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little_miss_darkness's reviews
750 reviews
Best Served Cold by Willow Dixon
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
I love Zane's story!
I mean, that's how you write diversity. Not too many ace characters in books (first one I've come across, or at least first one labelling themselves as such).
I love that they both have baggage, even though they come across as confident at first. Zane and Noah both have emotional trauma in their past, and are actively working on overcoming it.
This has just become one of my favourite MM stories I came across on KU. Definitely worth the read.
I mean, that's how you write diversity. Not too many ace characters in books (first one I've come across, or at least first one labelling themselves as such).
I love that they both have baggage, even though they come across as confident at first. Zane and Noah both have emotional trauma in their past, and are actively working on overcoming it.
This has just become one of my favourite MM stories I came across on KU. Definitely worth the read.
Fakers with Benefits by Willow Dixon
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
That's what we're talking about!
I absolutely adore Nick, and his no-filter thing he has going around. He might be the most hilarious character I've ever read about, and now I'm kind of sad his story is over.
The fact that Evan is all about spoiling Nick makes him so much better in my eyes.
We also finally get to see why Nick was acting so weird in Gray's story, which was left a bit ambiguous there.
Personally, I hope the next story is about one of the twins. I hope it's Zane and whoever that guy is that he hates at his other job (briefly mentioned, but I'm hoping that was an intro).
I absolutely adore Nick, and his no-filter thing he has going around. He might be the most hilarious character I've ever read about, and now I'm kind of sad his story is over.
The fact that Evan is all about spoiling Nick makes him so much better in my eyes.
We also finally get to see why Nick was acting so weird in Gray's story, which was left a bit ambiguous there.
Personally, I hope the next story is about one of the twins. I hope it's Zane and whoever that guy is that he hates at his other job (briefly mentioned, but I'm hoping that was an intro).
Stepbrother Dearest by Willow Dixon
funny
lighthearted
sad
slow-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
4.5
Interesting take
I think the reason I'm taking out one star out of the review, is that, while it's all difficult and brooding in the beginning, there was no real obstacle to them getting together. It's a nice story, don't get me wrong. Just too easy.
I think the reason I'm taking out one star out of the review, is that, while it's all difficult and brooding in the beginning, there was no real obstacle to them getting together. It's a nice story, don't get me wrong. Just too easy.
Blue Storm by Adara Wolf
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Big part of the book made me very uncomfortable
The whole world imagined doesn't sound very appealing. Of course, it ends 'happily' as usual, but I didn't really think so. I'm not sure if it's explained properly why nameless can't know their name or use magic and other things. However, I feel uncomfortable with the whole narrative, and it brings mind games to a whole another level.
The whole world imagined doesn't sound very appealing. Of course, it ends 'happily' as usual, but I didn't really think so. I'm not sure if it's explained properly why nameless can't know their name or use magic and other things. However, I feel uncomfortable with the whole narrative, and it brings mind games to a whole another level.
Enemy by R.A. Frick
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
It seems I like a little sweetness
While I do like some rough mafia romances, I do think I prefer romances like these with a bit of sweetness.
I know it's unrealistic because obviously no mafia is that okay with queerness. I would have expected a little more bite back.
While I do like some rough mafia romances, I do think I prefer romances like these with a bit of sweetness.
I know it's unrealistic because obviously no mafia is that okay with queerness. I would have expected a little more bite back.
Surrender by R. Phoenix, Adara Wolf
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
2.75
Maybe a bit too bloody for my taste
Fox is an... Interesting character, that's for sure. I kind of like his bloodthirsty, crazy vibe. Christiano might be the more messed up one in this relationship.
I can't get on with everything in this book. The bloody, and pain-loving part is a bit too much for me.
The one thing I find frustrating though, is the fact that Fox just KNEW Briar's pronouns before anyone said a word. What if it was someone who just enjoyed dressing androginously but still went by hetero normative pronouns? I like when non binary characters are included, but surely people might make a mistake when referring to them the first time they meet them?
Overall, not bad but it gets a bit repetitive and monotonous with the scenes and storylines. I did skip some parts toward the end.
Fox is an... Interesting character, that's for sure. I kind of like his bloodthirsty, crazy vibe. Christiano might be the more messed up one in this relationship.
I can't get on with everything in this book. The bloody, and pain-loving part is a bit too much for me.
The one thing I find frustrating though, is the fact that Fox just KNEW Briar's pronouns before anyone said a word. What if it was someone who just enjoyed dressing androginously but still went by hetero normative pronouns? I like when non binary characters are included, but surely people might make a mistake when referring to them the first time they meet them?
Overall, not bad but it gets a bit repetitive and monotonous with the scenes and storylines. I did skip some parts toward the end.
Beast by K.L. Hiers, Mozzarus Scout
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-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? It's complicated
4.25
Not quite enough for five stars
This one began most hopefully for me out of all the books in the series so far - not in the sense of the storyline, but the quality of writing. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for big beastly men and damsel-in-distress types. Oh my god, I hope not.
One thing I can't get over though, is Noel's sudden bloodlust. Sure, that could be a convincing enough storyline, but the way it was executed didn't convince me of the sudden change. Also, it was very obvious from the beginning who has been stealing the money and for what reason. It's like the authors kept emphasising the hints, over and over again.
It was an alright book, but by the end it was all dragged out. It should have finished three or four chapters early.
This one began most hopefully for me out of all the books in the series so far - not in the sense of the storyline, but the quality of writing. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for big beastly men and damsel-in-distress types. Oh my god, I hope not.
One thing I can't get over though, is Noel's sudden bloodlust. Sure, that could be a convincing enough storyline, but the way it was executed didn't convince me of the sudden change. Also, it was very obvious from the beginning who has been stealing the money and for what reason. It's like the authors kept emphasising the hints, over and over again.
It was an alright book, but by the end it was all dragged out. It should have finished three or four chapters early.
Tyrant by Gianni Holmes
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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
4.0
Kind of messed up but I'm here for it
The first book in this series where I could properly relate to the characters. Previous ones all felt like someone is telling me what's going on, but there was this wall between that and me hearing it. I'm not sure if I can explain it better than that.
This one, while still a little crazy and hard to believe, was much better. Daisy is outrageous with his nudeness and charming naiveté. His chatter makes you think he never really grew up after being two years old. He really compliments Yargo's temper and extreme mood swings. Somehow, they work.
Not great enough to warrant five stars, but more than good enough for a solid four stars review.
The first book in this series where I could properly relate to the characters. Previous ones all felt like someone is telling me what's going on, but there was this wall between that and me hearing it. I'm not sure if I can explain it better than that.
This one, while still a little crazy and hard to believe, was much better. Daisy is outrageous with his nudeness and charming naiveté. His chatter makes you think he never really grew up after being two years old. He really compliments Yargo's temper and extreme mood swings. Somehow, they work.
Not great enough to warrant five stars, but more than good enough for a solid four stars review.
Lessons by Ashlynn Mills
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
2.25
Not entirely my cup of tea
It's a fresh storyline - a grieving widower and a sick child. Or at least, it's fresh in terms of mafia and MM romance.
But still, even in this genre, it's all a bit unrealistic and fast and unrelatable. Also, dubious consent has always made me feel a bit nauseous.
It's a fresh storyline - a grieving widower and a sick child. Or at least, it's fresh in terms of mafia and MM romance.
But still, even in this genre, it's all a bit unrealistic and fast and unrelatable. Also, dubious consent has always made me feel a bit nauseous.
Lawless by A.W. Scott
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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? It's complicated
3.0
Better than the first two, but the pacing of the story is weird
It starts off way too fast. The author tells us why Dante and Preacher want their revenge, but doesn't really show us. It doesn't give us enough time to really emphasise with them and get on board with the plan.
The part about Preacher trying to find Dante and figure out why he left is also too fast. It's mentioned that it has been fourteen years, but by the time we're caught up in the story, he finds him way too fast. Getting to Dante and getting him away is too easy. Dante gives up without any fuss, even though supposedly his father would have Preacher killed.
Now, it was supposed to have ended when Romano died and they took over the organisation (which was also done too quickly and easily to be believable). Then the ending kept getting stretched on and on. This was the longest ending I've ever read. I'd say the last 20% of the book should have been two percent.
I do like their relationship and that's what kept me in the book, but otherwise I felt strangely detached.
It starts off way too fast. The author tells us why Dante and Preacher want their revenge, but doesn't really show us. It doesn't give us enough time to really emphasise with them and get on board with the plan.
The part about Preacher trying to find Dante and figure out why he left is also too fast. It's mentioned that it has been fourteen years, but by the time we're caught up in the story, he finds him way too fast. Getting to Dante and getting him away is too easy. Dante gives up without any fuss, even though supposedly his father would have Preacher killed.
Now, it was supposed to have ended when Romano died and they took over the organisation (which was also done too quickly and easily to be believable). Then the ending kept getting stretched on and on. This was the longest ending I've ever read. I'd say the last 20% of the book should have been two percent.
I do like their relationship and that's what kept me in the book, but otherwise I felt strangely detached.