3.5 ⭐️ If you like fantasy romance and Ruby Dixon, then definitely pick this book up
He's a polite monk of a Fellian who just happens to be trapped in 3.5 ⭐️ If you like fantasy romance and Ruby Dixon, then definitely pick this book up
He's a polite monk of a Fellian who just happens to be trapped in a tower with a princess of loose morals who really, really wants to ride his c*ck.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ fantasy romance ✨ feuding factions ✨ gods x humans x ‘monsters’ ✨ locked away in a windowless tower with your enemy ✨ she’s a spoiled, chronically ill, lusty human princess ✨ he’s a shy, celibate, bookish non-human prince ✨ virgin, cinnamon roll monster ✨ enemies to friends lovers ✨ forced proximity ✨ opposites attract ✨ nursing back to health ✨ he falls first ✨ 4/5 ...more
3 ⭐️ An interesting dystopian concept but won't continue the series
**This review does contain spoilers**
She stepped inside to meet her own dark captor3 ⭐️ An interesting dystopian concept but won't continue the series
**This review does contain spoilers**
She stepped inside to meet her own dark captor from a fairytale. The warlock who had led her off her path.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ dystopian urban romantasy ✨ NYC setting ✨ loose Beauty and the Beast retelling ✨ she’s a gifted human thief ✨ he’s a dangerous monster ✨ enemies to lovers ✨ heist plot ✨ “you work for me now” ✨ forced proximity ✨ 2/5 ...more
5 ⭐️ best book I’ve read this year! y’all are sleeping on this series!!!!!!
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ sci-fi / fantasy romance ✨ he’s a vampire-like alien lord 5 ⭐️ best book I’ve read this year! y’all are sleeping on this series!!!!!!
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ sci-fi / fantasy romance ✨ he’s a vampire-like alien lord ✨ she’s the human daughter of his enemy ✨ arranged marriage ✨ hate to love ✨ insane sexual tension ✨ primal play ✨ 3.5/5 ...more
"They say being given the blood of a god is a gift. But it is a curse."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ viking romantasy ✨ 4.5 ⭐️ Officially in my Viking Fantasy Era!
"They say being given the blood of a god is a gift. But it is a curse."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ viking romantasy ✨ norse mythology ✨ meddling gods ✨ prophecies ✨ chosen one ✨ arranged marriage ✨ bodyguard x ‘princess’ trope ✨ forced proximity ✨ insta-lust ✨ friends to lovers ✨ forbidden romance ✨ slow burn ✨ one horse ✨ touch her and die ✨ 2/5 spice ✨ action packed ✨ cliffhanger ✨ single POV ✨ TW: war, violence, loss of family, gaslighting
My Thoughts:
I am a HUGE fan of Danielle L. Jensen's The Bridge Kingdom Series, so when I found out she was writing another fantasy series based on norse mythology, I was so excited. And rightly slow because this first book was fantastic!
PS: If you loved the Netflix show and book series, That Last Kingdom, but wished there was magic and more romance, this story is PERFECT for you!
What I loved:
Freya and Bjorn. Both MCs were likable characters that only got more interesting as we got to know them more. Freya is incredibly selfless, and while sometimes her devotion to others drove me mad (because it was often at her expense), I respect the hell out of her for caring for so many people. I also liked that her thoughts, feelings, and actions seemed realistic for a 'Viking' woman during this 'era'. Bjorn was everything I love in an MMC - charming, funny, strong, loyal, protective, and hellbent on getting revenge. Oh, and he has powers from one of the gods. Because the story is in Freya's POV, it takes time to get his backstory and understand his motives, but even then, there's always a little mystery to him. These characters were well developed and I think we're going to see a lot of growth and change from them in the next book.
The romance and spice. From the moment they meet, Freya and Bjorn have insane chemistry and are clearly meant to be together. However, there is a forbidden aspect to the story that prevents them from making any moves, so there's so much flirty banter, tension, and longing - and I ate it all up! I love how they resisted at first but ultimately, cave to their desires. And those spicy scenes . . . ...more
3.5 ⭐️ A fast-paced romantasy set within an intriguing world.
***This review contains spoilers***
"It's not the times you don't need saving that I'm3.5 ⭐️ A fast-paced romantasy set within an intriguing world.
***This review contains spoilers***
"It's not the times you don't need saving that I'm worried about. It's the one time you'll need it, and there will be no one to do it."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ forbidden romance ✨ witch x witch hunter ✨ enemies to lovers ✨ insta-lust ✨ best friend’s brother ✨ fake courting / dating ✨ he courts her because he suspects she's a witch ✨ she dates him for information to help free a witch prisoner ✨ brothers love triangle ✨ loss of virginity ✨ size difference ✨ .5/5...more
3 ⭐️ Listen, it’s honestly a pretty good book. It’s just not for me.
"Your life is precious. I will try to make sure it does not end if I can."
WHAT TO 3 ⭐️ Listen, it’s honestly a pretty good book. It’s just not for me.
"Your life is precious. I will try to make sure it does not end if I can."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ monster romance ✨ he's a cinnamon roll duskwalker desperate for a companion who can survive his hunger ✨ she's a strong, fearless human and her village's offering to the duskwalker ✨ beauty and the beast (loose) retelling ✨ interesting fantasy world with duskwalkers, humans, demons, and magic ✨ 'arranged' marriage ✨ forced proximity ✨ slow burn ✨ sexy bath time ✨ somnophilia ✨ 4/5 ...more
3.5 ⭐️ Not as good as the first one but I still enjoyed it!!!!
The king knew, in this moment, that his greatest love would also be his ruination, and t3.5 ⭐️ Not as good as the first one but I still enjoyed it!!!!
The king knew, in this moment, that his greatest love would also be his ruination, and that both would come in the unlikely form of a young human woman.
*SPOILERS AHEAD if you have not finished The Serpent and the Wings of Night*
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ dark fantasy romance ✨ humans x vampires x gods ✨ enemies to lovers ✨ marriage of convenience ✨ reverse grumpy x sunshine ✨ "she's mine" ✨ 2/5 spice (three-ish open door sex scene) ✨ action-packed ✨ high stakes ✨ continued world building ✨ dual POV ✨ HEA ✨ TW: violence, discussion of sexual assault and rape, and slavery
My Thoughts:
I'm going to wait to write a full review once this book is re-released by Tor (06/04/24), but in the meantime, I'll leave a few quick thoughts.
I did enjoy this story! Where the first book is a nice combination of romance and plot, this definitely was a lot more plot heavy. I don't usually mind this, however, sooooo much happens and sometimes it was a bit slow, so the story started to blend together and got a bit tedious for me towards the end. BUT I will say, it was entertaining, the world-building was well done, Oraya and Raihn are everything, and it was a good story overall. I definitely recommend reading!
I would always regret this. Breaking Oraya. that was a sin that I'd never be able to atone for. _______
Vincent had ruined me. He had saved me. He had loved me.He had stifled me. He had manipulated me. He had made me everything that I was. Everything that I could be. Even the greatest parts of my power, the parts he never wanted me to find, were his. . . And I missed him too much to hate him the way I wanted to. And I hated him most of all for that. _______
"To die, rather than killing you? Yes. That would have been worth it. Even I had to draw the line somewhere. And you are the line, Oraya." _______
"Your sarcasm is so subtle, princess. Elegant and refined. Like fine wine. Or this beer." _______
"There's no one to kill." "You sound so disappointed, my murderous queen." _______
"It's stupid of you to let me go." "Some people have been saying it was stupid of me to keep you alive at all. I guess I'm a stupid man." _______
"I've got to believe in love, Raihn. The world is sad enough." _______
They looked at me like I was an actual threat, and I liked that. _______
"The dress is an act of war. But you've always looked fucking fantastic in blood." _______
"I'd spend a lifetime at the tip of your blade, and it would have been worth it." _______
I was everything I was meant to be. My father's daughter. Victim and protégée. Greatest love and ruination. _______
Power hurts. It requires sacrifice. Do you want to change this world, little serpent? Climb the bars until you're so high no one can catch you. _______
"I'd tell you to go become something fucking incredible, Oraya, but you already are, and this place doesn't deserve you. It never has. And I sure as fuck don't. _______
"You have nothing but me. And yet, you'd let me go." "I have nothing but you. So I am letting you go." _______
"Let me make you the queen that you are. Let me guard your body, your soul, your heart. Let me spend the rest of my fucking pathetic life at your mercy. If I need to die, then let me do it by your hand. Please." _______
"Let met worship you, Oraya. . . And let me taste you when you come. Please." _______
I hate you because I let you hurt me. I hate you because I grieved you. I hate you because I don't. _______
"You have destroyed me. And I have hated every moment of it, too." _______
My blood. My body. My soul. I had given her all of that a long time ago. I even had given her my life. And I'd do it all again. _______
"Loving someone else is a dangerous thing . . . even for vampires. More dangerous still for a king." _______
"Men and their secrets. We spend a lifetime trying to unravel them, and once they're gone, we're still at their mercy." _______
"I am not going to fuck you over." "Again, you mean. Fuck me over again." "Never, Oraya. Never again. And not just because I don't have a chance in hell of taking Sivrinaj back without you. But because I wouldn't want to, anyways." _______
"Just want you to know, Oraya, that you were the best part of it. The best part of all of it." _______
Raihn. My downfall and my most valuable supporter. My weakness and my strength. My worst enemy and the greatest love I had ever known. All of that in one name. One person. One soul I knew as well as my own, just as confusing, just as flawed. _______
Loving Oraya was terrifying. It required me to see things I didn't want to see. Face things I didn't want to face. Allow another soul to witness parts of myself I didn't even want to acknowledge. _______
Bloodshed and ballgowns. They really went together. _______...more
2.5 ⭐️ Started out strong but by the end, I just didn’t like it.
"Every male in there will want to fuck you, and every woman will want to be you." "Beca2.5 ⭐️ Started out strong but by the end, I just didn’t like it.
"Every male in there will want to fuck you, and every woman will want to be you." "Because I'm with you?" "Because they know you're mine."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ urban paranormal romance ✨ san francisco setting ✨ vampires, humans, witches/familiars ✨ Julian: billionaire vampire who's being forced to marry ✨ Thea: struggling artist (cellist) and human ✨ forbidden romance ✨ insta-lust ✨ fake dating/engagement ✨ age gap (22 and 400+) ✨ virgin FMC ✨ 2.5/5 ...more
4 ⭐️ I’m not ready to say goodbye to Roman and Iris
"Write me a story where there is no ending, Kitt. Write to me and fill my empty spaces."
WHAT TO EXP4 ⭐️ I’m not ready to say goodbye to Roman and Iris
"Write me a story where there is no ending, Kitt. Write to me and fill my empty spaces."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ historical romantasy ✨ god war ✨ magical realism ✨ pen pals ✨ memory loss ✨ action-packed ✨ high stakes ✨ angst ✨ found family / strong familial bonds ✨ dual POV ✨ HEA ✨ TW: war, grief, loss of loved one, violence, chronic pain
My Thoughts:
Divine Rivals was pure and utter magic, so I knew it was going to be a challenge to follow up. Unfortunately, I didn't love Ruthless Vows as much as Divine Rivals, however, I still think it was a great conclusion to such a beautiful story.
4 ⭐️ This story felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket. Has a good combination of soft/quiet and heart pounding moments.
"Even if she would never be4 ⭐️ This story felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket. Has a good combination of soft/quiet and heart pounding moments.
"Even if she would never be his, he knew . . . that he was irrevocably, forever hers. However she wanted him, however she needed him - just hers. And that was enough."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ cozy fantasy romance ✨ he’s a half human/half orc cinnamon roll who’s never been loved ✨ she’s a human who was sold to an orc clan ✨ rescuer to friend to lover ✨ forced proximity ✨ slow burn ✨ hiding feelings because afraid of rejection ✨ virgin MMC ✨ one bed at the inn ✨ 4/5 ...more
3.5 ⭐️ A good addition to the Gods and Monsters series
"When I burn this world to embers, and you paint me as the villain, remember, I really did try t3.5 ⭐️ A good addition to the Gods and Monsters series
"When I burn this world to embers, and you paint me as the villain, remember, I really did try to be good ......once."
About:
After the devastating events of The Book of Azrael, Dianna is hellbent on revenge. However, the one person standing in her way is her lover, the God King. Samkiel refuses to believe Dianna is truly a monster and will do everything in his power to save her from herself. But can he reach Dianna before her thirst for blood and revenge consume her? WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ fantasy romance ✨ gods and monsters ✨ morally grey heroine ✨ cinnamon roll hero ✨ forbidden romance ✨ forced proximity ✨ 3/5 ...more
2.5 ⭐ A low-stakes, cozy fantasy with a sprinkle of romance and a dollop of mystery but sadly it wasn’t my cup of tea
She was everything he never deser2.5 ⭐ A low-stakes, cozy fantasy with a sprinkle of romance and a dollop of mystery but sadly it wasn’t my cup of tea
She was everything he never deserved but longed for anyways.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ cozy fantasy ✨ office romance ✨ grumpy boss x sunshine assistant ✨ instant chemistry ✨ loads of tension ✨ 'I hate everyone but her' ✨ idiots to not quite lovers (yet) ✨ NO SPICE ✨ magic and mayhem ✨ mystery plot ✨ low stakes ✨ shocking plot twist ✨ cliffhanger ending ✨ dual POV ✨ TW: past attempted SA, death of family member, blood, gore, torture
My Thoughts:
I've watched a lot of Hannah's Assistant to the Villain TikTok videos since the beginning, and was really excited about this book. Overall, it was pretty good for a debut novel. While it had its moments, I thought it was quite forgettable. So let's dive into the things I liked and didn't like:
What I liked:
The romance premise was cute. I'm a huge fan of the grumpy x sunshine trope and thought it was a fun, fresh idea to portray this in a fantasy world with a boss x assistant dynamic.
The Villain was the most interesting character. And I like that we slowly learn about his background and motive throughout the story. I'm glad some of the chapters were from his POV but honestly wish there had been more. Also, he calls Evie 'little tornado' and that was super cute.
What really surprised me in the best way possible was the mystery plot that ended with an insane twist and cliffhanger ending! I truly did not see any of that coming, and honestly, it was the most interesting thing about the book. The ending alone might have made me pick up the next book, if it weren't for some of my points below.
What I didn't liked:
It was alluded to that this story would be adult. However, it reads more YA. I guess if you think gore and cursing automatically puts a book in the adult genre, then yeah, this is adult. But since it's marketed as a romantasy, I was expecting spice, when in fact, there is none. It was just incredibly frustrating and boring reading about adult characters who like each other from the beginning of the story but refuse to admit they like each other. There were so many moments when the tension was high and I thought something would happen but then . . . nothing. I mean, there is a kiss, but even that wasn't done with a romantic purpose. It sometimes felt forced not having anything physical happen between Evie and the Villain.
So is this a romantasy? No, it's really a fantasy with elements of romance. I think there should have been a quicker progression of the romance and a little bit of spice (like at least a hardcore make-out session or some heavy petting after putting us through 340 pages of them fighting their attraction), and since that didn't happen, there should have been more suspense and drama with the mystery plot.
Okay, let's talk about the world building. What we were given was adequate, but it was kind of generic and there wasn't a lot of depth. Honestly, the entire world is forgettable. I honestly can't tell you which kingdom or the town this takes place in or the name of the Villain's home (which is mentioned a bunch). I was reading for the romance but the romance was boring, and the world building wasn't interesting enough, so unfortunately it all just sort of fell flat.
This book was also supposed to be 'laugh out loud' funny, when in reality, I didn't laugh once. I might have awkwardly cringe out of embarrassment for some of the characters but sadly, the humor wasn't my cup of tea. If anything, I found the Villain to be a bit funny - with his unpleasant, gruff replies and standoffish demeanor - whenever he interacted with Evie. But again, it was never lol kind of funny.
I get that Evie is meant to be this sunshine assistant, but did she have to come across so ditsy and annoying? She was just very child-like in her interactions with people, and was sort of in her own little bubble. And then whenever she thought, "He should scare me but doesn't. . . huh I wonder what that means" (and she thinks this A LOT), I couldn't help but roll my eyes. First off, this makes her seem like an idiot. And second, at this point the author is just holding the readers hand here, which is super irritating.
This book sometimes felt disjointed with the office shenanigans or Evie and the Villains random interactions. I don't know if I can quite explain this, but there were just a few instances I thought, "Hmmm this seems unnecessary but maybe this was done to create a small, comical or awkward situation the MCs will have the deal navigate through." Like when we find out the Villain sleeps with a nightlight because he's afraid of the dark? First off, ew, that's unattractive. And second, this is just another situation where the story felt more like YA versus adult.
Look, regardless of the things I didn't like, the book was fine. I read it in one sitting and survived. There wasn't a lot of substance and it was definitely too long, but I didn't want to throw the book across the room or set it on fire. So it is at least entertaining enough and readable. But do I want to read it again? No. Do I want to continue the series? Unfortunately, no. But I do want to read a summary of what happens next. Would I recommend this to you? Maybe, if you want to read a low-stakes fantasy where nothing important happens for 80% of the book. It's not bad, but there's definitely better books out there I would prefer to spend time on.
Thank you Red Tower Books for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
My Favorite Quotes:
"I would never make the mistake of underestimating a woman like you. It would be a fatal one." _______
It was ironic that the man who dealt with so much death seemed to have brought her back to life... _______
"No, no, sir, we meant you no harm. Please, please let us go." "You meant her harm. . . And that is enough for me." And then he shoved the blade into the man's chest, piercing is heart and killing him instantly. _______
She wasn't light; she was color. Every single one, dancing otherworldly and bright over his unworthy eyes. She was the explosion of the vivid gleams and glows of the world around him, like a constant rainbow, shining not after the rain but during. _______
"We're all monsters in the end. At least mine lives in the light." _______...more
"Do you make it a habit to compliment everyone who's trying to kill you?
"Not everyone. Just you."
^The one qu✨ 25% DNF ✨ Well, that was disappointing
"Do you make it a habit to compliment everyone who's trying to kill you?
"Not everyone. Just you."
^The one quote I enjoyed.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ romantasy ✨ wartime story ✨ 'chosen one' journey ✨ enemies to lovers ✨ instant hate and attraction ✨ shadows vs light ✨ marriage of convenience ✨ slow burn ✨ he falls first ✨ 1 open door ...more
∞ ⭐️ My favorite book of 2023!!!!!! The most enchanting story I've ever read!
"He didn't want to live in a world without her and her words."
WHAT TO EX∞ ⭐️ My favorite book of 2023!!!!!! The most enchanting story I've ever read!
"He didn't want to live in a world without her and her words."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ historical romantasy ✨ gods war ✨ magical realism ✨ rival reporters to lovers ✨ pen pals ✨ hidden identity ✨ angst ✨ found family ✨ dual POV (mostly the FMC) ✨ TW: war, loss of a loved one
My Thoughts: The best way I can describe this book in one word is ✨ENCHANTING✨. From the moment I started till the end, I was completely captivated by the characters, the world, and the romance. I read this is one sitting because I simply could not put it down. There are only a few romance stories that make you believe in true love, and this is one of them. The connection between Roman and Iris is incredibly deep, and the love they share is breathtaking. This story also has the most beautiful prose I've ever read. Rebecca Ross is a master of her craft and skillfully shows it by making you fall in love with the characters and this story through such a romantic writing style. And that ending . . . it absolutely broke me. When I finished, I was at a complete loss for words. I felt heartbroken, angry, sad, and confused, but at the same time, hopeful. I cried till I had no tears left, and now I'm desperately waiting for December 26th to read Ruthless Vows. This gaping hole in my chest won't heal until I have a copy in my hands.
Like I said, Divine Rivals is my FAVORITE BOOK of 2023!!!!!! So if you haven't read it yet, please immediately add this to your TBR! Plus, it's free on Kindle Unlimited!
I hate you for leaving me like this. I hate you, and yet I love you even more, because you are brave and full of a light that I don't think I will ever find or understand. _______
"Your grief will never fully fade; it will always be with you - a shadow you carry in your soul - but it will become fainter as your life becomes brighter. You will learn to live outside of it again, as impossible as that may sound. Others who share your pain will also help you heal. Because you are not alone. Not in your fear or your grief or your hopes or your dreams. You are not alone." _______
"The days to come will only grow darker. And when you find something good? You hold on to it. You don't waste time worrying about things that won't even matter in the end. Rather, you take a risk for that light." _______
"Perhaps it begins with one person. Someone you trust. You remove a piece of armor for them; you let the light stream in, even if it makes you wince. Perhaps that is how you learn to be soft yet strong, even in fear and uncertainty. one person, one piece of steel." _______
"Sometimes strength isn't swords and steel and fire, as we are so often made to believe. Sometimes it's found in quiet, gentle places. The way you hold someone's hand as they grieve. The way you listen to others. The way you show up, day after day, even when you are weary or afraid or simply uncertain." _______
"You and I . . . we need to stay together. We're better this way." _______
I am coming to love him, in two different ways. Face to face, and word to word. _______
I am so afraid. And yet how I long to be vulnerable and brave when it comes to my own heart. _______
Even though she had been left, time and time again, by the people she loved, Roman had come to her. He was choosing her. _______
"I broke my engagement, quit my job, and traveled six hundred kilometers into a war-torn land to be with you, Iris." _______
"It's not a crime to feel joy, even when things seem hopeless. . . You deserve all the happiness in the world. And I intend to see that you have it." _______
"I pray that my days will be long at your side. Let me fill and satisfy every longing in your soul. May your hand be in mine, by sun and by night. Let our breaths twine and our blood become one, until our bones return to dust. Even then, may I find your soul still sworn to mine." _______
"I think you and I are simply better together, Kitt." _______
He is mine, she thought the words a pleasant shock to her soul. I am his. _______...more
3.5 ⭐️ This was a great addition to the Deviant Kings series. I couldn't put it down!
"Things might be different for us outside these walls. But right 3.5 ⭐️ This was a great addition to the Deviant Kings series. I couldn't put it down!
"Things might be different for us outside these walls. But right now, in here, you're mine. Say it."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ paranormal romance ✨ fae, humans, vampires ✨ las vegas setting ✨ she’s the housekeeper and last lover of the the soon to be fae king of the Night Court ✨ he’s the playboy prince and future king who wants nothing to do with the crown ✨ royal x non-royal ✨ forbidden romance ✨ casual hookup to love ✨ forced proximity ✨ playful banter ✨ 3/5 spice ✨ heavy BDSM: dom/sub, sadism/masochism, rigging, whipping ✨ political intrigue ✨ murder mystery ✨ secret missions ✨ dual pov
My Thoughts:
This was such a fun and sexy story that dove way deeper into the Deviant Kings world and left me craving more. Seriously, The Vicious King (book 3) sounds incredible and I'm so glad we only have to wait a few months till it's release on December 5th!
What I liked:
Tiernan and his journey to becoming king. Tiernan has a boyish charm you can't help but love, a sharp mind, and a big heart - all qualities that make a great leader. No one wants the crown less than Tiernan, but unfortunately, it's fallen into his lap. And over time, with the help of a few friends, he accepts his responsibilities and realizes that maybe the Night Court needs a king just like him.
Fiona and her story. Fiona was a sweet secondary character from the first book who we hardly knew anything about, and this book did a fantastic job diving into her character. I love her kindness and caring nature towards others, her bravery and willingness to do what she can to help, and her fire and passion. She also has a complicated past with many twists and turns I didn't expect, so getting to know her was a blast!
The romance. Tiernan and Fiona are the epitome of a modern couple whose relationship starts with hooking up and ends with love. I love their playful banter. The forbidden element of their story made things exciting, and incredibly angsty. Seriously, them not being able to be together paired with the mystery plot had my heart clenching. It was a painfully delightful story. (lol) They obviously had a connection from the beginning but watching them grow as individuals and as a couple was lovely. Also, the nickname 'Little Red' is fucking adorable! And that ending was super cute.
The political intrigue and plot! I LOVE that we learn much more about the dark and light fae, and the added (murder) mystery element really kept me on my toes. It was so fun and I couldn’t put it down because I just had to know how things would unfold!
The smut. I’m really not into hardcore BDSM, but the scenes were done well. I never got the ick so that's always a good sign. The scenes seemed to have also been done in a proper and safe manner that aligns with the BDSM lifestyle, so that is very much appreciated.
The Bryn and Caiden cameos. I loved these two from The Dark King and was curious what life would be like for them afterwards. Turns out, it's just as crazy! I won't say more because it would spoil some things but they do play a role in this book, so get excited!
That second epilogue featuring Finnian has me salivating for book 3! I'm shook after all that new information and cannot wait to learn more about Taryn and how she's connected to Finnian!
What were my issues:
I didn’t like how Tiernan talked like a Gen Z-er. I know he's the relatable brother since he hangs out with humans all the time, but still, it was distracting and really hard to get past, especially since he's 150(?) years old. Here are some examples: "I'd fucking smash that look, no question," "bitch slap me in the face", "staying chill," "dude,". There's also a bunch of Twilight/Edward Cullen jokes which I didn't really get.
Sometimes, it felt like the plot was overshadowing the romance. I'm someone who likes both to be developed in the romance novels I read, but a lot of Tiernan and Fiona's romance was intertwined with whatever was happening politically/mystery plot-wise when I wish they had more romantic moments that would have unfolded without those outside factors. For example, the first time they 'play' is during an undercover mission at a BDSM club, and while it was hot, I wish they had an experience prior in a more private place so the moment was just about them.
I wish Tiernan and Fiona had a BDSM scene before the sex club. We knew both characters had experience with BDSM so it's not like they needed to learn about it, but Tiernan gave up the lifestyle because of a bad experience. So him being forced to do BDSM with Fiona (for the first time) in a sex club while on a secret mission just seemed contrived and cruel. Especially because he does end up having a trauma response to the entire experience, which Fiona does talk him through. But my tender heart didn't want to see him suffer, so I personally, wish their first BDSM experience had been in a safe environment without any pressure.
Occasionally, the story sometimes moved from political drama to romance so quickly it was a bit jarring. One paragraph would be politics and then next would be romance. I think it sort of aligns with my point above, but the romance moments needed some time to breath without the other angst and tension from the mystery/political plot.
Thank you Entangled and Gina Maxwell for sending me an arc copy! As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
"Power is as ruinous as it is advantageous." _______
"I felt like I'd finally found what I hadn't even known I was searching for. You are my little treasure. You are worth more to me than all the riches of Faerie and this world combined. You must believe me." _______
"It's okay to be mad at your eyes. I'll show them enough love until you're ready to love them, too." _______
And suddenly I want to wipe it all off, to get rid of anything that disguises the real her. So that for the first time in her life, she doesn't have to hide who she is, because who she is naturally is perfect. _______
"I swear to the gods, Fiona, if you die on me, I will follow you. I will find you in whatever afterlife exists for humans, and I will drag your cute ass back to the land of the living, even if it costs me my soul's place in Mag Mell." _______
"Know that you belong to me, just as I belong to you. Now and always, no matter what." _______
"Whether fae, human, or other, everything about you is - and always has been - fucking perfect." _______ ...more
2.5 ⭐️ Well, I’m pretty bummed that I didn’t like it more.
*This is an ARC Review written 10/04/23*
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ paranormal urban romance ✨ werewol2.5 ⭐️ Well, I’m pretty bummed that I didn’t like it more.
*This is an ARC Review written 10/04/23*
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ paranormal urban romance ✨ werewolves x vampire x humans ✨ she's is a vampire who's the daughter of a powerful vampire ruler ✨ he's a alpha of his werewolf pack ✨ political drama ✨ arranged marriage ✨ forbidden romance ✨ enemies (by nature) to allies to lovers ✨ forced proximity ✨ slow burn ✨ virgin, inexperienced FMC ✨ 3/5 spice ✨ knotting, biting, drinking blood ✨ fated mate ✨ mystery plot ✨ intentional miscommunication / omitting truth ✨ found family ✨ plot twist ✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I'm reading this ARC almost 6 months before the release, so I'm thinking there will be edits made during that time. But keep that in mind while reading this review. PS: I plan to do a reread once it comes out.
Okay, so here's the thing. Bride definitely has so much potential and includes a lot of the things I love about Ali Hazelwood's romances. There's likable characters - specifically a large standoffish MMC, an interesting side plot, and spicy scenes. The whole arranged marriage and forbidden romance aspect only added to the story as well. However, there were a few things that led to my disconnect and indifference with the story.
There is a lot of info dumping world building-wise and telling vs showing. This happened so frequently throughout the story that I had many moments where I was bored and pulled out of the story out of frustration. And some of the info we are given through inner dialogue or ramblings didn't even feel adequate enough for explaining certain aspects of the world or situations the characters found themselves in. It's like I needed more info but I also wanted less of what I was being given.
I didn't really feel the chemistry between the MCs: Misery and Lowe. I think the fact Lowe recognizes Misery as his mate immediately but keeps his distance coupled with the slow burn really made the romance feel drawn out. We don't really see them start to interact till 20% of the story, and it still takes time before they aren't so guarded around each other.
The fact Lowe is immediately drawn to Misery since she's his mate but the fact Misery doesn't experience this mate bond kind of confused me and bummed me out. Lowe is a Were and recognizes her as his mate, which is rare and the fact it's with a different species is surprising. And since Misery is a vampire and this is just supposed to be a political alliance, he immediately shuts down the possibility of them being together, keeps this knowledge to himself, pushes Misery away, and then constantly reiterates (mostly to himself or other Weres) how she can't possibly understand mates or feel what he does. This was highlighted so much throughout the story that it sort of killed the vibe. I've read a lot of paranormal and alien romances with interspecies mating bonds, and while most of time the MCs don't feel the bond the exact same way, they all feel an innate pull towards the other person and in the end, it always ends up being a perfect match (in a sense). Lowe immediately dismisses this notion of being in a relationship with his mate and he highlights their incompatibility. I think there should have been a bit more explanation of the mate bond - like how it's possible for a Were and vampire to be mates in the first place - and I think in the end, it should have been a perfect fit where the bond snapped into place for her or something. But sadly, even by the 95% mark when they're having sex, Misery is still saying how she doesn't have the right hardware for Lowe and that's okay because they may not be physically a perfect match but she's going to choose him anyway. I just . . . I wasn't satisfied with that and it sort of bummed me out that his mate bond wouldn't be as fulfilled with her as it could have been with a Were.
The spice definitely had it's moments, but the knot needed to be explained a bit more and the way it was introduced felt a bit clunky. We're just sort of vaguely told about it and then we see it in action later. I think those not familiar with werewolves / omegaverse will need more of an explanation.
This was also a bit unlike Ali Hazelwood usual rom-coms since there was a more serious tone throughout the book and focused more on the mystery plot than the romantic plot. Which was an interesting choice. However, once the mystery is solved and bad guy is revealed (I also could have lived without the cliche villain's speech), there's a hasty conclusion that was very anti- climactic. I mean, we've been leading up to this reveal for so long, I just expected us to sit with a bit longer in the story. But I will say, I did like the plot twist even if it was short lived.
Thank you Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own
Favorite Quotes:
"My smell. Do I smell like . . .?" "Mine." It's a rumble in his throat. "You smell like you're mine, Misery." _______
"I would take anything she chose to give me - the tiniest fraction or her entire world. I would take her for a single night knowing that I'll lose her by morning, and I would hold on to her and never let her go. I would take her healthy, or sick, or tired, or angry, or strong, and it would be my fucking privilege. . . . I would take every last thing, if she chose to give it to me. . . . But I won't take from her." _______
"You smell like you just came." I stare back, speechless at his directness. I did just come. "And I need to eat you out." he needs to. "Okay?" "It's a Were thing." _______
"Of all the good thing I've felt in my fucking life, you are the best." _______...more
4.5 ⭐️ Such a fantastic ending to Zarrah and Keris’ story!
This has less spice than their first book BUT more action, twists, and turns! It was so muc4.5 ⭐️ Such a fantastic ending to Zarrah and Keris’ story!
This has less spice than their first book BUT more action, twists, and turns! It was so much fun diving back into this world! Zarrah and Keris both learn to become the best version of themselves and make difficult decisions for the good of their people. Loved seeing them grow individually and as a couple. Keris’ absolute dedication and love for Zarrah melt my heart. ...more
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