"Touch me like a lover," I whispered. "Anywhere. Everywhere."
This novella deserves 5 stars for the cover alone, but trust me when I say the writin
"Touch me like a lover," I whispered. "Anywhere. Everywhere."
This novella deserves 5 stars for the cover alone, but trust me when I say the writing is no exception. I've read it in a single breath, and not just because it's short and easy to follow, but mainly because every single line exudes the kind of gripping pathos you can't turn away from. The story is as simple as they get and yet, it's filled with emotions from start to finish. Despite the shortness of the novel, Elle's character is exquisitely developed and so is her backstory. Her relationship with her sister, in particular the love the two feel for each other, made my chest feel all tight and heavy (no spoilers but holy shit, my poor heart!). On one of my reading updates I joked about the character of Death being sexy and, while that's unexpectedly true, I liked his depth, the pain behind his eyes and his profound connection to Elle more than I appreciated the mildly spicy moments he was involved in. I really loved it and, after reading the epilogue, I can't wait to see how it links to the other books in the series. I can easily tell it's a book every fan of the genre could appreciate, maybe just don't go into it looking for a story that focuses a lot on romance. There is some, but it's not the main point of Elle and Eth's journey. It's journey worth reading about, though, so I definitely recommend it. ...more
"You could always find youself a sweet little wife who will be fine doing it all herself." "I don't want a sweet little wife." He kisses my shoulder
"You could always find youself a sweet little wife who will be fine doing it all herself." "I don't want a sweet little wife." He kisses my shoulder. "I want a sassy bitch." I snicker. "Did you just call me a bitch?" "Mmm-hmmm."
Asking for a friend, here. How many centimeters is 9 inches, exactly...? [image]
"Stop looking at me like that." "Can't help it." "Is that the same look you have the waiter?" "Jealous?" He steps into my space and tugs on the zipper
"Stop looking at me like that." "Can't help it." "Is that the same look you have the waiter?" "Jealous?" He steps into my space and tugs on the zipper of my jacket, pulling it all the way up. "Do I need to be?" "I'd like to see you jealous." My gaze falls to his lush mouth, "I'd also like to see you on your knees." He leans closer, his lips brushing the cusp if my ear. "That makes two of us."
I hope Alexander Krum and Adam Lockwood never find themselves in the same room together because the amount of golden retriever daddyness would be unbearable to handle for mere humans. I had so much fun with this book and was glad, for once, that the emotionally available one was the FMC and not the opposite. It was kind of refreshing and also adorable to witness all the ways Alex's sweetness took Aarya by surprise. Marriage of convenience trope was so well done and the chemistry between Alex and Aarya is simply stellar. There were just a couple things I didn't really like about this, and the biggest complaint I have is definitely tied to how (there's a tw under this spoiler tag) (view spoiler)[Alex's sexual abuse (hide spoiler)] was treated. Like, it was mentioned and kind of brushed off like it was nothing, but it really wasn't it. Poor thing was (view spoiler)[drugged and taken advantage of to the point he knocked up a complete bitch who then bribed him and basically sold him their child??? (hide spoiler)] and it was treated very lightly meanwhile Aarya's boss harassing her and her colleagues was a big plot focus point. Double standards like these don't sit well for me. Another thing that rubbed me the wrong way was how Alex's kid talked and behaved. There's nothing as underwhelming and annoying as a 4yo that talks and thinks like a teenager. As a mother of a 5yo who thinks farts and hot wheels tracks are conference-worthy topics, I can't tell whether some authors have never actually interacted with a kid or if they think their readers won't mind reading about a literal toddler speaking like a politician running for congress.
Aside from this, this book was pure entertainment and it really made me wanna explore more of Granata's works. Totally recommend to fans of sports/hockey romance and reverse grumpy/sunshine relationships. ...more
one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to mafia romance (not that i read many, but still) is the accuracy of italian phrasing, and the italian in one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to mafia romance (not that i read many, but still) is the accuracy of italian phrasing, and the italian in this book was ABSOLUTELY ATROCIOUS. don't trust your google translate, authors. I beg of you.
now that this is settled, the book itself was kinda hot and a little on the toxic side, but i'm not gonna pretend i was expecting anything different from an l.j. shen book. it was entertaining and angsty and it gave me the icks sometimes, so I guess it was overall a positive experience lol...more
i've read a couple romance books last month and forgot to add them to my list, and this was one of thsoe books. except...i don't remember much about ti've read a couple romance books last month and forgot to add them to my list, and this was one of thsoe books. except...i don't remember much about this except that it was single pov, averagely pleasant, with rather hot smut, and that the main character took on smoking cigarettes because she met a hot dude on a terrace. soooo. yeah. it was good and i'll leave it at that....more
(but, ngl, i had fun at first. i'm not sure i'm ready to let this book spoil the author for me for good, so i'll give winter renshit kinda sucked-ish.
(but, ngl, i had fun at first. i'm not sure i'm ready to let this book spoil the author for me for good, so i'll give winter renshaw another try in the future.)...more
"This isn't good, you know. We're never going to get over each other if we keep getting pulled back together." "I'm never going to get over you
"This isn't good, you know. We're never going to get over each other if we keep getting pulled back together." "I'm never going to get over you, no matter what."
Stop glowering at me like that, book cover dude. I'm not raising my ratings because of it.
"For what it's worth, I'm really glad you're here. I didn't think..." She swallowed hard. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again." The pain of the t
"For what it's worth, I'm really glad you're here. I didn't think..." She swallowed hard. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again." The pain of the truth filled her eyes, and the force of it nearly broke my heart. "There isn't a hell in the void that could keep me from you, Milla. I'd suffer for a lifetime to have another moment on your lips." My honesty was rewarded with the tip of her chin, lifting her mouth to mine in a way that felt like an offering. "I think we have a moment to spare.
EXCUSE ME WHILE I FANGIRL LIKE IT'S 2008 BUT THIS WAS JUST TOO BEAUTIFUL!!1!111!!!!!!
I can't believe this duology is already over, like...what do you mean there's only two books? I'd read a thousand novels about Nico and Milla, and I'd probably read a few about the rest of the Attano family, as well, included a prequel about Nonna, if there ever was one! Seriously, I can see myself hyping this series up till the end of my days, because it was just that good. The sequel picks up immediately after the first installment and it doesn't give you the chance to take a breath. I found myself overwhelmed by what was going on because there was literally always something going to shit happening. This book is basically the opposite of boredom and it took a few years off my lifespan, especially towards the end. Those last 6 chapters were pure torture and I'm going to send Alexis Menard my hairdresser bill when I'll have to cover the grays her evil mind procured me.
I unfortunately didn't adore it as much as the first book and I think it's because it was really packed with endless adrenalinic scenes that sometimes were too fast-paced and that gave the fluffiest moments an edge I wasn't expecting. I also didn't really vibe with how the truth about Milla's true nature was handled. I have so many questionssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss???????????????????????????
On the other hand, the romance was just as exquisite as it was in House of Bane and Blood and I can't get enough of these two idiots who are so in love with each other they make me wanna barf rainbows. I love them and their relationship so much T___T Menard's spice is so enjoyable and soooooo hot. The office scene was pure fire and the carriage one also made my stomach clench so many times (except I still don't know how I feel about that whole false hand update business lol - I'm pretty positive Milla enjoyed despite what I think about it). I wished we had more sweet moments and, why not, I wouldn't have minded a couple more smutty ones, either. If only Luther wasn't such an immense cockblocker.
Plotwise speaking, there is very little I didn't like. The first part was so entertaining and interesting, both in terms of character depth and story development. I loved seeing Nico and Milla fight to come back to each other, because there's very little they wouldn't do to be together and it's the thought of spending eternity together that guides their actions, making them unhinged and completely reckless. We love a morally gray FMC just as much (possibly even more, really) as we love a morally questionable MMC, in this household. And Milla is a total badass. Another thing I wanna praise the author for is how she managed to create conflict in and outside the main relationship without throwing unnecessary drama or meaningless break-ups in the readers face. Every time shit hit the fan I kept bracing myself for heartbreak, but it never came, and it made me appreciate the romance even more. Not that this prevented my heart from being broken. Fuck my life, there were moments that really had me worried. Aramis, if you're reading this, I hope every side of your pillow is always warm.
In conclusion, this was the perfect conclusion to a perfect duology that I'll never stop recommending. I can't already wait to re-read it....more
"My boss won't be able to spring an eight-month stint in deep Alaska on me. Apparently, it's an assignment fir for a single person without responsi
"My boss won't be able to spring an eight-month stint in deep Alaska on me. Apparently, it's an assignment fir for a single person without responsibilities. I need a responsibility. Some baggage. That's where you come into the picture. She stared at me with the enthusiasm of an inmate on death row. "I've always wanted to be someone's burden." "If it makes you feel any better, I'm sure you already are."
i've been on an l.j. shen kick lately, and this author never fails to provide only the best kind of entertainment. i didn't particularly enjoy this romance, but it had its moments. it was a quick and easy read, and definitely a great way to pass a few hours....more
"Now, now," he whispered under his breath. "You're not going to get the fairy tale, Flower Girl, so you might as well sell it to other people. Smil
"Now, now," he whispered under his breath. "You're not going to get the fairy tale, Flower Girl, so you might as well sell it to other people. Smile big." "You're not my Prince Chrming," I blurted out, my thoughts going back to the conversation I'd had with my sister in the car the night I told her about my engagement. "You're the villain." "Fear is my greatest asset." He tipped his head down, pretending to nuzzle my throat, his hoarse, low baritone reverberating deep inside me. "But what are villains, my dear wife, if not misunderstood heroes?"
"That night we were reckless." His voice cracks. "But god, I'd be reckless with you over and over again if it means ending up here."
Came for Theo
"That night we were reckless." His voice cracks. "But god, I'd be reckless with you over and over again if it means ending up here."
Came for Theo Silva, stayed for the Nessian vibes ✨
A really good friend said "YOURE GONNA LOVE THEO SILVA PLS READ RECKLESS" and when she put it like that, all caps and everything, I knew I couldn't refuse. Not gonna lie, I was a little reluctant at first, because my first encounter with this author left a bitter taste in my mouth. I read Flawless with my emoji gang last year and, while we had tons squirming at all the ways that book made us cringe, it kind of convinced me Elsie Silver wasn't for me.
Trust me when I say I'm incredibly glad I didn't let Rhett and his poor-ass game stop me from reading this, because this book, this book right here is e v e r y t h i n g.
There's something impossibly charming about a man (fictional or otherwise) who knows what he wants and can love so utterly the way Theo Silva does. Jesus Christ, the things that cocky motherfucker made me feel. It was clear right from the start I was going to be a goner for him because as much as I like to brag about getting the hots for the baddest of boys, it's always the sexy golden retriever with smirks for days and a mouth made for sin that wins all the prizes for me. And, of course, the fact that his initial approach with Winter and basically all their relationship reminded me of Cassian and Nesta's journey (minus the booze and the training, plus a kid and a chihuahua) did nothing but increase my enjoyment. Give me a flawed ice queen with daddy and mommy issues and pair her with the sweetest adonis in town who'll love her despite and because of said flaws, and I'm all in forever.
I devoured this book and hated every moment when I wasn't reading it. It made me understand why Elsie Silver is so hyped and I finally realized the problem I had with the first book didn't really revolve around her style or the story itself, it was more about my dislike towards how the MMC is characterized and how cringey he got during sexy times.
I absolutely love this story and it flowed so well and effortlessly, it was the palate cleanser with depth I didn't think I'd need. The plot is an easy one and one that has been written about before, but it's the execution that did it for me. I kept waiting for a proverbial shoe to drop, sat on the edge of my sit looking sideways whenever I sniffed drama coming, but I was pleasantly surprised when my anxiety was quieted down by well-rounded characterization and an amazing representation of what a good relationship looks like. I was also pretty pleased by the time jump at the beginning. I thought we were going to miss an important part of Theo and Winter's journey, but instead it just showed how good of a match they are. Winter, like Nesta, is not a particularly likeable character at first. We've got to see a bit of her in Flawless and she didn't leave a very good impression. Her relationship with Summer, her little sister, is complicated and stained by a past neither can change, but I loved seeing them get together in this installment and I adore just how willing Winter was to remediate to all the pain she's put her little sis through, even though her behaviour didn't completely depend on her. I totally rooter for her and related to her in ways I didn't think were possible. She was a true revelation and her and Vivi filled my heart with love and joy.
Motherhood is a precious theme to me, considering my life got a million times better when my little boy was born, and this book gave me all the feels and made me nostalgic in a good way. I also really loved how well Winter fit with the Eaton bunch and how she got to pick up her strained relationship with her dad. As someone whose been basically abandoned by her biological father figure, I loved how Winter put herself first when it came to a dad that had all but stood by her side during hard times. The doolhouse bit, tho, made me shed a few tears, not gonna lie. I also admit I liked Rhett and company way more as secondary characters, even tho his dad is still the MVP and always will be.
The romance was simply perfect and if I could give this book more stars for the fact that there's no third act breakup, I would. Heck, I'd buy 4 copies of the book just as a reward for going against one of the tropes I hate the most. I LOVED how supportive Theo and Winter were of each other and how easily they fell into their new dynamics as parents. But I think what I loved the most, was how they understood each other the way nobody else could. How they fought for each other when no one else would and how committed they were all the time. At some point, Winter, who's used to being treated like shit and manipulated all her life can't understand how someone like Theo can love her the way he does and he says: "What's happening is Miss Independent met the treat-her-like-a-princess guy, and she's freaking out." and I squealed so loud because SAME SIS!!! I saw a lot of myself in Winter and saw even more of my current relationship with the man I love in this simple phrase. Being independent doesn't mean you don't need someone to take care of your heart.
Best romance novel I've read these past 2 years, hands down. I think I'll add something to this review in the future, but for now, I'm gonna leave this emotional mix of fangirling and warm, fuzzy feelings here for everyone to see.
"You only think you owe me something because you've spent too long dating assholes who are terrible lays. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Stop overthinking it. Plus, my face is the ride."
RE-READ AUGUST 2024: how can I marry a fictional character? Asking for a friend...more
"If you're going to kill me, I have one condition." "And what is that?" "Kiss me first."
Are you wondering what it feels like to be kidnapped
"If you're going to kill me, I have one condition." "And what is that?" "Kiss me first."
Are you wondering what it feels like to be kidnapped by your dragon enemy so he can get his revenge on your kind and use you to repopulate his race? Grab this book and a bottle of wine, and find out.
Considering an instagram reel about dragon dick (Leni can confirm) and my utter respect for Rebecca F. Kenney's work is what brought me here, I'm not gonna pretend I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I picked this up. I was 100% in on the promised plot and 200% ready (cospiratorial hand-rubbing included) to be swept away by one very sexy dragon shifter romance. And I was, kinda. Unfortunately, and for a reason I can't really pinpoint, for a RFK book, this seemed to lack a certain finesse I usually find in her novels. The writing is of course as exquisite as ever, but I couldn't help but think both the romance and the main characters weren't as well defined as I expected. The plot didn't drag, but I feel like that's partly thanks to it not being too complicated. Overall, this was fine and had its moments, but I can definitely admit it wasn't a favorite....more
"I love you, Jones. I love your crazy laugh. I love that high-pitched voice you do on the phone. I love your insane need to read dirty books t
"I love you, Jones. I love your crazy laugh. I love that high-pitched voice you do on the phone. I love your insane need to read dirty books to our baby and eat harcuterie for meals. And I love the way you look at me beause it makes me feel like the old me."
Challenge of the month: how many smutty books can my brain process before I start seeing ...more
The cold metal wraps around my wrist, and he secures the handcuffs one at a time to the point they pinch my skin, making me whimper. "Are they too
The cold metal wraps around my wrist, and he secures the handcuffs one at a time to the point they pinch my skin, making me whimper. "Are they too tight?" I recognize Ryat's voice, pulling my hair off my shoulder. "Yes," I answer softly. "Good."
Dear 15-year-old me, you're not a freak. You just like to read about the nastiest shit AND THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH IT.
Except... There's something wrong with reading books like these. And it's the kink-shaming readers like me get subjected to everyday. Ignore the hate, get your freak on and wave that red flag, pal!
Now that that's out of the way. Hi, welcome to a new episode of "Guess what fucked up book Koisty and I picked for our weekly dark romance buddy read?". I've seen this book everywhere ever since it came out but didn't give it much thought until I saw a quote from the third book in the series and decided it was about time I added it to my collection. Of course I couldn't embark in this smutty journey by myself so I kindly got my twinsie on board and we happily binged our way through this fuck-fest. And what an unhinged fuck-fest it was lol The shameless butterflies this stupidly questionable book gave me have no right to exist, but they do, and they ate away at my stomach ever since Ryat (you pretentious sexy psycho) and Blakely first met in the least romantic of way. *dreamy sigh* What has my life become. Anywaaaaaaaaaaaay... Up until a good third into the book, I was completely obsessed with the main characters and every single deranged and impossibly hot situation they put themselves into, and little matters (to me, clearly) that the trigger warning list that comes with this book is as long as a Quentin Tarantino's movie's end credit sequence, I couldn't stop reading. But of course plot had to get in the way and what was until that moment a pictoresque carousel of toe-curling smut, gratuitous violence and deliciously well-placed scarlet flags, turned into a mess of shocking moments and twists that made very little sense and made it almost impossible to go back to my previous enjoyment. Unfortunately, things didn't get much better but I ended up speeding through the final chapters anyway, because, despite it all, I was all in and hooked. I'm not saying I didn't like the ending, but I wish the plot didn't get out of control the way it did in that last 20%. Plus the epilogue was weirdly cute, all things considered.
I suppose I can't fault a dark/bully romance for getting out of track here and there. However, I really wanted to give it 5 stars and bask in the afterglow of all the wicked things I've read about, and it would have been that way if the last portion of the book didn't spoil the fun with its rude plot twists. Oh, well, at least the journey was interesting. [image]
❗WARNING❗ this is not a romance book. don't go into this thinking you'll read about lovely and sane people falling in love and having a healthy, sweet relationship. There's nothing lovely nor healthy about this book or the way characters act around each other. If you're particularly sensitive and don't think you could stomach stuff like manipulation, bullying, kidnapping, possessiveness, sexual depravity, punishments via sex, and so on, this most probably isn't the book for you.
YOU'LL FIND A FULL LIST OF TRIGGER WARNINGS CONTAINED IN THIS BOOK HERE.
Holy Jace WaylandLightwoodMorgensternHerondale! Where was this book when I was 17 and looking for the sassies
"Here, kitty, kitty, kitty..."
Holy Jace WaylandLightwoodMorgensternHerondale! Where was this book when I was 17 and looking for the sassiest and coolest role model??
I had so much fun with this book! It brought me back to a time and place where I did nothing but breathe and eat urban fantasy, and it gave me the best nostalgic feelings. I was a little wary of the writing, as someone suggested it's kind of dated, but I had zero problems with it. It actually felt super modern and effortlessly enjoyable. There's so much action in this book it couldn't have bored me even if it tried, and it reminded me of all the books I used to turn into my whole personality when I still had no other trouble in life than finding a new book to obsess about. Kate Daniels is the woman I aspire to be in my next life and Curran, Beast Lord, could stroke his whiskers against my face whenever he wants.
He reached forward and ran his fingers over the edge of my shirt. He played with the material mindlessly, but it was a stark contrast to the fire he
He reached forward and ran his fingers over the edge of my shirt. He played with the material mindlessly, but it was a stark contrast to the fire he was stoking inside me with each assure touch. "Did you wear this tonight to punish me? "How in the world would this be punishing you? "Because you're not mine."
Twinsie says I MUST read this, so read this I must. [image]
astarion's bhaal babe (wingspan matters)
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