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boldbrilliantandbeautiful's reviews
143 reviews
Satan's Affair by H.D. Carlton
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I loved this wild short story about Sibby and her henchmen.
I haven't ready Haunting Adeline yet but I think this was a nice intro to Sibby as I feel the twist at the end may have been ruined if I'd read the books first.
This is dark, graphic, and twisted, but if you like that you'll probably enjoy this.
I haven't ready Haunting Adeline yet but I think this was a nice intro to Sibby as I feel the twist at the end may have been ruined if I'd read the books first.
This is dark, graphic, and twisted, but if you like that you'll probably enjoy this.
Hooked by Emily McIntire
4.0
*Note this book contains violence, and references child abuse. Please check the trigger warnings at the start of the book.
I started reading this with certain expectations after following Emily McIntire on IG for a while, so I knew that this was not going to be a fairy tale. All your favourite characters are there but not in the way you would expect them.
The story is a dual perspective of Wendy, daughter to the owner of the biggest airline in the world and Hook, a 'business man' with violent tendencies who values his control.
Hook is definitely not the good guy and is set on revenge. He has found a way to seek it but is trying to stop a new partnership with the man he wants dead, dealing with the threat of an intruder disrupting business, all while working out feelings that have developed despite the impurest of intentions.
Wendy's character hides a lot of anger behind her innocence, a well practiced smile and years of believing the best of people. She begins to realise that she has been holding onto a lot of one sided relationships and kept from even more secrets.
This was a very easy to read and for the most part, kept a good pace. Not a lot of world building but it's based in a modern city of Bloomsburg, MA with the original fairy tale references sprinkled throughout. Going through backstories involving past traumas (review TW), isolation, and betrayals, everyone having their own agenda and ongoing character development, all wrapped around enough spicy scenes to satiate your praise kink.
I started reading this with certain expectations after following Emily McIntire on IG for a while, so I knew that this was not going to be a fairy tale. All your favourite characters are there but not in the way you would expect them.
The story is a dual perspective of Wendy, daughter to the owner of the biggest airline in the world and Hook, a 'business man' with violent tendencies who values his control.
Hook is definitely not the good guy and is set on revenge. He has found a way to seek it but is trying to stop a new partnership with the man he wants dead, dealing with the threat of an intruder disrupting business, all while working out feelings that have developed despite the impurest of intentions.
Wendy's character hides a lot of anger behind her innocence, a well practiced smile and years of believing the best of people. She begins to realise that she has been holding onto a lot of one sided relationships and kept from even more secrets.
This was a very easy to read and for the most part, kept a good pace. Not a lot of world building but it's based in a modern city of Bloomsburg, MA with the original fairy tale references sprinkled throughout. Going through backstories involving past traumas (review TW), isolation, and betrayals, everyone having their own agenda and ongoing character development, all wrapped around enough spicy scenes to satiate your praise kink.
Helfyre by Mariel Pomeroy
5.0
*Please read the trigger warnings at the start of this book.
I read this book the week it was first released and am ashamed that I didn't post a review until now. I loved it and have read it twice since.
Like a lot of other reviewers I followed Murs on IG for a while taking in all the teasers and waiting with bated breath. Ágos ganto was it worth the wait!
This is an amazing debut! Not only do you start the book with a much appreciated pronunciation guide, but there is a list of the deities and their descendants as well as translations because there are 2 languages.
These first pages are an idea of the extent Mariel has gone to bring you so completely into this world she has created, and what a world. I love a story that fully envelopes me and feels like I could get lost in. I was definitely lost in Aljira.
There is no slow lead up to this story, we jump straight into our main character being hunted by a beast, following her as she makes her way to the darkest of places which is also her hope for asylum.
Aheia is a fiercely passionate and strong willed woman, in touch with her sexuality. Along side these traits is her internal monologue revealing the self-doubt and desperation she tries not to show. Driven to putting herself in danger to escape a life that was so much worse than dying. She has been pushed to leave her home, fleeing an abusive family and straight in the arms of Arioch.
Our main male character is exactly what we want in our morally grey interest. Tall, dark, handsome, strong, dominant, and very attentive to Aheia's needs. With his own tormented past, Arioch is ruler of the Nephilim, a title he never wanted but Aljira is better for having him. The tension between these two in amazing and you are just waiting for it to reach breaking point. I love the teasing and temptation in all the lead up. The spicy scenes were lush and left you wanting more. Oh the praise
I read this book the week it was first released and am ashamed that I didn't post a review until now. I loved it and have read it twice since.
Like a lot of other reviewers I followed Murs on IG for a while taking in all the teasers and waiting with bated breath. Ágos ganto was it worth the wait!
This is an amazing debut! Not only do you start the book with a much appreciated pronunciation guide, but there is a list of the deities and their descendants as well as translations because there are 2 languages.
These first pages are an idea of the extent Mariel has gone to bring you so completely into this world she has created, and what a world. I love a story that fully envelopes me and feels like I could get lost in. I was definitely lost in Aljira.
There is no slow lead up to this story, we jump straight into our main character being hunted by a beast, following her as she makes her way to the darkest of places which is also her hope for asylum.
Aheia is a fiercely passionate and strong willed woman, in touch with her sexuality. Along side these traits is her internal monologue revealing the self-doubt and desperation she tries not to show. Driven to putting herself in danger to escape a life that was so much worse than dying. She has been pushed to leave her home, fleeing an abusive family and straight in the arms of Arioch.
Our main male character is exactly what we want in our morally grey interest. Tall, dark, handsome, strong, dominant, and very attentive to Aheia's needs. With his own tormented past, Arioch is ruler of the Nephilim, a title he never wanted but Aljira is better for having him. The tension between these two in amazing and you are just waiting for it to reach breaking point. I love the teasing and temptation in all the lead up. The spicy scenes were lush and left you wanting more. Oh the praise
Does It Hurt? by H.D. Carlton
4.0
Please read trigger warnings: SA, child abuse, incest, non-consensual consent.
This is my first H.D. Carlton book but not my first dark romance and I really enjoyed it.
Sawyer is on the run and has made her way by staying undetected using stolen identities, until she takes the wrong one.
Enzo cares only for the life he has built himself, working with the sharks he rescues and releases.
He takes Sawyer out on his boat, completely unplanned and they are caught in a storm which capsizes his boat. They end up marooned on an island with an out of use lighthouse, which they find is inhabit by the old caretaker who never left his post.
Holding onto the hope of getting off the island, they think their biggest concern is trying not to annoy the caretaker enough that he'll continue to let them stay in the spare room (queue one bed trope). Only they don't even get through the first night before odd things start leading them into the depth of mystery surrounding the lighthouse and it's caretaker.
I loved the atmosphere of this story, you could feel the tension or the spike of panic in a scene. Being given little details, which at first felt like we were leading to one story line until pieces fall together and we end up somewhere else completely. The story evoked a lot of emotions and kept me captivated wanting to know what happened next.
I liked the passion between the main characters but I couldn't quite love them together. I understand the relationship building around one broken soul being drawn to another, then the need to protect each other but Sawyer and Enzo didn't quite mesh in my head. (That could just be me). The spicy scenes were very spicy and with the inability to escape each other, there were plenty of them. I would say this was more of a pure hatred to lovers because the initial toxicity of this relationship took some time to get through.
The last few chapters were amazing and honestly delivered in the thriller category. All the little details start making sense and were so much more disturbing than you initially thought. I would honestly re-read this book just for those last chapters and the end of this story.
This is my first H.D. Carlton book but not my first dark romance and I really enjoyed it.
Sawyer is on the run and has made her way by staying undetected using stolen identities, until she takes the wrong one.
Enzo cares only for the life he has built himself, working with the sharks he rescues and releases.
He takes Sawyer out on his boat, completely unplanned and they are caught in a storm which capsizes his boat. They end up marooned on an island with an out of use lighthouse, which they find is inhabit by the old caretaker who never left his post.
Holding onto the hope of getting off the island, they think their biggest concern is trying not to annoy the caretaker enough that he'll continue to let them stay in the spare room (queue one bed trope). Only they don't even get through the first night before odd things start leading them into the depth of mystery surrounding the lighthouse and it's caretaker.
I loved the atmosphere of this story, you could feel the tension or the spike of panic in a scene. Being given little details, which at first felt like we were leading to one story line until pieces fall together and we end up somewhere else completely. The story evoked a lot of emotions and kept me captivated wanting to know what happened next.
I liked the passion between the main characters but I couldn't quite love them together. I understand the relationship building around one broken soul being drawn to another, then the need to protect each other but Sawyer and Enzo didn't quite mesh in my head. (That could just be me). The spicy scenes were very spicy and with the inability to escape each other, there were plenty of them. I would say this was more of a pure hatred to lovers because the initial toxicity of this relationship took some time to get through.
The last few chapters were amazing and honestly delivered in the thriller category. All the little details start making sense and were so much more disturbing than you initially thought. I would honestly re-read this book just for those last chapters and the end of this story.
Bring Me Back by Kristen Granata
5.0
*Please read the trigger warnings - This book is about a suicide survivor but also discusses other who passed due to depression and mental illness.
I need to read this book again already because I enjoyed it so much.
This is a beautiful story and touched on so many important, sensitive issues in a such a perfect way. Kristen has really showed us her heart with this book and I cannot thank her enough for it.
Phoenix is an amazingly strong woman who is learning to manage life with her depression but is so determined not to let it win. James has an absolute heart of gold but I relate so much to how he is willing to do anything for everyone but himself.
I love the characters' development and how Nix is so open about what she is going through to help others. Her relationship with Leo and the insta sibling love is amazing.
Of course, we cannot leave out a mention of the spice in this book! If you follow Kristen Granata on Instagram you will see plenty of quotes from the book so you'll get my meaning when I just say wow. James is perfectly patient despite how much he wants Nix, he is willing to wait for her. When we get there, it is hot.
This is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, trauma, family, found family, laughtyer, breakdowns and forgiveness.
I need to read this book again already because I enjoyed it so much.
This is a beautiful story and touched on so many important, sensitive issues in a such a perfect way. Kristen has really showed us her heart with this book and I cannot thank her enough for it.
Phoenix is an amazingly strong woman who is learning to manage life with her depression but is so determined not to let it win. James has an absolute heart of gold but I relate so much to how he is willing to do anything for everyone but himself.
I love the characters' development and how Nix is so open about what she is going through to help others. Her relationship with Leo and the insta sibling love is amazing.
Of course, we cannot leave out a mention of the spice in this book! If you follow Kristen Granata on Instagram you will see plenty of quotes from the book so you'll get my meaning when I just say wow. James is perfectly patient despite how much he wants Nix, he is willing to wait for her. When we get there, it is hot.
This is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, trauma, family, found family, laughtyer, breakdowns and forgiveness.
Filthy by Tia Louise
3.0
*Trigger warnings - SA, child abuse, substance abuse.
If you enjoy a protective alpha hero and an innocent broken heroine, with mafia, murder, and sex, you may have found the right book. I really enjoyed Oskar's back story and his need to ensure Hana is taking care of herself. Hana's character had a drive to really make a life for herself and right her wrongs so she could start fresh.
Their relationship is fast paced, hot and raw as they help each other heal from their pasts.
Oskar and Hanna have met before this book and I feel like I missed out on lot by not reading the previous book. I probably wouldn't recommend this as a stand alone book. The author did fill in the back story but I felt like the characters would have made more sense if I had read the first book already.
I also felt that the last few chapters around Oskar were a bit rushed and there could have been the opportunity to expand on his story a little more (I guess this could still be coming in another book).
I think I liked the side story about Pepper the most out of this book. She seemed to be written a bit more mature than her actual age in the book but it was a sweet addition to the story line.
If you enjoy a protective alpha hero and an innocent broken heroine, with mafia, murder, and sex, you may have found the right book. I really enjoyed Oskar's back story and his need to ensure Hana is taking care of herself. Hana's character had a drive to really make a life for herself and right her wrongs so she could start fresh.
Their relationship is fast paced, hot and raw as they help each other heal from their pasts.
Oskar and Hanna have met before this book and I feel like I missed out on lot by not reading the previous book. I probably wouldn't recommend this as a stand alone book. The author did fill in the back story but I felt like the characters would have made more sense if I had read the first book already.
I also felt that the last few chapters around Oskar were a bit rushed and there could have been the opportunity to expand on his story a little more (I guess this could still be coming in another book).
I think I liked the side story about Pepper the most out of this book. She seemed to be written a bit more mature than her actual age in the book but it was a sweet addition to the story line.
Darkest Night by Alessa Thorn
4.0
This is a fast paced and action packed story where you need to just hold on and enjoy the ride. Definitely has a combination of Tomb Raider and Mr & Mrs Smith vibes with magic (it is not lost on me that both are Angelina Jolie movies).
All of the characters in this book are likeable and you can just imagine the interactions between them all happening. Kon and Athena meet, have a night of amazing passion which starts a 3 year long rivalry after he steals her latest big find.
Kon's vengeful mission in life is derailed because he couldn't kill his biggest competion. Athena has a dangerous reputation all of her own which is one of the reasons these two are drawn to each other. It's hard to find someone who sees the darkness in you and runs towards it not away.
The smut was
All of the characters in this book are likeable and you can just imagine the interactions between them all happening. Kon and Athena meet, have a night of amazing passion which starts a 3 year long rivalry after he steals her latest big find.
Kon's vengeful mission in life is derailed because he couldn't kill his biggest competion. Athena has a dangerous reputation all of her own which is one of the reasons these two are drawn to each other. It's hard to find someone who sees the darkness in you and runs towards it not away.
The smut was