a great story, has great characters, and is sexy. I enjoyed it a great deal and look forward to seeing what else Clarity Coast has in store.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. No compensation was offered or accepted in exchange for this review. Thank you.
The Gunrunner Princess series is connected to Elizabeth Knight’s prior mafia why-choose romance series, Caprioni Queen, by way of the feral, unhinged The Gunrunner Princess series is connected to Elizabeth Knight’s prior mafia why-choose romance series, Caprioni Queen, by way of the feral, unhinged smuggler (that’s the best way I can describe it, really) Von, also known as The Wolf. The Wolf and her mute companion, Bear, helped Astin and her men complete her takedown and takeover of the Five Families. In the process, Von finally gave up her vow of neutrality and swore a blood oath to Astin. At the end of the last book in the Caprioni Queen series, Von was last seen going off on the task she was set to: tracking down and killing the last two remaining Accardi heis, who have been in hiding for years. One for the Money starts with not only seeing the beginnings of the fallout from Von’s vow to Astin, but the story arc also follows Von’s quest to find those heirs and their awful stepmother, Serena Accardi.
I fell in love with Von during the Caprioni Queen series. I have a serious weakness for feral FMCs and the characters who love her, especially when the characters love her because she’s absolutely feral. Von is, unquestionably, unhinged. Personally, I wouldn’t have her any other way. Von is fun to read, as are her paramours. Her paramours in this book are Bear (of course), her longtime bodyguard and companion; and Erik, a veterinarian of dubious providence whom Von and Bear kidnap after an emergency that has them breaking into his vet office in the middle of the night.
This book does a terrific job of setting up the rest of the series without sacrificing character building, spice, relationship blocking (by which I mean building the connections between Von and her paramours as well as teasing about who else Von may be interested in), and letting us have insight into Von’s past. We also get to hear from Astin and Ivy from the Caprioni Queen series, even if Von doesn’t see them in the flesh.
There is no mm action in this installment, but it is suggested that in future installments there will be such a dynamic. This is always a plus for me, but I know it’s a no for some readers. I’m really looking forward to the next book, Two for the Show, because I absolutely need to know where Von’s search for the Accardi heirs is going and how they plan to take Serena Accardi down.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
Possessive Park Avenue Prince picks up almost right after Scandalous Park Avenue Prince left off, with cinnamon roll Park Avenue Prince Gavin moving iPossessive Park Avenue Prince picks up almost right after Scandalous Park Avenue Prince left off, with cinnamon roll Park Avenue Prince Gavin moving in with resident bad boy Park Avenue Prince, Daire so he doesn’t have to listen to his brother’s noisy bedroom activities anymore. Could Gavin have asked for his own apartment in the Towers? Well, yes, but he’s neer lived alone before, and Daire has a two bedroom and offered it up so why not?
Then there’s the fact Daire knows things about Gavin none of the other Princes know and Gavin feels safer around Daire than most other people. There’s that.
I’m not going to lie to you: This book wasn’t what I expected and I didn’t dig it as much as I did the previous three installments in this series. It felt uneven in almost every way and I had issues with the chemistry between Gavin and Daire. Does that mean I didn’t enjoy the heck out of it? No, not at all! I always enjoy Ella and Brooke’s books. They’re excellent authors and they craft enjoyable and sexy gay romance novels. This series has been excellent up until now and I believe it’s unrealistic to expect every reader to adore every book in a series as much as the other. We’re only human–we’re going to have our favorites. Right now, I still love Scandalous PAP the most. That could change with the upcoming release of Salacious PAP, but who knows?
Just know, if you love very grumpy boys with very low self-worth, precious cinnamon roll boys who decide to put on some devil horns to get what they want, possessive alphaholes, jealous good boys, and a sumptuous helping of “touch him and die” (where he actually might mean it), then you’ll love this book.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
I’ve been waiting for Sean’s story since the first Elite Escort’s MM book because there’s nothing quite like seeing what happens when a playboy falls I’ve been waiting for Sean’s story since the first Elite Escort’s MM book because there’s nothing quite like seeing what happens when a playboy falls in love. When the hints dropped in Two Chances that Sean was going to go back to college, I was happy la-la at the idea of Sean in a forbidden professor-student romance. The terrific news is this is one hot romance.
Sean has decided to go back to college to get his MBA mainly because he wants to stick it to his old man that he can put in the work and dedication to things just like his big brother, Micah. He sees Micah as the golden boy of the family and he longs for acknowledgment and praise. (I totally feel Sean on this, considering I went to college at 30 specifically to prove I could–but my fuel was spite not affirmation). On the first day of classes he meets Professor Matteo D’Angelo, a widower, who finds himself inexplicably drawn to Sean even though he’s never looked at a man at any point in his entire life. Sean’s thrown deep into the biggest crush of his life and Professor D’Angelo finds himself racked with guilt over being attracted to someone for the first time since he lost his wife (not to mention the terror that comes from finding yourself attracted to one of your students).
I love forbidden romances, and the professor/student dynamic is one of my absolute favorites when it comes to the forbidden tropes. The fact that Sean is an older student and there’s a 10-plus year age gap between him and Matteo doesn’t lessen the hotness of it at all. It’s not quite grumpy-sunshine, but Matteo’s more stoic and mature nature does contrast nicely with Sean’s effervescent and sunny spirit. Matteo needs someone to lighten up his life and Sean needs someone to ground him. They each bring something to the relationship and that’s always a good thing.
I enjoyed the subplot in this book, as well as catching up with Micah and getting to know a couple of the other Elite MM escorts as well. It’s always nice when we get to meet some side characters. It was a great read!
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Age Gap Romance/Book Series/Contemporary Romance/Forbidden Romance/Gay Romance/Kink Friendly/LGBTQ Romance/MM Romance/Romance Series/Sex Worker/Spice Level 3 ...more
Shattered Omega part three picks up almost literally where the previous book in the series left off, with everyone absolutely devastated by what damagShattered Omega part three picks up almost literally where the previous book in the series left off, with everyone absolutely devastated by what damage the Lincoln Pack has truly wrought–not only to their apartment, but also to their lives.
And even though Umbra is losing it, Dusk is struggling, and Ransom is panicking…Shatter is dressing for revenge. This time it’s not in the form of a dress, though: It’s in the form of knowledge. The Kingsman Pack is hers, and the Lincoln Park hurt them. Shatter is going to arm herself with as much knowledge as she possibly can in as fast a manner as possible to figure out how to save her alphas and get the Lincoln Pack out of their lives for good.
If her alphas can keep their sh*t together. If the weird mercenary dude the Lincoln Pack has following her around doesn’t straight-up kidnap her first. Just another day for Shatter, right?
This being the last book in the series you can really feel the payoff in so many ways. Shatter is such a unique and creatively-written omega that I find myself almost predicting her reactions and when she does something I’ll say, “That’s just so Shatter”. She’s the cutest, most feral little omega I’ve ever read and I love her to bits. (I don’t know if anyone who reads this review has ever seen the anime Toradora!, but in my mind, Shatter looks a little like Taiga). There are scenes in this book that make me love her so much I want to crawl in the book and be her omega bestie (we can rent a rage room).
The alphas are just as bad, with their insanely cute gestures and endless love for Shatter just the way she is. It’s just the right amount of marshmallow-cute to combat the trauma and darkness that permeates this series.
While I think the ending got a little muddled, I’m not mad about it. I was just so happy to finally read this book and see Shatter and the boys get what they always wanted and really deserved.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
Fasten your seat belts, hang on to your hats, and watch the steep drop at the end. Just like Shattered Omega part one, this installment of the ShatterFasten your seat belts, hang on to your hats, and watch the steep drop at the end. Just like Shattered Omega part one, this installment of the Shattered Omega trilogy is a bumpy ride that will leave you (and Shatter!) bruised, love sick, and feeling dizzy from being thrown to and fro as Dusk, Umbra, Ransom, and Shatter try to puzzle out their pasts, how it’s tied to their present, and what that might mean for their futures.
This installment of the series is thick with plot and story, with spice taking more of a backseat this time around. That’s not a bad thing at all! We got to see a whole lot of Shatter’s true personality come out, got to meet and spend time with Ransom, got to spend time with Umbra, and got to see some more of Roxy (in her role as Shatter’s nestie bestie).
There are some truly great scenes in this book that not only show off Mackay’s trademark sense of humor but also show us Shatter’s cute and feral omega side. I lived for those scenes in this book. They made me absolutely goofy. There are also scenes that will both break your heart or grow it three times in size regarding how ignorant Shatter still is about how omegas who were raised in “regular” homes behave or what they instinctively know that she doesn’t.
Did I like it as much as I did part one? No, but I honestly didn’t need to. The middle part of a trilogy tends to be the weaker link. There’s a lot of exposition, a lot of character work, a lot of moving pieces, and so the pacing had to suffer some for it. This isn’t a huge deal to me but it does take a little of the shine off.
But then Shatter gets a revenge dress and the world is good.
Please be aware you will really want to read the warnings and triggers for this book before you begin reading it. Take care of yourself.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. No compensation was offered or accepted in exchange for this review. Thank you.
Cuckoo is one of those books that makes me wish I had: a) Worked out how to actually build my website that I paid for so I could write a long essay abCuckoo is one of those books that makes me wish I had: a) Worked out how to actually build my website that I paid for so I could write a long essay about this book and all its themes and other stuff; or, b) Wish I still wrote really long book reviews that I then had to slice and dice in order to fit them into my social media spaces. In my opinion it’s really that good, that captivating, and that intelligent.
It’s giving me Stephen King’s IT, but make the protagonists all queer in one way or another. It’s giving me “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”, but make it body horror to the extreme. It’s giving me cosmic horror, but putting it in the form of brood parasitism (which is a real behavior of cuckoo birds, leading to the metaphor “cuckoo’s egg”).
Why do I love this book other than it’s a queer conversion camp cosmic horror? It comes down to Felker-Martin’s writing, really. Her writing seems to come at you from all sides, all at once, with no quarter given. It’s a full-on assault to your brain in the best way: brutal, gory, inelegant, raw, terrifying, visceral, sensual, erotic, emotional, romantic, heartbreaking, nauseating, and more. When I was reading this book it sometimes felt like I was on an emotional and reactional ride, being carried away with the words on the page almost without consent (but it’s not like I’d have fought the tide anyway).
This was just a terrific read I know I’m going to be recommending forever.
(Be sure to check your TW/CWs thoroughly before reading if you think you’ll need to.)
I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: 5 Star Review/Cosmic Horror/Horror/LGBTQ Horror/OwnVoices ...more
After so, so, so so so long, we finally get Toby and Blaise’s story. Something has been brewing between these two since the end of the Reckless DamnedAfter so, so, so so so long, we finally get Toby and Blaise’s story. Something has been brewing between these two since the end of the Reckless Damned series and through the first two of the books in this Damned Connections series. By the time author Lark Taylor got to the end of the previous book, Justice, I was positively foaming at the mouth for this book and I can’t help but wonder if that’s where I went wrong, because I loved this book but it just wasn’t the story I thought Toby and Blaise deserved.
This has nothing to do with Taylor’s talents as a storyteller: As per usual, Lark wrote a great story that stands up to most criticism. The problem I see is that it’s standing up against her other works and the background story arc between Toby and Blaise and this book just falls a little short of doing either justice. We have waited a long time for this story and that deserved a big payoff, but there was just too much going on in this book to devote it all to Toby and Blaise’s love story.
It has a rough, if sexy, take-off, but an amazing landing. The pacing seems stuttered because this book covers a longer time period than most of Taylor’s books and there’s a lot of things that need to happen and a lot of stuff to work through, as well as many sublime spicy scenes written in (and they’re hot, trust). New characters are introduced and we see newer characters again in preparation for the next book in this series and the new series that’s coming up.
It’s just a lot of material for a book I felt should’ve been dedicated almost entirely to the romance between Toby and Blaise, because if anyone deserves that treatment it’s these two. They have had an epic story behind the scenes and I just wanted more of them. That doesn’t mean this book isn’t fantastic, because I’ve yet to read a Lark Taylor book I didn’t love, but it does mean I couldn’t have loved it more.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
While I was reading this ARC I really wished I could text Lark Taylor and playfully curse her out because my eyes were already red and swollen from crWhile I was reading this ARC I really wished I could text Lark Taylor and playfully curse her out because my eyes were already red and swollen from crying my eyes out over another romance novel today and had I known Red Haze was going to make me sob like a baby then I maybe would’ve waited a couple of more days to read it!
I’m obviously not mad about a book making me cry. In my opinion, art of any kind should make you feel. That’s the point of art: to elicit emotions. I knew from the start that Arlo and Jack’s story was going to be a sucker punch and that’s one of the reasons I was so excited for it. During the first two books in the Caffeine Daydreams series we’ve watched Arlo pine endlessly over Jack (pine like a pine forest, this boy) and watch Jack clueless act like a guard dog who has no clue he’s obsessed with his master (and Jack is such a good guard dog). So this was always going to be a tormented bodyguard romance, with all of that yummy push and pull, drawing lines only to cross them, miscommunications (for once deployed effectively in this book), and a whole lot of emotional detangling between what’s toxic love and what’s a healthy level of obsession with another human being when they’ve been your world for so long?
Of course, we’re pre-programmed to feel deeply for Arlo: Raised in grotty council estates to a neglectful and abusive family with only his talent with drums as a possible way out. Even then, once Caffeine Daydreams hits success, he’s deep in the hole emotionally and creatively. It’s being assigned Jack as a bodyguard when he’s 18 that finally starts to drag Arlo out of the pit. However, this book makes it very clear we should have also been curious about Jack’s state of mind in all of this too. Keep that in mind when you start to read this book, because in the ways that count this book is a slow burn. It’s HEA guaranteed, but it takes a long time for Arlo and Jack to find happiness.
I’m going to end this with lots of winks, nudges, and nods to Lark, for giving me so many giggles and snorts throughout this book for the easter eggs. I was curious if they’d be in here, and they were. I was delighted.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. No compensation was offered or accepted in exchange for this review. Thank you.
File Under: Age Gap Romance/Book Series/Contemporary Romance/Disability Rep/Forbidden Romance/Kindle Unlimited/LGBTQ Romance/MM Romance/Romance Series/Rockstar Romance/Spice Level 2
It’s time for another visit to Big Boned Bertha! This time, it’s Rush’s turn.
I adore the Accidental Love series. I consider it to be the perfect middlIt’s time for another visit to Big Boned Bertha! This time, it’s Rush’s turn.
I adore the Accidental Love series. I consider it to be the perfect middle road of Saxon James’ repertoire: More mature than Frat Wars but less mature than the Divorced Men’s Club, but just as spicy (or maybe spicy in a different way?) as Frat Wars but more spicy than the Divorced Men’s Club. Maybe it’s like this: Accidental Love has dirtier spicy scenes than Frat Wars but more maturity to it. It’s a perfect mix of filthy and adult for me.
The Revenge Agenda is a great read because it’s full of forbidden naughtiness:
A butthead’s ex-fiance / said butthead’s ex-side piece Boss / employee ADHD chaos adult / calm but concerned adult Bertha’s Boys plot revenge Everyone loves Rush (except the butthead) Filthy talk Office sex A ton of puns about ants Punches get thrown (not between MCs) Hunter’s coat gets stolen by Xander because it smells good
The cuteness of this book is only outmatched by the sheer chemistry between Rush and Hunter and the sexiness of the spice scenes. These two are scorchingly hot. The steam left me feeling some kind of way. From the first pages of the book I loved Hunter as a character, and that feeling only grew throughout the book. By the end I was sad it was over. That’s one of the hallmarks of a truly good romance–when you wish you could keep reading about the couple’s HEA.
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. No compensation was offered or accepted in exchange for this review. Thank you.
If there was ever a non-spicy slogan for this series, it would be, “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb”. Because we all kIf there was ever a non-spicy slogan for this series, it would be, “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb”. Because we all know every other slogan pertaining to these books is essentially thematically tied to the word SL*T. (You know it, I know it).
The family you make for yourself and not what you’re born with has been what the Suarez clan has been fighting for since book one of this series, and it all comes to a head in Enter the Multi-Vers. This is the fourth and final book in this main series, with C. Rochelle promising novellas and spin-offs to come. Here we have the tale of the mysterious and powerful twins: Dre and Gabe, of The Rabble mind-speak notoriety from previous books. They’ve been sent on a mission by Wolfy: they’re to become the interns of the artist known as Theo Coatl and uncover his secrets. Because Theo Coatl isn’t all that he seems, and they need to know who and maybe even what he truly is.
This book is even more chaotic and wild than the other Villainous Things books and I am here for it. As the teasers and author’s notes inside warn, this trio of thirsty sl*ts are just extra: extra controlled, extra controlled chaos, and extra batty crazy. Neither Dre, nor Gabe, nor Theo shall be dissuaded from being as extra as possible in every single way. Gabe is a very sl*tty good boy, Theo is a bratty brat brat who uses Gabe like a toy, and everyone should be justifiably scared of Dre when it comes to his twin and Theo.
There are so many feelings in this book, and Theo doesn’t know what to do with them. Heck, Gabe’s the only one more capable of feelings than Dre and Theo, and that’s either because he’s subby or because being a twin gives him a solid connection to someone outside himself. These big emotions immediately tangle Gabe, Dre, and Theo in a quagmire, because they all have secrets from one another (yes, even the twins) and don’t quite know what they’re going to do about it. Who do they trust? What can they do? Who will it hurt?
The solutions/answers to the overarching plot of the series are found in this book, but I thought it was a little too neatly wrapped up. It felt a little rushed. I could have sustained the book being a little longer (even though it’s already a thicc baby) if it meant a more flushed out ending.
But I adored the love story. I loved the characters so much. I’m obsessed with their dynamic, their thirst, their adoration for one another, the brutality in their sensuality, and their intimacy. I love how they evolved and how they crushed their challenges. I couldn’t get enough of how extra they all were, in every way. Because why not go big?
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. No compensation was offered or accepted in exchange for this review. Thank you.
File Under: 5 Star Review/Age Gap Romance/Book Series/Found Family/Gay Romance/Kink Friendly/LGBTQ Romance/Spice Level 3/Supernatural Fantasy/Urban Fantasy ...more
Another year and another excellent entry into the Sadenverse.
Eden Finley and Saxon James continue to expand their shared universe of characters and nAnother year and another excellent entry into the Sadenverse.
Eden Finley and Saxon James continue to expand their shared universe of characters and novels with this story of Wren and Darcy, both the sons of a multinational media conglomerate who’s just passed away. Both with mothers who love to play the guilt trip card. Only, Darcy’s been groomed all his life to be heir to the throne, and Wren was raised as the illegitimate bastard child, out of sight, but certainly not out of mind. They finally come face to face with one another on the day of their father’s funeral and neither ends up being quite like what the other expects.
The Bastard and the Heir is a little heavier and serious than most of Eden and Saxon’s works. It’s more similar to 2023’s standalone effort, Up in Flames, than it is their Puckboys or CU Hockey series. While there are humorous moments (because I don’t think it could be an Eden and Saxon book without at least some humor), heavier emotions and issues definitely rule the book.
I loved the spicier side of this book because I loved the line this book walked with the forbidden aspect of the relationship between Wren and Darcy. The risque aspect of their relationship was hot enough to sustain me throughout the whole book. I liked that Eden and Saxon wrote it so the characters kept poking fun at it, because it definitely made for hilarious cannon fodder for the whole book.
The cast of characters cracked me up. Yes, even Darcy’s mom. When they weren’t cracking me up I was in the middle of feeling very sorry for the lot of them all because it’s obvious they inherited a ton of pressure, self-esteem issues, and a poor sense of work-life balance. They all need therapy.
While I love this book in the same soft way I love all Sadenverse books, I found myself not totally buying the resolution. The third act felt rushed for me. It also felt like it was all wrapped up a little too neatly. The epilogue was absolute genius, though.
I’m always happy and grateful for new Sadenverse books, because they make the world a little bit brighter every time they come.
I was provided a copy of this book by the authors. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
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