destynnee's reviews
454 reviews

Doves & Demons by Clio Evans

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

You're too pretty when you cry, marionette. Now suck my fucking cock.
--Morte / Demonic Plague Doctor

Doves & Demons
A Why Choose Steampunk Monster Romance
Freaks of Nature Duet Book 1
by Clio Evans
ClioEvansAuthor.com

388 pages
Currently on pre-order
Publication date March 14, 2023

This is an ARC review and may have spoilers. Please be careful.

Possible Genres/Tropes/TW/CN
Mature, Spicy, Dark Romance Paranormal Romance, Paranormal Demons & Devils Romance, Why Choose, Violence, Torture, Body Mutilation, Child Abuse (off page), Mental Abuse, Gaslighting, Manipulation, Locked in a Box, Somnophilia, Forced Orgasms, Forced Breeding, Dubious Consent, CNC, Humiliation, Breeding Kink, Exhibitionism, Voyeurism, Sadism, Masochism, Fisting, Double Penetration, Triple Penetration, Blood Play, Blood Sharing, Monster Cocks, Death of Parent (off page), Grief, Pregancy Fears, Breeding without Pregancy, Discussion of SA, Murder, Breath Play, Choking, Steampunk, Fated Mates (totally got the feel of this), Bonded Mates, MM. MMFM, Bisexual/Pansexual, LGBTQAI+, and possibly more!

This was such an amazing dark romance by Clio Evans. I have yet to read anything by them that I did not enjoy. With this being a dark romance, there are a LOT of triggers, the book itself has them, in some of my reviews I have posted ones that I found, that could be an issue for other people, etc. So, do not go into this, thinking it will be rainbows and kittens from the start.

The story follows four main characters, to whom, if I had one, I would give my soul to be a part of their pairings. They are evil, kinky, dirty, fucking bastards, who know what they want, until a little human falls into their laps. 

A Mothman, James.
An Unseelie, Charles.
A Demonic Plague Doctor, Morte.
A Human, Irene.

I mean, come on!! A mothman who has a VIBRATING part, an unseelie who has 3 heads if you count the one on his shoulders, and a demonic plague doctor who has large hands, and tentacles that can rock your world all night long.

Okay, let’s step away from the sexy parts… The three of them are not nice to Irene from the moment they meet her.They do not like humans, and she has no idea that monsters are real. She tries hard to make deals that will keep her and her sister safe, but she can’t help but fall in love with these guys. In a lot of ways, it felt fated mates, and when you finally get to the bonding moments, it is beyond worth it.

There is a mystery going on throughout the book, and when it finally comes full circle, to see Irene go from educated party girl, to badass and strong in other ways as well.. It is, chefs kiss!! To see the guys, see her as more than just a stupid human, to see her as strong, capable, smart, AAAAHHHH, I loved it.

Also F I S T I N G.

Highly recommend this book.

5 / 5 stars
-Destynnee

Forbidden: Part One by Emilia Emerson

adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 

Forbidden

Part One

Luna & Sol Omegaverse 

Book 1

By Emilia Emerson

557 pages

Currently on KU in the USA.

Publication date March 1, 2023

This is an ARC review and may have spoilers. Please be careful.

Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres

Romance, Omegaverse, Why Choose, Black-Market Suppressants, New Adult, College Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, MFMM, Abusive Family, Brutal Alpha Packs, Forced Pairing, Omega, Fated Mates, Bonded Mates, Curvy FMC, First-Person, Multiple POV, Cinnamon Roll Alphas, Suspense, Suspense Romance, Anti-Government Underground, and possibly more

FUUUUUUUCK, this is the first book that I have read by Emilia Emerson, and I gotta say… That I will be picking up anything that they write.

It is spicy, it is sexy, and loving, and has fated mates, and some darker elements with the forcing of packs, and having to hide via black marker suppressants.. But, all of that with the spicy, loving sexy times that we get as well.. It just… 

Fuck, really 5/5 stars.

I have to keep this short, or I will spoil it all.

Just go and read this, I do not think you will regret it.

5 / 5 stars

-Destynnee 

Wicked Tales and Monstrous Ever Afters by Evangeline Priest

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Monsters In Love

Wicked Tales And Monstrous Ever Afters

A Monster Paranormal Romance Anthology

Over 29 authors

818 pages

Currently NOT on KU in the USA.

Publication date March 07th, 2023

This is an ARC review and may have spoilers. Please be careful.

—--

Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres

Romance, Alien, Fated Mates, Spicy, Fighting / Violence, Strong Language, Exhibitionism, Explicit Sex, Heat, Horn Steering, Knotting, A Mal in Tight Leather Short-Shorts, Pussy-Stretching Fluids, Size Difference, Slave-Auction Rescue, Tail Play, and possibly more.

Owned By The Alien Rogue 

by Krista Luna 

5/5 stars

Krista and her alien romances are easily becoming one of my favs. Frankie and Zol, are beyond adorable. And the way that Zol will do anything to love, and protect Frankie is just.. Chef’s kiss. I am so glad that we get to see more about the grey aliens, and Frankie finding and saving her fellow human ladies, from being slaves. 

This is fast paced, spicy, and fills my alien come and abduct me now wants.

I highly recommend.

—--

Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres

Romance, Gargoyle, FMC in peril, Minor Injuries, Violence, Attempted Robbery, Explicit Sex, Monster Sex, Exhibitionism, Voyeurism, Sex Toy, Oral Sex, Tail Sex, Ribbed for their Pleasure, Touch Her And Die Vibes, and possibly more.

The Stone And The Star 

A Gargoyle Novelette

By Jillian Graves 

5/5 stars

This is yet another 5/5 stars story by Jillian. This one is fast paced, and spicy!

We follow Colossus, who is a Gargoyle of course, and Astra, the human he is obsessed with. 

I loved the bit of Colossus's history that we got, even though it was a bit sad. I fell head over heels for him the moment he was on the page. And truthfully, who wouldn't!? He is strong, protective, and hung.. I mean, loving.

Astra, who is an art professor, is just so damn adorable. She is tall, strong, kinky and knows what she wants. It felt a bit fated mates, but it was never really said. I loved how she took matters into her own hands, and showed Colossus what he was missing.

Highly recommend. 

A Wolf By Any Other Name by Maggie Francis

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• 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

 

In fact, if he wants to feast on my body like an all-you-can-eat buffet, I'll sign up for direct deposit and let him have at it.

Desi

A Wolf By Any Other Name

Eliza Falls 

Book 3

By  Maggie Francis

299  pages

Currently NOT on KU in the USA.

Publication date March 13, 2023

This is an ARC review and may have spoilers. Please be careful.

Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres

Romance, Mature, Spicy, Paranormal, Small Town, Werewolf shifters, Witches, Mystery, Illegal Hunting, Magic, Loss of Memory, Found Family, Strong FMC, Branding, Death of a Parent (off page), Stalking (off page/spoken about), Kidnapping, Warlocks, Murder, HEA, Fated Mates, Bonded Mates, Pregnancy & Birth for non main characters (off page), Bareback, Oral, Scars, Touch Them and Die, Hacking, Anxiety, PTSD, Trauma, Vcard, and possibly more.

This is yet another 5 / 5 star story from Maggie Francis. I am in love with the way that they tell their small town, fated mates stories. This is the third book in this series, and I have read and reread the previous ones multiple times now. I would say that they have become comfort reads for me.

If you enjoy small town romance, fated mates, spicy romance, a mystery going on in the background, witches and wolf shifters that have touch them and die vibes, this is a series for you.

I think that for the most part that you would be able to understand the overall back story, between all three books, without reading the other two books. But, I am not sure why you WOULDN’T want to read them. They are not on KU, but they are SOOO worth the price points that the paperbacks and ebooks are at.

I love that we get to learn more about Desi, and more about the main characters from the previous two books, all while building on this special and magical town. The mystery that has been woven into the back of all three books,not only gets some new and exciting information.. But, we also learn that just because people disappear does not mean that they did so by choice. 

I really can not wait for the fourth book, because I want to know more about the two new characters.. I am just so excited.

I also really enjoyed that Desi did not know what was going to happen and kinda had to take a look at herself and her family and how always knowing what will happen makes things a bit easier at times. 

The spice that we get between Desi and Wulfe, OMFG, it was amazing. Maggie seems to add more and more spice on page per book, but also, with what works for those characters. While Seb/Cora are a bit more behind closed doors, and Tate/Ulla are less behind closed doors, Wulfe/Desi are FIRE on the page. 

This whole series is a HIGHLY recommend read.

5 / 5 stars

-Destynnee 

Savage & Lovely by Hazel Black

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Savage And Lovely

The Betwixt Series

Book 1

By Hazel Black

409 pages

Currently on pre-order

Publication date February 28th, 2023

This is an ARC review and may have spoilers. Please be careful.

Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres

Mature, Spicy, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Romance, Dark Romance, Mystery, Violence, Virginity, Bareback, Sexually Explicit, Mention on Non-Consensual SA & PA, Kidnapping, Physical Assault on Page, Attempted SA on Page, Bullying from the MMC, Consensual Non-Consensual, Nudity, Choking, Oral Giving/Receiving, Mention of a Orgy, Self Harm (removing of one's eyes), Mental Health Issues, Pregnancy, HEA, and possibly more. 

Do you like fantasy?

Do you like dark romance? 

Do you enjoy forced proximity and brooding kinda bully like alpha male?

All of this with a happy ending?

Then I highly suggest giving this a read. 

I enjoyed the overall plot, and found the characters and environments themselves to be interesting and enjoyable. 

There is a lot of talk of suspected mental health issues, due to the FMC, Char, and their mother, Eleanor, both seeing things. And then the self harming that Eleanor does once they can no longer handle the things they see.

I think overall, the suspected mental health issues were handled ok. Char and her mother don't have mental health issues, they do actually see Fey, etc. But of course, in a human world where that sorta thing is not seen as real, it would be thought to be hallucinations and mental health issues. Then add in, how society as a whole treats those with mental health issues, and there is likely to be internalized ableism. So, keep that in mind going in. 

I would say that is more of a slow to medium kinda story, until the like last 1-2 chapters.. Where things just go from 10 to 100. Which is why I went with a 4 out of 5. Instead of 5 out of 5. I would of liked to have seen the ending take longer. But, it was a good ending. I would happily read more from this series.

The spice is nice, and is dropped here and there. This isn't a insta love kind of story, but you start to see where they both start having more feeling for each other as the story progresses. I did not mind the bit of bullying from the MMC, Grey, towards Char, and I find it to be mild. Although, once Grey actually opens up about everything, you can see why he tried to be mean and a bully. He absolutely fell first in my view.

Over all, loved it, and suggest others give it a read. 

4 / 5

-Destynnee 

Saved by the Enemy: A Vampire Shifter Enemies to Lovers Romance by Waverly Sage

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Saved by the Enemy

A Vampire Shifter Enemies to Lovers Romance

by Waverly Sage

221 pages

Currently on KU in the USA.

Publication date February 14th, 2023

This is an ARC review and may have spoilers. Please be careful.

Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres

Explicit, Novel, Romance, Vampire Shifter, Vampire, Shifter, Bad Boy, Alpha, Strangers to Enemies to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Opposite Attract, Fated Mates, Protector, Age Gap, Paranormal, FMC is more than she seems, Violence, Kidnapping, Attempted SA of the FMC, Physical Assault of the FMC and the MMC, Death of Family Members, Blood Drinking, Bareback, Zombie like Vampires, HEA, and possibly more

This is the second book of Waverly's I have read, also the second one from this series that I have read. Some questions that I had from the previous one were answered in this one.

Especially, more about the Cymarthian women, mating bonds, and more about THE ROGUES.

This was a fairly quick read, nice and spicy. I do suggest reading them in order, cause things might seem off, like who is or is not there / mated / etc. 

I still can't get over the Vampire Hunters group name, the Vanators. I giggle every time I see it, and still say it in my head completely  wrong. 

I also can't get past women being called females all the time. But, with this book, and seeing the women get more power in some ways due to some things that occur in this book, maybe that will change. 

If you enjoy fated mates, vampires, HEA, strangers to enemies to lovers, I would suggest giving this one a read. 

4/5

-Destynnee  

Horny Tales of Horned People by Verse Atoui

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

5.0

Horny Tales of Horned People 

Three tales of paranormal romances 

by Verse Atoui 

66 pages 

Currently not on KU in the USA. 

Publication date February 14th, 2023 

This is an ARC review and may have spoilers. Please be careful. 

Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres 

Tame, Short Stories, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Monster Romance, Teratophilia, Paranormal, Fantasy, Compilation, Fantasy, 

The three stories were a joy to read. I would love to read longer versions. My favorite characters/story was, The One From Carcosa, with Cahors and Neha. 

Just.. I loved them, so much, I would read a full length novel about them, about Carcosa, how Cahors ended up in Neha’s home. The ending, I cried, my heart broke, and yet it grew two sizes bigger.. Just, Atoui did a wonderful job showing love, and affection without any spice. 

It is a fast read y’all, and worth it. Just go and read it. PLEASE. 

5 / 5 stars 

-Destynnee 

Texting the Tattooist by Flora Ferrari

emotional

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Texting the Tattooist
Book 7 of Text Me You Love Me
By Flora Ferrar

236 pages
Currently on KU in the USA.
Publication date February 13th, 2023

This is an ARC review and may have spoilers. Please be careful.

Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres
Mature, Novella, Dual POV, Texting, Spicy, Romance, Instalove, Stand-alone, Age Gap (Older Man 40s / Younger Woman 19), Virgin, Boxing (spoken about), Mafia (spoken about), Cartel (spoken about), Pregnancy, Home Invasion, Dognapping (Dog in unharmed), Death of Parents (off page), Suicide (off page), Mental Health Issues (Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia, Paranoia, Recluse, Possivle Manic/Mania Episodes on and off page, and possibly more), Poverty, Masturbation, Sexting, Contemporary Romance, HEA, 

Spice, good. 
I quite enjoyed the sexting bits, and that neither asked for sexually explicit pics/videos. They just let their written words and their imaginations do all the work. The word helm came up a lot, and I have to admit I laughed every time. Also, thank you author, for not doing the "I could feel her hymen break" stuff, when it came to physical sexual activities. That for me, is often weird and even off putting at times. 

Characters, interesting. 
I found Killian, 40, to be quite an interesting character, from boxer, dog lover to tattooist. 
Mia, 19, was an interesting character. She dealt with her own mental health issues and that of her parents, all the while seeming to try and find that silver lining. 

Plot, also quite interesting. 
I would enjoy learning more about Killian's past. It is touched on here and there in this book, but one just about his past, and time in the ring would be interesting. I don't mind age gap romance, and while 40 and 19 is quite a gap, the bit of the story that was not wrapped around their instalove, didn't make a big deal out of the gap. Neither did the few other characters we come across in the story. There was an interesting bit of background stuff going on from Killian's past, which again, I think I would enjoy reading specifically about his past.. And the past of the characters we meet from his past. 

There is quite a lot of talk about mental health issues. How it can hamper the characters day to day lives, and things that occurred in the past from this. I think overall the author handled this well, especially in an insta-love romance. I think it might be advantageous to add in some universal mental health information, phone numbers sites, etc. 

Overall good.

4 / 5 stars
-Destynnee

Monstrosity: An MM Monster Romance by R.K. Pierce

dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Monstrosity 

By R. K. Pierce

68 pages 

Currently on kindleunlimited 

Publication date February 14, 2023

Possible Tw/CN/Genres/Tropes

Mature, Erotica, Gay, lgbtqai2+, Short Story, Novella, Romance, Monster Romance, M/M, Bareback, Oral, Anal, Virginity, Past Abuse, Past Trauma, Monster Cock, Tail Play, Blood Loss, Mentions of Past Abuse, Mentions of Parental Loss, Living off the Grid, Houseless, Hitchhiking, Past Cheating, Past Physical Abuse seen via Scars, Past Drinking, Bear Trap, Heightened Sense of Smell, Half Human, Rejected by the Monster World, Rejected by the Human World, Demonic Features; Claws, Scales, Horns, Tail, Kinda Enemies to Lovers, Kinda Insta-love 

Krue and Roen are our two MMC, we only see them, but they do talk a bit about other people in their lives. 

Krue and Roen are not only in need of love and companionship, but also I think in forgiving themselves for past trauma that neither one had control over. 

This is kinda Enemies-to-Lovers, and kinda has an Insta-love feel as well.

If you are not okay with men who love men, not only will this book not be for you. You need to rethink your life choices. 

I love these two. 

I would fist fight anyone who tries to hurt them. 

The spice, wonderful.

The communication and consent they work through top notch.

It is fast paced, which works for and against it in some ways. Because before you know it, the story is over, but you want so much more.

5 / 5 stars

-Destynnee 

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book.

Terrifying and beautiful. 

Near death experiences are not your kink, Krue.

I want to feel my heart race and slam against my ribs at his closeness again.

Feeling the heat of his body, the tension of his muscles, the seething rage of his gaze was foreign. Unexpected. Alluring.

I don’t recall when I became such a piney little bitch, but something about this monster makes me weak at the knees and keeps my mind plagued by inappropriate thoughts.

Like best friends might sit together quietly and enjoy one another’s company. Or lovers.

But I can’t let him come. I’m not done with him yet.

I know the personal effects of being taken advantage of sexually, and I refuse to inflict that damage on anyone else. As much as I want to fuck every hole Roen has and have him bend me over his bed, how far we take things is all up to him.

After all, he’s my fragile human. I have to be careful with him.

-

Daughter of the Underworld by Jenn Lynn Adams

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Daughter of the Underworld

By Jenn Lynn Adams

345 pages 

Currently on kindleunlimited 

Publication date February 14, 2023

Possible Tw/CN/Genres/Tropes

Mature, Fantasy Romance, Suspense Romance, Mythology Romance, Greek Mythology, Dark Historical Fiction, Dark Romance,  Violence,  Violence against Women, Novels. Profanity, Sex, Death, SA, HEA

This is an ARC review, and may contain spoilers please proceed with caution. 

Y'all. 

Read.

This.

I'm gonna keep it short and sweet, otherwise I will spoil the fuck out of it.

Go fucking read this.

I am on pins and needles for more from this author.

5 / 5 stars

-Destynnee