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Reviews tagging 'Grief'
That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon: Mead Mishaps 1 by Kimberly Lemming
30 reviews
amy_in_the_city's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
The setting and the main character's narration were fun, but the characters and romance were extremely underdeveloped. They fell in love in like 5 days, and I just didn't see any bonding moments where they really got to know each other. I couldn't see what they loved about each other besides finding each other hot. Fallon was too possessive for my taste, and I didn't care for the dubcon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Xenophobia, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Child death and Fatphobia
rads_thereader's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Read this as part of a buddy read with Almas and I must say, it gave us a lot of rant material for our catch-up call 😂
Let me begin by saying I have never disliked a book as much as this one. It came to a point where I seriously considered shelving it under 'dnf' even though I was almost done with it. Nevertheless, I soldiered through, hoping the ending might help redeem the story. Unfortunately, I couldn't have been more wrong.
The book's premise is quite intriguing as the plot revolves around an independent spice farmer who on a drunken walk home saves a demon’s life. What follows is an adventure to destroy an undead goddess and save the world. However, that is where the intrigue ends.
Upon embarking on this adventure, the protagonist and demon become romantic interests, which isn't surprising when you're journeying together for so long. What did bother me was how quickly and suddenly it happened. There was no build-up to it, nor was there any resistance between them falling in love and ending up together. The entire romance was quite anti-climactic and lacked chemistry. It lacked emotional intensity and seemed to be all about sex, which was rather distasteful.
The quest part of the story though interesting, lacked depth. The fantastical elements were underdeveloped and just brushed over which was a severely missed opportunity as a lot could have been done in terms of worldbuilding and character development. If the number of words and pages dedicated to the descriptive sex scenes were instead utilised to explain the mythical beings, the villain, and the high-stakes quest; this book really could have been an excellent piece of work.
All in all, this novel was rather unimpressive with its juvenile writing. It came highly recommended due to its premise but alas, didn't live up to the expectation.
Let me begin by saying I have never disliked a book as much as this one. It came to a point where I seriously considered shelving it under 'dnf' even though I was almost done with it. Nevertheless, I soldiered through, hoping the ending might help redeem the story. Unfortunately, I couldn't have been more wrong.
The book's premise is quite intriguing as the plot revolves around an independent spice farmer who on a drunken walk home saves a demon’s life. What follows is an adventure to destroy an undead goddess and save the world. However, that is where the intrigue ends.
Upon embarking on this adventure, the protagonist and demon become romantic interests, which isn't surprising when you're journeying together for so long. What did bother me was how quickly and suddenly it happened. There was no build-up to it, nor was there any resistance between them falling in love and ending up together. The entire romance was quite anti-climactic and lacked chemistry. It lacked emotional intensity and seemed to be all about sex, which was rather distasteful.
The quest part of the story though interesting, lacked depth. The fantastical elements were underdeveloped and just brushed over which was a severely missed opportunity as a lot could have been done in terms of worldbuilding and character development. If the number of words and pages dedicated to the descriptive sex scenes were instead utilised to explain the mythical beings, the villain, and the high-stakes quest; this book really could have been an excellent piece of work.
All in all, this novel was rather unimpressive with its juvenile writing. It came highly recommended due to its premise but alas, didn't live up to the expectation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Gore, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
Minor: Body shaming, Vomit, and Grief
sarahsbooklife's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Murder, and War
Minor: Child death, Grief, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
browneyesblue84's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I thought that this book was okay. The one thing that I look forward to when I decide to read a romance novel is a story. It has to be a good story to capture my attention. Some readers are ashamed to say this, but I decided to read this book after seeing a Booktok review on TikTok. Fallon and Cinnamon’s relationship is cute. The fact that he asked for her consent before he did anything was refreshing. He really respects and loves her. I really enjoyed the story itself and the lore behind it. My only complaint is the fact that the story started to drag a little bit towards the end. Other than that the writing is pretty easy to follow. I would describe this novel as medium paced. This book is worth four out of three stars in my opinion.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Grief
mari1532's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
#23For23 (learn more at: https://www.23for23.net/)
After weeks of waiting, I was finally able to listen to this book through my local library.
Brief Summary: Cinnamon is a bit of a homebody. Well, she does love to go out with her best friend to the local tavern and to the market to sell her spices, but she is definitely, absolutely not someone seeking out adventure. However, one day after celebrating with her friend at the local festival she stumbles home drunk and accidentally rescues, Fallon....who just so happens to be a demon.
After Fallon makes his intention to kill an enemy that is not Cinnamon or her family clear, she is forced to agree to help him. As they set out on their adventure Cinnamon must grapple with her past and open herself up to new opportunities. However, what she doesn't expect is that by doing so she might also be opening her heart.
Thoughts: This book was WILD and I LOVED absolutely every single second of it. Lemming's writing was so entertaining and endearing. Cinnamon was everything I wanted in a main character. She was funny, introspective, kind, feisty, educated, and empowered. The way that she evolves throughout the book is so endearing. I also really loved how Lemming made her a real person. For example, when Cinnamon gets dirty on her adventures Lemming not only mentions that she bathes, but that Cinnamon is very unhappy with the current state of feeling gross. It's a little thing, but I find in adventure books things like that are often glossed over and it makes the characters in a book feel less human. This is just one way that Lemming's writing is so nuanced.
I also enjoyed all of the side characters that Cinnamon and Fallon meet throughout their adventure and Cinnamon's family back at home. Everyone had very distinct personalities and contributed something to the plot and friendship group. There were also quite a few instances where they provided some great comedic lines.
I did enjoy the relationship between Cinnamon and Fallon. It was sweet and entertaining. I do wish that we had spent just a little more time on the development of their relationship. There were a few times when it felt like things were being swept along due to the plot. The times when they were alone together were often steamy, but if there had been a smidge more in the emotional connection, I would not have been mad.
If you love fantasy romance novels or just romance novels I would highly recommend this book. It's heartwarming and entertaining
After weeks of waiting, I was finally able to listen to this book through my local library.
Brief Summary: Cinnamon is a bit of a homebody. Well, she does love to go out with her best friend to the local tavern and to the market to sell her spices, but she is definitely, absolutely not someone seeking out adventure. However, one day after celebrating with her friend at the local festival she stumbles home drunk and accidentally rescues, Fallon....who just so happens to be a demon.
After Fallon makes his intention to kill an enemy that is not Cinnamon or her family clear, she is forced to agree to help him. As they set out on their adventure Cinnamon must grapple with her past and open herself up to new opportunities. However, what she doesn't expect is that by doing so she might also be opening her heart.
Thoughts: This book was WILD and I LOVED absolutely every single second of it. Lemming's writing was so entertaining and endearing. Cinnamon was everything I wanted in a main character. She was funny, introspective, kind, feisty, educated, and empowered. The way that she evolves throughout the book is so endearing. I also really loved how Lemming made her a real person. For example, when Cinnamon gets dirty on her adventures Lemming not only mentions that she bathes, but that Cinnamon is very unhappy with the current state of feeling gross. It's a little thing, but I find in adventure books things like that are often glossed over and it makes the characters in a book feel less human. This is just one way that Lemming's writing is so nuanced.
I also enjoyed all of the side characters that Cinnamon and Fallon meet throughout their adventure and Cinnamon's family back at home. Everyone had very distinct personalities and contributed something to the plot and friendship group. There were also quite a few instances where they provided some great comedic lines.
I did enjoy the relationship between Cinnamon and Fallon. It was sweet and entertaining. I do wish that we had spent just a little more time on the development of their relationship. There were a few times when it felt like things were being swept along due to the plot. The times when they were alone together were often steamy, but if there had been a smidge more in the emotional connection, I would not have been mad.
If you love fantasy romance novels or just romance novels I would highly recommend this book. It's heartwarming and entertaining
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Misogyny, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
jalexpulliamkepler's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
not a literary masterpiece but very fun
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Slavery
Moderate: Body horror, Cursing, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Rape
maxthedinosaur's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Guys I think this might be my first 6 star in years. I am absolutely in love with this book, and the characters, and Kimberly's writing. I loved everything about this book, it was a perfect mix between insta love and slow burn. I love fallon, he might be my new favorite book boyfriend. I need to read the rest of this series immediately. I have not had a story that affected me as much as this one has in a long time. I feel like I will be thinking about this book (especially Fallon) for months
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Racism, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Fatphobia, Grief, and Religious bigotry
jourdanicus's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
🫢🫣😳🥵😅
I was drawn into this one by my current interest in D&D. I enjoyed the humor and the occasional anachronism. I can definitely relate to Cinnamon's complete lack of interest in adventure, but I'm glad she got dragged into it so I could live vicariously through her 😆
This could have been a 4 star read for me but I felt that maybe some editing for vocabulary could have helped. Some words were repeated from one sentence to another or even within the same sentence, which isn't a big deal but kinda breaks the immersion.
I also felt the story could have used a few more female/feminine characters. The ones who were included were great though.
I was drawn into this one by my current interest in D&D. I enjoyed the humor and the occasional anachronism. I can definitely relate to Cinnamon's complete lack of interest in adventure, but I'm glad she got dragged into it so I could live vicariously through her 😆
This could have been a 4 star read for me but I felt that maybe some editing for vocabulary could have helped. Some words were repeated from one sentence to another or even within the same sentence, which isn't a big deal but kinda breaks the immersion.
I also felt the story could have used a few more female/feminine characters. The ones who were included were great though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Violence, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Cursing, Rape, and Pregnancy
Content warnings are listed by the author at the beginning of the book which I really appreciated!cozyfantasyfaetay's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I can't wait to read the rest of these books. This was so good. Enemies to lovers, fast paced, "touch her & die". Diverse characters, great adventure sequences, and the spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and War
Minor: Slavery, Vomit, and Grief
jaz_gets_literary's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I saw this book all over social media last year and didn’t pick it up because it’s not my usual genre. But I’m a sucker for a beautiful cover and when I saw the new cover I knew I had to read it. I’m glad the cover changed my mind and am also glad that I didn’t read it when it was getting hyped up. I enjoy reading this at my own pace not just because everyone else says they love it. It definitely lived up to the hype. If I was Cin I would have fell for Fallon from the moment he stepped foot in that house.. When that wall she’s hiding her feelings behind falls, we get to see the cutest relationship between the two of them. The spice in here is top tier. Love it. I listened to the audio in tandem with reading the digital and you have to listen to the audio. It’s so good. I can’t wait to get into the rest of this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Grief and Alcohol