YES, I bought it for the cover - sue me. This thing is a work of art and I needed it on my shelf.
Thankfully, the story holds up most of my expectationYES, I bought it for the cover - sue me. This thing is a work of art and I needed it on my shelf.
Thankfully, the story holds up most of my expectations for the cover. I do have a few criticisms but overall, I really enjoyed this. It's a really quick read-it-in-a-day type of book and for the most part, was exactly what I was looking for.
Loch and Tresten are freakin' adorable. The story is very much insta-love/fated mates that goes from 0 to 100 in 0.2 seconds flat so if that's not your jam, this isn't for you. I'm glad, though, that even our MCs were bamboozled by how quickly they were falling for each other. It's a lot more intolerable when the MCs just immediately get on board after hardly any interaction; so that was a little refreshing, at least. I still would have liked soooome more dialogue that played into the actual emotional investment, but that's not what this book is so I'm not super mad about it.
What I thought the book was (MM A/B/O mpreg smutty smut) didn't quite meet my expectations either, though. The sex was just...good. Not bad, but not anything to write home about either (not that you would be writing home about OV smut, but I digress) I kind of expected a little more after all the buildup in the beginning of the book. Also, this might just be a personal preference, but when a book is advertised as being mpreg, I want the mpreg - not a quick "I'm pregnant" and then fast forward 5 years in the epilogue. I'm not counting that particular criticism in my rating because I do think that's more of a me thing than a book thing.
The book is wholly predictable but that is exactly what I wanted: something easy, quick, sweet, and a little dirty. Still very much recommend this for anyone who just wants to read something fun that doesn't require much brainpower (which I'd like to point out is a compliment in this case)....more
No one writes yearning, unconditional love quite like Sebastian Nothwell - this was an absolute masterpiece (arguably, his best yet).
Right off the cufNo one writes yearning, unconditional love quite like Sebastian Nothwell - this was an absolute masterpiece (arguably, his best yet).
Right off the cuff, Sebastian's resplendently lyrical prose throws us into a colorful world with even more colorful characters. The setting is beautiful and with every word I read I felt like I was being transported to a different realm all-together. Every new place we visit in the story had my jaw on the floor - what I wouldn't give to visit even one of these paintings-come-to-life. There were romantic little details and nods to history that I so appreciated. Nothing pleases me more than a writer who does their research - the medical accuracy alone left me delighted. Obviously, certain liberties are taken in a work of fiction, but the way that Nothwell interweaves those liberties with historical points of reference is seamless and is something that I've come to associate with his works specifically. Sometimes you can feel the author's enthusiasm through their writing and it just makes everything that much more enjoyable.
There is such sweetness in all of Nothwell's past characters and Fiore & Enzo are no different. I am in love with these two selfless, soft, sweet idiots. In every book he writes, there is a large emphasis on, rather than loving someone in spite of their faults, loving them faults and all. His characters are always so endearingly flawed (as is any person) and the unconditional love they have for each other makes my heart full to bursting.
Another similarity to previous works: Fiorenzo has some delicious bits of spice to balance out the sweetness that I ate up like a woman starved. There are BDSM elements in this one that are slightly more stark than his previous books and I am here for it. If Nothwell's books have taught me anything, it's that I need to invest in a proper sea chest (false bottom and all, iykyk).
NOT TO MENTION THE HURT/COMFORT. UGHHHH. Bury me with a copy of this book when I die because it's everything I could want and I must retain the ability to read it again and again until the end of time. I never wanted it to end. There are a few questions left unanswered but, if I know Nothwell's writing style like I think I do, we should hopefully be coming back to Fiore & Enzo's story and some of those questions will have answers.
The only thing that could eclipse my adoration for this book is Fiore & Enzo's adoration for each other, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
✧While I received a free ARC of this book from the author, all thoughts are my own.✧...more
Would 100% rather have Eric as a hot stalker-y vamp boyfriend, thank you very much. Chase, you lucky devil.
This boEdward Cullen, eat your heart out.
Would 100% rather have Eric as a hot stalker-y vamp boyfriend, thank you very much. Chase, you lucky devil.
This book is thiccccc and it shows. SO MUCH happens; like to the point that by the time I got to the end I was like "Wait, how did this book even start again?" It felt like a duology or even a series.
Especially because the first half of the book and the second had completely different vibes. The first half of the book is exactly what I expected: a deliciously slow slow burn where Eric and Chase slowly circled each other as we waited for their two worlds to eventually collide. Collide they did and it was yummy.
Once they get together, it's no holds bar - the slow burn turns into a raging inferno and suddenly it kind of starts to feel like a different book? Things start happening really quickly - almost too quickly. But it's not just the romance that takes off, it's the whole plot. In fact, the romance actually starts to get a little bit lost under the issues with Tiberius, the female vampires, Miguel (that fuckin prick), Chase's dad - there's just so much going on and the scenes are switching and colliding so quickly I started getting literary whiplash.
Don't get me wrong, I still very much enjoyed the whole story! But somewhere along the way, because of the way the second half of the book was written, my interest in the romance was starting to wane. Ashlyn is still as solid a writer as ever; I think it would have done the story more justice to draw out the scenes and just divide the story up into multiple books rather than try to cram it all into one. BUT I will say - I know this is story is one that she wrote before as an MF that was unfinished and picked it back up again. That may be way the book feels so different in the first and second halves? Not sure, but still something I took into consideration with my rating; I applaud the ability to go back to an unfinished work and re-vamp it (lol, see what I did there?) Overall, though, still really enjoyed this one!
What's that weird puddle on the ground? Oh, it's my tears.
This one hurt. Leave it to C.E.-fucking-Ricci to fuck me up and make me love it (as per usuaWhat's that weird puddle on the ground? Oh, it's my tears.
This one hurt. Leave it to C.E.-fucking-Ricci to fuck me up and make me love it (as per usual).
This was an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end and what a ride. I've said it before, I'll say it again: toxic codependency? *chef's kiss* That's my shit. Maladaptive coping ftw! Throw in grief, stepbrothers, a fiancé, and some of the hottest sex ever? *nom nom nom* DELICIOUS. A full course meal if I've ever seen one.
Speaking of food; what's funny is that my favorite scene is probably the least toxic part of the entire book. Two words, babe: scrambled. eggs.
Add Easton & Cannon to the list of characters that have (aggressively) taken up real estate in my heart....more
Novellas can be a little tricky to rate because they're usually on the shorter end; things happen quickly and I A gorgeous little fairytale retelling!
Novellas can be a little tricky to rate because they're usually on the shorter end; things happen quickly and I sometimes wish the story could have been more drawn out. While I do think Drewek has more than enough writing talent to make this a full novel, I think she achieved what she set out to achieve. It's not a book that needs more; you just want more.
No matter the length, I had a lovely time reading Gerulf & Zane's story. It's classic grump/sunshine and gives you all the warm 'n fuzzies your heart may desire. It was so sweet to see Gerulf soften to Zane's inexplicable charm.
Beyond the plot, I really appreciated how Drewek used the story to highlight the very real issue of men being overlooked & discredited as victims of domestic violence. Yes, statistically, men are more likely to be the "abuser" in a case of domestic violence - but, unfortunately, this has created a social stigmatization that diminishes the experience of men who are victims of domestic violence. As she states in the afterword, domestic violence doesn't discriminate; I so appreciate when authors utilize their platform to spread awareness and encourage compassion. Therefore, I am happily taking that into account when it comes to my rating. ...more
THESE TWO ARE SO FUCKING CUTE I WANNA DIE. RIN JUST WANTS TO BE LOOOOVED. There's not much to say cause I just love it and w*unintelligible screaming*
THESE TWO ARE SO FUCKING CUTE I WANNA DIE. RIN JUST WANTS TO BE LOOOOVED. There's not much to say cause I just love it and will definitely be re-reading regularly and often.
I knew this was going to hurt not knowing when/if Volume 3 would ever be released, but I will continue to hold out hope that it's announced soon. ...more
Not only do I love that I can spot Hinohara's work from a mile away, but it's just so beautiful and caMeguru Hinohara's art style just cannot be beat.
Not only do I love that I can spot Hinohara's work from a mile away, but it's just so beautiful and captivating and worth looking at. Call me biased but she could draw pages and pages of literal dumpsters on fire and I would still be just as obsessed.
Chiharu & Rin are fucking adorable and I can already tell I'm going to love their story. To summarize volume 1: Chiharu is endearingly stubborn & Rin is a golden retriever dragon.
This was a wonderful introduction; on to book 2 immediately because WOW, that cliffhanger....more
Megumi is a rebelliously unique alpha who has nothing but respect and consideration for omegas & Tsugumi is a ferocious omega who'sViolently adorable.
Megumi is a rebelliously unique alpha who has nothing but respect and consideration for omegas & Tsugumi is a ferocious omega who's gut reaction to any emotion above baseline (good or bad) is to punch something (9 times out of 10 that "something" is Megumi lol).
I love them already and can't wait for more.
Also, this was a recommendation/book loan (shoutout @jadecanread) and can I just say how honored I am when friends read BL/Yaoi Omegaverse and they think, "Sarah would love this." ...more
Don't mind me; just determinedly making my way through Sebastian's backlist like a woman possessed.
Whaling is sexy. You heard it here first, folks. WDon't mind me; just determinedly making my way through Sebastian's backlist like a woman possessed.
Whaling is sexy. You heard it here first, folks. Whaling. is. fucking. sexy. (mind you, in a entirely fictional sense - we love the whales)
This was everything I hoped it would be and more. Following the death of a baronet, for whom Morgan is an agent, Morgan searches for the man's runaway son like a pirate in search of treasure. He finds him; a brawny, sunshine-y Adonis covered in tattoos - some that point to a considerable piece of treasure on his very person (X marks the spot, indeed). But nothing is more valuable than the connection these two share.
I love everything about this story and I wouldn't change a single word. The gorgeous prose (as always), Morgan's obsession with ferns, Evelyn's obsession with Morgan, the subtle (but artfully written) BDSM elements, the side characters (even the more nefarious characters who I love to hate).
Add Sebastian Nothwell to the list of authors who could write damn near anything and I'm sure I'd love it. I'd read his grocery list if he let me....more
What's a vampires favorite fruit? A blood orange. PSYCH, it's Peaches, obvi.
Cause nothing is sweeter than peaches and this book is as sweet as can be.What's a vampires favorite fruit? A blood orange. PSYCH, it's Peaches, obvi.
Cause nothing is sweeter than peaches and this book is as sweet as can be. All the fluff, all the love, and all the same interspecies world-building fun that we had in book 1.
Peaches & Lucroy are friggin' adorable. Lucroy is everything I could hope for Peaches. It kind of felt like the romance in the book carried just as much weight as the background interspecies issues, but I honestly didn't have a problem with it. It made the story really interesting and fun to read. It's nice to just kick back and enjoy a soft, easy fantasy once in a while.
I also like that the mildly explicit language and spice went just a step further than the first book - I think it suited this couple perfectly.
Speaking of the first book, I was dreadfully afraid that Phil & Sed would be well in the background of this book and it would make me sad because I miss them so much but THANK YOU, M.J, because their love is still very much pouring off the pages of this one. There's beautiful little scenes where we see that our favorite pixie-werewolf duo are still going strong and it makes my heart so happy. (with that said, if Phil & Sed got another book I WOULD NOT COMPLAIN)
If my guess is correct (and I think it is because it was pretty obvious), I cannot WAIT for the duo in the next book!...more
Green Flag: Characters with a clinical psych diagnosis.
Ah, it feels so good to be back in ChaniLand and she did not disappoint.
We got glimpses of RinGreen Flag: Characters with a clinical psych diagnosis.
Ah, it feels so good to be back in ChaniLand and she did not disappoint.
We got glimpses of Rin, Sila, & Kel back in Echo but lemme tell ya - that wasn't even the tippy tip of the iceberg. I'm so glad that we're following the same story and timeline but with different characters! It was so much fun to find the little easter eggs of what was concurrently happening in Echo with Rabbit and Baikal as this story progressed.
And boy, did it progress. I'm fucking obsessed with Rin & Kel's dynamic and really, everything about them. Even their physical attributes! Kel's fucking corset vests!? Jesus christ on a cracker - that was hot. Rin & Sila's heterochromia, Kel's eye, even the tiny detail of Sila's earring - I said this in my last review but I liiiive for the little things. Some might say it's overkill but, for me, it paints a vivid picture of these characters in my mind's eye and I wouldn't change a thing.
Speaking of overkill - there was a lot less murder in this one and a lot more drama but with a character like Kelevra (who is drama incarnate), it's perfectly acceptable. Fuck it, we love the drama. Besides, I'm predicting that Sila's book will satisfy any homicidal cravings we may be left with.
But you know what there was plenty of? FUCKING HOTTER THAN HELL SEX. Where the FUCK do I order a G-Tester 450? Don't ask, just read it. ...more
There is only one sex scene. This has been a Pervert PSA.
This is not at all what I was expecting, but don't get me wrong, it was still pretty good.
IThere is only one sex scene. This has been a Pervert PSA.
This is not at all what I was expecting, but don't get me wrong, it was still pretty good.
I only wish I got a heads up that this was very story/worldbuilding/plot heavy and extremely light on what I consider to be traditional A/B/O romance dynamics. Apart from social status and the ability to give birth, there's really no differentiating qualities between alphas and omegas (i.e. heat, ruts, knotting, marking). Actually, it seemed like the more sexual aspects of A/B/O were completely avoided all together and I don't think anyone was even mentioned as being a beta in the story.
The one sex scene that is present is just a sweet (and quick) scene between our two MCs but it didn't exactly...wow me. Partly because the scene itself wasn't anything special and partly because the chemistry between Darien and Raine just wasn't quite there for me? At first I just thought it was going to be a slower burn; it was definitely slow but there wasn't much burn...the romance was just a step above lukewarm, at best. Still very wholesome and sweet, but it was missing that something.
Part of that something, at least for me, was the very conspicuous lack of physical descriptors. Beyond Darien saying ONE TIME that Raine was beautiful (and I think maybe another omega mentioned the color of Raine's eyes?), I couldn't tell you a single physical attribute of any character in the book. A big part of building chemistry and attraction is describing how the characters see each other or even just how they feel around each other, but that was noticeably lacking for me too. Having nothing like that in the story just made the romance feel dry.
BUT, will all that said - thankfully, I did end up really enjoying the story itself. I thought the worldbuilding, the magic, the relations between kingdoms, and so on were really unique and interesting (especially the alchemy & steampunk-ish elements). It was enough that the lack of romance/heat wasn't as disappointing as it could have been. I feel like I'm saying more negative than positive things, but I swear the story is actually really good.
I will say it again, though, cause it's for your own good: if you're here for omegaverse smut, look elsewhere....more
Kelex!? More like Kleenex! (she said with all the love in the world)
WOW THE TEARS I CRIED. Listen, I obviously knew going in that this was gonna hurt Kelex!? More like Kleenex! (she said with all the love in the world)
WOW THE TEARS I CRIED. Listen, I obviously knew going in that this was gonna hurt but goddamn, I was a mess; because it hurt so beautifully! This is a very, very, very complex story/premise and one that can only come across effectively if it's written well and I think Kelex more than did the story justice. I've been somewhat hesitant to read this book for that reason alone but I'm SO GLAD I finally decided to just go for it.
If you thought MM mpreg omegaverse was unconventional, this book takes it up another notch and I am HERE FOR IT. I love when omegaverse authors really lean in to their writing and make an already unique genre that much more unique.
The characters were also beautifully written - especially Jamie, our shining star. His relationship with Gray made my heart so warm I wanna cry just thinking about it. Again, props to the author because the dynamics between Jamie, Rohan, & Gray COULD HAVE been an absolute shit-show but it wasn't in the least. It was absolutely magnificent - everything that happened made sense for their characters and it was so lovely to see how everything played out, even if it was so very bittersweet.
Everything Chani has been putting out in the past year has become my new favorite flavor of book. It's liI never met a trigger warning I didn't like.
Everything Chani has been putting out in the past year has become my new favorite flavor of book. It's like when you walk into an ice cream shop and there's all these crazy new flavors but your eyes keep glancing back to your tried-and-true. You know you're gonna get it. You may ask for samples to flirt with some of the other flavors but come on, be real, you know what your heart really wants. For me, that's apparently literally anything that this woman writes. (Coincidentally, my actual tried-and-true ice cream flavor is mint chocolate chip - I implore you to read the book and find out why I would even bring that up; you won't regret it.)
Rabbit, a musician who plays a beautifully unique instrument called a beiska, catches the eye of Baikal, the planet's mafia prince and a wolf if I've ever seen one. The hunt begins before our little bunny even knows he's being pursued and by the time he catches on, it's far too late as the wolf chases him around the tree and straight down into his sweet little rabbit hole.
There is so. much. to the story - tons of tiny little details that I'm stupidly obsessed with: the gorgeous elements of the beiska, the planetary relationship between Imperials and the mafia, Baikal and his dad, the history of Shouts, the glowing trees, even the fucking school uniforms. I could quite literally go on and on about the attention to detail that Chani puts into all of her books and EVERYTHING is just fucking *chef's kiss*.
Idk who the real devil is, Baikal or Chani Lynn fuckin' Feener, cause listen, I would unquestionably sell my soul to her for nothing in exchange other than for her to continue writing these deliciously dark books. While not as dark as previous books, it still left me happily sated (yet inexplicably starving for more)....more
MM Omegaverse: my go-to cure when I've hit a reading slump.
While I liked that the story was exactly what I would expect from a typical MM non-shifter MM Omegaverse: my go-to cure when I've hit a reading slump.
While I liked that the story was exactly what I would expect from a typical MM non-shifter A/B/O book (a quick read with plenty of smut and a straightforward plot), I was kind of hoping that this would have some of the sophistication that Blake's Heat of Love series had.
Don't get me wrong, I still really enjoyed the story and the book did what it was supposed to and got me out of my slump; it was just a little harder to get invested in the characters than I would've preferred. I loved sweet Adrien as a character but as much as I enjoyed their dynamic together, Heath didn't totally win me over. ADORED Simon though. Kind of wish Blake wrote about his and Earl's story too.
I'm also interested to see how the second book will be knowing that I've already started to form an opinion of Ned in my mind - hopefully he's not completely irredeemable....more
THE PINING. THE ANGST. THE OBSESSION I FEEL FOR THIS SERIES.
I loooooved the deep-dive on Gordo & Mark's story. Mark is a golden retriever wolf and GorTHE PINING. THE ANGST. THE OBSESSION I FEEL FOR THIS SERIES.
I loooooved the deep-dive on Gordo & Mark's story. Mark is a golden retriever wolf and Gordo is pure catty sass and I'm here for it. I also deeply loved everything going on with the plot (evidenced be me [once again] holding my breath and sitting at the edge of my seat). I only wish there was a smiiiidge more on the romance side of things.
P.S. At this point, the question should not be: "Which TJ Klune book made you cry?" it should be: "Which TJ Klune book didn't make you cry?" (Spoiler alert: the answer is none. It's sob-city up in this bitch.)...more
These books are literally perfect for moments when you want to read something simple but still absolutely lovely.
My life has been chaotic & all-consuThese books are literally perfect for moments when you want to read something simple but still absolutely lovely.
My life has been chaotic & all-consuming and I couldn't bring myself to read anything even remotely complex but I still wanted to read something with quality and lemme tell ya, this delivered.
Isak, nine months widowed from a marriage that tore him down, is to be remarried to Emil - a kindhearted but foreign Alpha. Isak comes in with every single conceivable shield up and at the ready and Emil gently tears them down one by one. It's such a sweet story of healing and love with some yummy added spice. ...more
I am obsessed with Milan! He's vibrant and feisty and will not be ignored, whether Raphael likes it or noAh, we love arranged marriage-induced angst!
I am obsessed with Milan! He's vibrant and feisty and will not be ignored, whether Raphael likes it or not. Raphael, on the other hand, is jaded af and desperately needs someone like Milan to bring love back into his life, even if by force.
It's a quick and easy lil MM omegaverse read with plenty of angst, hurt/comfort, and truly adorable moments that make your heart all warm 'n cozy. ...more
She has a flair for the dramatic, but we love her.
Here's the thing about this book...it's emotional, it's dramatic, it's full of complex feelings - bShe has a flair for the dramatic, but we love her.
Here's the thing about this book...it's emotional, it's dramatic, it's full of complex feelings - but if you lean into it, it's actually really good. Mind you, I'm also a super slut for anything hurt/comfort, so I might be a little biased.
This is a very difficult dynamic to write, but somehow, Deacon and Julian just work. I liked that they couldn't help but be drawn to each other, even with Deacon's inescapable feelings of resentment and both of their struggles with guilt towards Rhett's memory. It made it more believable that they both had something holding them back and something they had to fight against to be together.
When they eventually let themselves relax a bit and feel their feelings, the story quickly became sooo sweet! I loved when it got to the point that they started being more playful with one another; there was something about their little jokes and touches that felt genuine and tender and real. Same goes for the sex scenes - it was definitely hot (shoutout to nipple piercings everywhere) but there was still that emotional undercurrent that was maintained in every scene.
Within the timeline of the story, things happen veeery quickly. Really, there's a lot to the book that isn't very realistic or believable but I'm telling you, just lean in, babe. Go with the flow and I think you'll enjoy the ride. (I will say, though, you need to be in the mood for this type of book - don't just read it willy-nilly)
While there are some small critiques that I have, they're not really worth mentioning but something I take pretty big issue with is the FUCKING. LETTERS. I will not say more to avoid spoilers but iykyk.
Also, the bonus epilogue is super cute - I recommend it!