A predictable but competent fantasy romance; I was so annoyed at Arwen for not just...asking Kane why he was so evil and doing 3.5 stars, rounded up.
A predictable but competent fantasy romance; I was so annoyed at Arwen for not just...asking Kane why he was so evil and doing evil things, and the author seemed to be taking pains to make sure Arwen couldn't, but it's a nicely paced plot with a good slow burn, and Arwen is self-aware enough to call herself out for her moments of not-like-other-girls. Which ARE rare, and she IS allowed to have female friends, so that's a nice touch....more
That was...certainly an ending! I really like how Kingsley kept the tension going between Cora and Simon, even after they had sex, and I really do havThat was...certainly an ending! I really like how Kingsley kept the tension going between Cora and Simon, even after they had sex, and I really do have a soft spot for his shadow. Let's go book four!!...more
I am a FIEND for fairy tale retellings, especially ones based on Beauty and the Beast, but this just felt like a mess to me. Neither Gesela nor CasamiI am a FIEND for fairy tale retellings, especially ones based on Beauty and the Beast, but this just felt like a mess to me. Neither Gesela nor Casamir have much going on, character-wise, aside from being horny and breaking the curse...and generally being unpleasant to each other. Which makes sense to a point, but in a story this short (just over 200 pages), the constant "I hate you!"/"You're a monster!"/etc gets old FAST, and in this case, just instantly transmutes into passionate, eternal love.
There are a ton of interesting elements -- St. Clair clearly did her research when it comes to fairy tales, and I LOVE that she wrote a very comprehensive author's note as well as detailed her sources -- and the actual prose is pretty good, but it's paced so oddly and the characters are so blank that there's no real structure for the prose to rest on. ...more
A very serviceable start to the series -- I always appreciate seeing a heroine dealing with chronic health issues, and Kingsley did a good job keepingA very serviceable start to the series -- I always appreciate seeing a heroine dealing with chronic health issues, and Kingsley did a good job keeping Cora from being ~inspirationally disabled~. I'm a bit disappointed in the one-note portrayal of her friend Trent, who ticks so many flamboyant gay man tropes he doesn't come across as a real person, but I hope that improves in later books.
It's not QUITE the villain romance I was hoping for, since the ML is clearly a victim on some level, but I hope this gets expanded on in later books. A nice read for a quiet night. ...more
This hit the spot!! I came across this book when it was recommended in r/fantasyromance, in a post about wanting soft/lonely MMCs, and this did not diThis hit the spot!! I came across this book when it was recommended in r/fantasyromance, in a post about wanting soft/lonely MMCs, and this did not disappoint. Orek is such a sweet male lead -- shy, touch-starved, lonely, a bit resentful of his life as his clan beats him down, but when he saves Sorcha, everything turns around.
The leads are well-developed, and the forced proximity/road trip set-up gives them plenty of time to connect and appreciate each other, as the physical attraction sets in. No insta-love, and the author actually takes the time to make sure Orek and Sorcha TALK to each other about whether or not they're just attracted to each other because they're the only other person around, and what they like about each other.
Also, they make friends outside of each other on their journey! They have a silly inside joke! Their relationship is full of idealized sex, of course, because this is a romance novel we're dealing with, but the depth given to them as characters and as a romantic pairing made this really enjoyable. It's also nice to see a woman as the sexually experienced one in the relationship.
I do think it could have been trimmed down a bit, and the whole "my mate" and "female/male" word choice does grate on me whenever a book uses it, but those are moderate quibbles. I also wish a bit more development had been given to Sorcha's relationship with her family, since there's some interesting character stuff going on there, but it was all rushed and at the end of the book. Again, a moderate quibble, and wanting MORE of something is generally better than wanting less.
The darker themes of the book (ex: Orek's mother was a human woman taken as a slave) aren't glossed over, but are implied just enough that we understand exactly what happened, and exactly how that's affected the characters. But Wendell is careful not to just write an "orcs are only violent and capable of cruelty" story; there are shitty humans too, and the book ends on a hopeful note as for what will come next for the other halflings, and the communities they're joining.
So: if you're looking for a sweet, fast read, this is it! ...more
Quick and fun, but not much else. I'm really tired of the "sassy heroine mouths off to the people she needs help from" trope, especially when the charQuick and fun, but not much else. I'm really tired of the "sassy heroine mouths off to the people she needs help from" trope, especially when the characters are this flat. ...more
This one had me from the first line! And then at one point Cinnamon ended up with a bucket of nachos, which should give you an idea of the tone: funnyThis one had me from the first line! And then at one point Cinnamon ended up with a bucket of nachos, which should give you an idea of the tone: funny, irreverent, and sweet.
It managed to miss most of my pet peeves in romance -- the insta-love was addressed, the romantic leads actually seemed to LIKE each other (the banter is great in this book), and Cinnamon not only made female friends, but there wasn't a hint of "not like other girls" to be seen. She's flawed realistically -- she's a bit petty, she's still carrying guilt over a tragedy in her past, and she is an obnoxious drunk -- but she's also hilarious, horny, kind, and brave. So good!
And Fallon, the titular demon, is a little shit who loves teasing her, but is also passionate and open about what loving a demon means. Which is also SO GOOD.
The worldbuilding is a little scattershot, and I wished we'd had more time with Cinnamon's family since they seem so lovely, but if you need something to perk you out of a reading slump, this is it! ...more
Hm. This is a fine, quick story, but it didn't really land for me because the characters are very flat (despite the complexity of a romance where one Hm. This is a fine, quick story, but it didn't really land for me because the characters are very flat (despite the complexity of a romance where one partner has been abused), and there wasn't much of a plot. In fairness, it's less than 200 pages long, and focuses more on erotica than story, and I think my preference in romance is more on character than anything else. It's sexy and fun candy for your brain, but too easy and flat for me to really enjoy. ...more
I mean!!! What can I say about R. Lee Smith's writing? Other than "I feel like I got hit by a truck of pure emotion" and "someo4.5 stars, rounded up.
I mean!!! What can I say about R. Lee Smith's writing? Other than "I feel like I got hit by a truck of pure emotion" and "someone wrung out my brain like a dish sponge", that is.
This story is an endurance run -- I thought I was ready after reading The Last Hour of Gann, but this is even more intense. It's a psychological battle as much as it is a romance, where both romantic partners are tense, spiky, and guarded to extremes. Lan, like Amber in TLHOG, isn't a particularly likable person, but like Amber, she's defined by her determination and a deep well of love that has trouble expressing itself. She's also jealous, a bit petty, stubborn, and shortsighted, but all of that just makes her interactions with Azrael incredibly fun (and anxiety-inducing) to read.
As for Azrael...oof. My dude is MESSED UP --not without reason! -- and since we don't get a glimpse of his POV, just what he tells Lan, you know it's worse than we get to hear about. He's a monster, and the narrative doesn't skimp on that, but it's also not...judgmental, if that makes sense? Azrael is searching for love, but he's never had an example for what love looks like, so he's trying his best to construct what he thinks love should be. The moments when he's horrified by it (or by how Lan expresses it) are such incredible bits of character studies.
I love dark romance more than is possibly healthy, but there were even moments for me when I was like, there is no way this can turn around into a believable love story (namely one long passage in the meditation garden, hahahaha I'm fine it's all fine). In the end, though, R. Lee Smith pulled it off, so I think I should just trust her from now on.
The only thing keeping this book from being a complete triumph for me was the ending/epilogue -- it kind of The Gone World'd out, as in it felt unearned and tacked-on, when I think more ambiguity or openness would have suited the book better. It's still a powerful read, but that shaved off the half-point.
Now: what R. Lee Smith book should I read next? ...more
A sweet, frothy romance without a ton of substance but with a lot of fun Jane Austen references (and apparently Jane Austen is alive and writing in thA sweet, frothy romance without a ton of substance but with a lot of fun Jane Austen references (and apparently Jane Austen is alive and writing in this universe, which means I would love to see what the monster version of Persuasion would be like!). Just the quick read I was looking for. ...more
It's not bad by any stretch, but it's also not anything new or particularly great, either.
To be fair, I'm not really a fan of omegaverse, so even thiIt's not bad by any stretch, but it's also not anything new or particularly great, either.
To be fair, I'm not really a fan of omegaverse, so even this book's attempts to be self-aware about its own tropes fell flat for me. There are some interesting tidbits -- like how bonding with a dragon changes your physical appearance -- but nothing much happens till the final few pages, plot-wise. It all feels directionless, but the physical longing is written very well, and everything is serviceable enough. ...more
Not quite as charming as the story told from Violet's perspective, but definitely sweet and thoughtful. I really do like the 3.5 stars, rounded down.
Not quite as charming as the story told from Violet's perspective, but definitely sweet and thoughtful. I really do like the emphasis on consent and agency, and it's just as horny as the first book. ...more
Poor Linus Baker. All he wanted to do was get through life without catching any attention, or doing more than wistfully yearnin4.5 stars, rounded up.
Poor Linus Baker. All he wanted to do was get through life without catching any attention, or doing more than wistfully yearning for something more. And yet!
I picked up this book at a used bookstore a while back, and it's been sitting on my TBR shelf ever since -- and I wish I'd picked it up sooner, because it is such a gentle warm hug of a book, and who doesn't need that right now?
It's an interesting premise -- departments overseeing magical folk! Downtrodden office workers! A lead character trying to fit themselves into a miserable life while quietly longing for something more colorful! FOUND FAMILY! -- but I wasn't expecting to be as charmed as I was. Linus is such a sweetheart, but no spineless twit (even after years of being beaten into conformity), and all the children are DELIGHTS. Please know that you will adore Chauncey from the moment he appears.
And Arthur...oh, Arthur. He will make your heart ache, though he's quite the cipher (though how much of that is from Linus trying to hold back and not admit how he feels is left up in the air). I love every single character here, and how each was graced by quiet humor -- and how many of the characters are also graced with kindness. There's a scene between Linus and the secretary to Extremely Upper Management at the end that just glows with affection and kindness.
It's a book not just about finding a place where you belong, but about the freedom in loving others -- how doing so makes your world expand and grow brighter -- and in owning who you truly are. It's about taking care of each other in a very cruel, bleak world, and it's about small steps toward bravery.
Just a delight, through and through. I'm sad there isn't a sequel (though this story is very complete), because I want to spend more time in this house and with the people who live in it, but at least I have this! ...more
First off: this book really needs a more demanding editor. The family dynamics were interesting, especially since we're finally seeing one of the elusFirst off: this book really needs a more demanding editor. The family dynamics were interesting, especially since we're finally seeing one of the elusive Hemming family, but those scenes were all over the place. I'm fine with lots of flashbacks and introspection -- what better place for both than a romance novel? -- but someone needed to tighten them up and trim the unnecessary bits. The opening scene with Lowell waiting in the airport was excruciating, and about three times as long as it needed to be.
Lowell and Moriah are charming, and while I'm generally not a werewolf/breeding/etc fan, it was grounded well enough that I didn't mind. But where the first novel in this series had a long build-up to the actual romance, and somehow made the weirdest clinical setting a great place for a meet-cute, everything just sort of...happened here.
What I do appreciate, throughout this series, is the emphasis on emotional connection and on consent. Sweet Berries was the weakest in that regard, but I really liked here how Lowell and Moriah immediately found things to like about each other. I'm such a sucker for stupid jokes between romantic partners, and the scenes with the two of them just sitting at a table and making each other laugh were great.
The ending is also a bit rushed -- something an editor (or a more demanding one) could have helped with, but it's still a fluffy, gentle HEA.
And we had a Geillis cameo! I love how we keep getting references/glimpses of the other stories set in Cambric Creek. I'm a sucker for Easter eggs, too.
So, a bit of a letdown compared to how much I loved the first book, but still very serviceable and fun. I'd say Nascosta has one more book's grace with me, and since her next novel is human female/NB monster, I'll definitely be checking that out. We have minotaurs and sexy mothmen -- why does fantasy romance need to be totally heterosexual! ...more
A sweet, but ultimately slight romance. The author clearly did some research into safe BDSM practices, and I do appreciate the time taken to address tA sweet, but ultimately slight romance. The author clearly did some research into safe BDSM practices, and I do appreciate the time taken to address the emotional impact that kind of play has, but in the end, it was pretty vanilla. The main characters are nice but not very fleshed-out, but hey! It occupied me for a day, and made me smile a lot. There's something to be said for that! ...more
Do you crave a love story involving a sexy mothman with voyeuristic tendences? If so, your prayers have been answered! The ch3.5 stars, rounded down.
Do you crave a love story involving a sexy mothman with voyeuristic tendences? If so, your prayers have been answered! The characters are a bit thinner than in the previous book in this series, and I miss the slow-build tension, but it's still enjoyable. Just needs a bit more editing, really.
This is another sweet, sexy love story that is pure brain candy -- barely even a touch of angst or pining (which I love, but I understand it has a time and place, and this series is not it), with a lot of fun easter eggs (Grace and Merrick were totally the couple Violet spied in the supermarket in Morning Glory Milking Farm) that flesh out the world.
Sometimes, we just need some brain candy, and I for one thank Nascosta for providing it!...more
I am, without shame, a monsterfucker, and this charming little bit of erotica definitely hit the spot! A great one-day read, with a nice flirtatious bI am, without shame, a monsterfucker, and this charming little bit of erotica definitely hit the spot! A great one-day read, with a nice flirtatious build-up to the romance and a LOT of smut. Violet and Rourke are very cute and Violet being a stressed-out millenial is VERY RELATABLE, HOLY SHIT.
Also, it avoided one of my biggest pet peeves in romance: Violet has female friends! She doesn't "I'm not like other girls" through the whole book! She makes friends at her workplace and out in the community, and while the focus is not on those friendships, they always made me smile when they showed up.
There were a lot of typos/formatting issues, and a lot of jumping around chronologically for flashbacks that could have been handled more organically, but nothing that broke the story. I'll definitely be checking out the rest! ...more
A very tidy, chaste romance -- that may sound like I'm damning with faint praise, but this was advertised as a romance with "no steam", so it definiteA very tidy, chaste romance -- that may sound like I'm damning with faint praise, but this was advertised as a romance with "no steam", so it definitely accomplished that aspect of its goal!
I'm always weak for Beauty and the Beast retellings, and like many elder millenials one of my formative influence was Gargoyles, so this book grabbed my attention very quickly. It's well-written from a technical angle (I only found a few typos, but nothing immersion-breaking), and Ember and Dyrerisan are clear on the page. I appreciate that they also had positive relationships outside of their own, even though the premise of the novel is that neither of them are really able to connect, for various reasons. Those reasons are very plausible within the world of the novel, so I didn't have one of those "huh, this doesn't make sense" moments.
It's also decently paced, and I really liked the whole parallel curses aspect of the story. So why three stars?
Because -- and this is an issue I see in a lot of romance novels -- the romance just appears on the page, without much build-up, or without any apparent reason. Why do Ember and Dyrerisan care about each other? For the first half of the novel, they're either annoyed by or made nervous by the other; what may have been meant as flirty banter just comes across as two people being a bit rude to each other. Even if a novel has no steam or smut, there still needs to be chemistry, common interests, curiosity, silliness...all the things a real relationship is made of. That's lacking here, and it keeps the book from reaching its full potential.
And, it has to be said, not enough is done with the fact that Dyrerisan is living stone. Why does he need to eat? Is he stronger than a flesh-and-blood person? Does he have any magic abilities? Does it hurt to be made of stone?
A nice way to pass a few hours, one way or another -- I just wish it had gone a bit further with its concept and its leads. ...more
I'm weak for anything involving elves, especially romance, but in my quest to find good novels I read a lot of bad ones, and a lot of okay ones. This I'm weak for anything involving elves, especially romance, but in my quest to find good novels I read a lot of bad ones, and a lot of okay ones. This is a subjective experience -- everyone is going to get something different out of each book! -- but I found this book to be just...okay. It's tidy, chaste, and cleanly written, and I appreciate that it's a standalone. On the other hand, the characters are a bit flat, despite both having very good motivations, and the eventual love confession just sort of happens.
The characters are sympathetic, and I appreciate that the main heroic gesture of the novel is based around communication and non-violence, but otherwise, it's just sort of there....more
A tidy, competent fantasy romance, but it falls into what I feel are the usual issues: the characters are flat; all the female characters except the hA tidy, competent fantasy romance, but it falls into what I feel are the usual issues: the characters are flat; all the female characters except the heroine are either jerks who hate her, or who are killed to push the main storyline along; there's not much evidence the main couple like each other.
The worldbuilding is also clearly derivative of ACOTAR (that is to say, there is none), and not much really happens until the last forty pages. Characters are briefly introduced, then killed, and the stakes are never quite clear.
But the writing is technically very sound, and it's a pleasant, sweet romance to spend time with. I appreciate that Sebastian and Luna try to communicate from the beginning, and they work well as a team. So I'll keep reading, just to see if the weak spots improve....more
Bethany Bee
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fantasy-romance
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