edgybutfemme's reviews
93 reviews

Blood on the Tide by Katee Robert

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

A thoroughly enjoyable read!! Finally, some wlw where one character is a little murderous and will in fact burn down the world for the other. I like my romance with a little spice (both in terms of on page sex and compelling dynamics) and this delivered. I consider this series to fully just be a truly fun fantasy pirate romp and if you go in just wanting a good time you probably won't be disappointed. I'm very much looking forward to the next one.

Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 4 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

adventurous dark emotional 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

5.0

This volume in particular had it all for me:

xie lian and hua cheng making out multiple times, a compelling plot with black water, and even hua cheng turning smol because he has to seal his powers temporarily.

i enjoy the plot, but I am primarily here for the romance, and this volume delighted me with both.

Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang Vol. 3 by priest

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I love the pace the relationships in priest's work progress at. I continue to enjoy the scheming and the way Chang Geng and Gu Yun are so good at what they do.

Court of the Vampire Queen by Katee Robert

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

4.0

This book is just a smutty good time. The last volume/section is honestly where most of the plot happens, but definitely go into this knowing the plot is mostly there to justify the smut. If you aren't looking for a super spicy vampire/magical bond sex that does get into some dubious consent, this novel isn't for you, but I had a great time. I appreciate that the book looked at all the historically implied sexual implications of vampites and hardcore doubled down. 

Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang Vol. 2 by priest

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I adore how their dynamic is growing and the overarching political scheming and war is incredibly compelling. It's so satisfying to see the contrast between how both main characters are so incredibly competent in all ways but become useless dumbasses when it comes to their feelings for each othrr.

The Husband Gambit by L.A. Witt

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

A delightful read, definitely one of my favorite takes on the arranged marriage trope and probably my favorite billionaire romance I've read so far. I love a romance novel where the characters feel like they have a real adult relationship and actually communicate. Also, as someone who had to cut my parents off for being shitty, 10/10 realistic depiction of getting out of an abusive family and healing from that trauma.

The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun (Novel) Vol. 5 by Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou

adventurous emotional 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? Yes

5.0

THIS VOLUME HAS THE CONFESSION SCENE AND I COULD NOT BE MORE THRILLED!!

I deeply love every volume but this one definitely ties with last volume for my favorites so far. Also, I loved how much of this novels plot played out like a soap opera airing all of the upper cultivation world's dirty laundry. The relationship is developing so much and I cannot wait for the next volume.

Guardian: Zhen Hun (Novel) Vol. 2 by priest

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book series is perfect. This and erha are my absolute favorites.

Sinner by Sierra Simone

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Even though I was braced for it, this one made me cry a lot in the best and most cathartic way. It's emotional and deeply healing in a way one who has not read Sierra Simone novel before would not expect given the premise. The sex is always hot and the relationship is a compelling look at two people who feel deeply real and nuanced. I usually don't read a lot of modern non-fantasy romance, but Sierra Simone always has me coming back for more. Perhaps as a queer ex catholic this novel just works for me in particular, but I was once again pleasantly awe struck as we seamlessly transition between really hot sex scenes and really compelling and thoughtful theological discussion. I wasn't expecting it, but I honestly liked this one even better than priest.

Midnight Ruin by Katee Robert

dark emotional 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? Yes

5.0

I always especially excited for the Dark Olympus books where the main romance is a polycule and this one certainly didn't disappoint. I love romances between people with complex history, and it's been a joy to watch Charon and Eurydice's relationship develop in the background of the previous books and the second chance romance between Eurydice and Orpheus is so well handled. Honestly, Orpheus and Charon's dynamic surprised and delighted me. As much as I love a mess and enjoyed the previous polycules in this series, it was also very refreshing to see well negotiated polyam rep. I'm excited for the next book and dreading having to wait until the spring for it.