ebonyessencebookshelf's reviews
240 reviews

Immoral Cravings: A Dark Fairytale Retelling by Antoinette Sherell

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

“It wasn’t until he killed my second crush right before my eyes a year later that I became obsessed with him. Hell, maybe in love with him like I thought I was with the man he’d slaughtered.“ 

Antoinette Sherell that mind of yours is something else. I have not read a dark romance and honey i didn’t know what to feel. However, i was so intrigued by what was going on i couldn’t stop reading. 

Wilder is a whole plum fool and Venari behind ain’t no better. These two are a matched made in dark romance/crazy land. Wilder also reminds me of those little boys on the playground that use to hit girls and people would say “oh that just means he likes you.” Hell no lol. If you like it well i love that for you. Now the spice was cool and kinky. I love Wilder for wanting to protect Venari but that other stuff he was doing to her that didn’t involve sex was beyond me. He for sure gives ‘Touch her and you die.” Now at first i was a little slow catching the fairy tale references but they were good. I like how Sherell placed them in the story.

Lastly, the accident right before Venari got that lick back i feel wasn’t needed. At that point i wanted to get to that evil stepmother because the storyline was very good. The writing and pacing of the book was good as well. The book is worth the read.

Treble by Rilzy Adams

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Rilzy you be writing. I loved everything about this book. Novah and Hendrix’s relationship was so beautiful. Their bond and connection made loving each other easy and you can tell this by the way they were written. They’re best friends that laugh, love and have good communication. Also let’s give it up for Novah’s mom standing ten toes for her daughter and having a healthy relationship with Hendrix and Sadie. 

I love how Sadie was brought into each of their lives and lit a fire in them. Those spicy scenes were finger licking good. No matter if all three or two at a time these three people really loved and cared for one another. The period scene really had hearts in my eyes. Lastly, i loved how they all had their own passion/careers going for them. A stunning poly love story. 

Are You Still Down by Cocoa

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Quick and fast pace read but in a good way. I don’t mind a second Chance romance when done well. If it’s meant to be well then it shall. Now my girl Honor got on my nerves a bit. I’m the type that needs to know for sure before making any permanent decisions. So the miscommunication blew me. However, i understand not wanting to be heart broken. Now my guy Tip on the other hand played no games. I love how cocoa wrote him loving Honor. He was not ashamed. They both had good families and i like the storyline we got with them. 

Tip had his flaws too and really put his all out there. I love applying pressure but sometimes it’s okay to sit back. I will say i respect Cocoa for putting in those conversations each one had with their best friend. They kept it real because i don’t like no “yes man”. All in all this was a nice read. If you get a second chance how are you coming about them?

Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

3.0

The Eternal Ones by Namina Forna

3.0

Maybe I Need You : Undeniably In Love by Briyanna Michelle

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Overall it was cool but nothing that made me smile hard or get excited about. The first chapter had me a little confused. Then mixed with some of the time jumps and different topics/tropes i kind of didn’t know what was going on. However, i love fake dating and Camille was very adorable. Greyson you can tell had a good heart and that showed during the family scenes which i enjoyed. There was some chemistry it just didn’t blow me away. Third act breakups are not my thing especially when it’s miscommunication. 

So if you need a quick break in between reads i say check this out. 

What the Hex by Alexis Daria

dark funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was a quick and cute read. Comes with the paranormal aspect to save a wedding. As well as to help the fmc get back in touch with herself and family. Then to throw in some romance was so adorable. I’ll have to check out the authors other work. 

Witch- Trapment by ML Bash

dark funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Listen. If the book says it’s supposed to be erotica well that’s what i want and ML straight delivered. Then the cherry on top was it being a paranormal erotica with a witch, werewolf and vampire!!!! Baby sign me up RIGHT NOW!!! I loved this book and the erotica was done right. I was left loving these characters, story and wanting more. 

If erotica is not your thing please don’t come with the bs. Now outside of that can somebody find me a vampire or werewolf please and thank you. Lol!! 

P. S. Now there’s something in here that I wouldn’t do like i know most people probably wouldn’t. However, just take the book for what it is and enjoy the ride. 

Stepdaddy Season by Natisha Raynor

lighthearted sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

3.5 - So i enjoyed the overall plot but some things were a miss. I loved that Cypher did what needed to be done to provide for her twins and also gave herself some special time. Even though Houston’s family had a heartbreaking story i loved him for stepping up to take care of his nieces. 

Now they had sexual chemistry which was nice but definitely came out of no where. Even though they both told each other about themselves it never felt like a deep connection. Nothing wrong with friends with benefits but i wish Cypher was doing her like Houston was doing him. I give props to anyone being upfront about what it is and what it’s not. This gave the feeling like women stay precious while men go do what they want. Don’t get me wrong Houston helping her out was cool but i wish Cypher put both her feet fully into the dating pool instead of getting jealous. 

Lastly, the ending i enjoyed the most. Houston and cypher stepped up to be there for one another’s kids outside of the ones they have together. That takes very special people to do that. I wouldn’t mind if the kids got a quick spin-off to see how things are going in their lives. Cool read and would recommend if you’re not looking for anything too deep. 

Heart So Reckless by K.C. Mills

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I enjoyed this audiobook. Red was my favorite character. Street dude, thug or whatever you want to say i enjoyed him. He didn’t play and kept it 100. Well that’s until his feelings got in play and the same for Peyson. Their bedroom chemistry was for sure there and i liked the storyline. The people Red and Pey were dealing with really were trash. So why not give a one stand a chance. 

I wish they had a deeper connection with deeper conversations. Loved Reds backstory and his grandma. Also loved Peyton’s sister  and much respect to her  father. However, these two played with telling each other how they truly felt. Which left the story to be dragged out a little and the ending to time jump. Peyson though really got on my nerves. Like girl i know you never been this age before but get it together. Stop moving like your clueless. Men have feelings too and women like her can ruin good men.

There is a HEA and giving a happy family. Check it out.