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rjordan19's reviews
921 reviews
Run Baby Run by D. Sabia
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.75
Overall: ⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖 (There were a lot of errors and mistakes, to the point that I – me, the typo queen – was bothered by it.)
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔 You know the bare minimum about these two, but it is a short story
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞 (I can LOVE dubcon and noncon but I didn’t find this book romantic at all. No feels. Only cringe.)
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 The actual sex was okay to me – it was explicit but missed a lot of that emotional pull I crave
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥 (It’s basically one extended scene for this short story)
Humor: Ummm no? Maybe? I didn’t find it funny but I think it’s there for some people
Perspective: first person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot? Sex?
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: It takes awhile, about 43% into this short story
Cliffhanger: Yes – this ends with an open ending...it’s not a happy for now but kind of implied there’s a possiblity of a continuation of the relationship...the ending does say ‘the end for now….’ so I’m not sure if there’s more coming.
Epilogue: There is a chapter listed as epilogue but it’s just a day or so in the future and very brief
Format: read this book through kindle unlimited in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I saw a post by @monsterlovers_bookclub on instagram and had to try it!
Should I read in order?
It’s fine to read this alone
Basic plot:
Hayden has to work the night of the Halloween carnival and meets her stalker
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary erotic horror (not really a romance)
- shorter novel
- curvy heroine
- stalker hero
- ravishment fantasy
- you’re okay with nonconsensual acts
- mid to higher steam – there is basically one extended sex act, but it’s most of the story
Ages:
- didn’t see them mentioned
First line:
I stumble out of the house of mirrors, panting heavy and shaking.
My thoughts:
Oof, I struggled with this one! I was so excited to see another short, masked hero book, but this one didn’t do it for me at all.
If you are looking for pure ravishment fantasy with lots of noncon from the hero and a touch of darkness, I think you should give this one a go!
As for me, I didn’t connect with the writing. I am VERY forgiving of typos and errors. I know they happen (just look at literally anything I post). I know editors miss things and it’s human nature. But this one felt really raw and unedited to me. Multiple (like...every page) missing commas, punctuation, missing words in sentences...repetitive. It just wasn’t very readable to me. I am all for swearing in my reads, but ‘shit’ and ‘fuck’ were in like every sentences and it just started to feel juvenile to me.
The author portrays the heroine as overweight, which I was here for! But doesn’t really comment on the hero’s size in comparison so when it’s said that ‘her small body writhing beneath me’ I was like, why isn’t he admiring her curves??
This book was mostly cringe for me, not much I loved. Along with the overtones of religion I was just not feeling it.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating: 2 stars
Favorite book: I guess this one?? I’m thinking I wouldn’t read this author again sadly.
Quotes So, usually I will own all typos and mistakes as my own because I make them constantly. But this one I did try to copy the text verbatim – there’s a lot of typos and errors in this one, missing commas and punctuation, etc
I struggled with the writing! Things like
“What are your weird senses tingling or some shit again?” She asks, rolling her eyes.
I sigh. “I’m not Spiderman. I don’t have spidey senses,”
---
Oh him. The preacher’s son whose so beautiful it should be a sin. His skin is the perfect shade of tan. His hair? Dark brown, almost black, long on top and short on the sides. His eyes were a beautiful blue that’ll hypnotize you. Jaw line that could slice and dice anything. Now I sound like a stalker. Fuck.
---
I live twenty minutes away, well if you’re driving. If you’re unlucky like me and walking, then I have no idea how long it takes. Can forever be the answer? Because the way my knees are feeling right now, it’s been forever.
---
I pop out of my hiding spot and run to where I hid my car. I jump in and start it up. The tires screeched as I pressed the pedal to the floor and accelerated onto the rain-soaked pavement. I slide a little when my tires hit the pavement.
“Shit, shit shit” I shout as I correct the steering wheel. I get my car under control and speed down the road, catching up to them. I follow them, but not too close.
I follow them until they turn on the street Hayden lives on. I keep driving until I find somewhere close to park.
Not finding anywhere, I say fuck it and park on the street in front of a random house.
---
“Say anything about what happened tonight, and I’ll make sure attend church every day. From the ground” I hiss, taking a step back, letting him scramble into his car.
---
He’s walking slowly. The orange light is from a mask. The eyes are X’s, and the mouth looks like it’s supposed to be sowed shut.
---
I can hear her running. Zigzagging between the mirrors. Sometimes a catch sight of her and the look on her face makes my cock grow harder.
---
“Why?” I choke out.
He laughs. Fucking laughs. “You know, I asked God that same exact thing. And you know what? He never answered, so here we are,”
---
I’m here for dubcon and even noncon! All this book did though was make me cringe and want it over.
Then he slams into me, breaking me open. I open my mouth and try to scream, but the grip Alec has around my throat silences me.
“Oh, fuck,” he groans, continuing to pound in and out of me. All I feel is pain. My stomach’s cramping and the burning gets worse.
He let’s up on the hold he has on my throat, and I take a deep breath. “That’s it, baby. Relax, breath through it. It’ll feel good soon,” he moans into my ear.
My body is too tired to fight, so I give in. All the way in.
----
“It’s too much, please,” I beg. What am I begging for? No fucking clue.
I think you’re begging for him to get his knife handle out from inside you???
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- there are elements of religion here – mention of religious camps, the stalker hero is the preacher’s son
- forced piercing – the hero pierces the heroine’s nipple while he has her bound and gagged
- fatfobic comments from a side character I’d have to spend too much money on snacks and fast food,” I hear Adam say as I make my way to his car. I feel my anger rising. “She’s kinda big, bro. But she’s got a nice face and sexy pair of tits, so,” Adam says laughing.
- non-con (rape and other nonconsensual acts) – hero pursues the heroine and forces her to do multiple things she doesn’t want to do, including piercing, getting fingered, rape
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: Nope.
Hows the consent? Oh, it’s not there AT ALL. This is a total ravishment fantasy, so if you prefer consent in your books avoid this one.
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) No children in this story or talk of pregnancy.
58% - hero chases the heroine in the house of mirrors, then a corn maze. When he catches her, he undresses her with his knife. Penetration with the knife handle. Hero binds the heroine’s wrists with a rosary. Leads soon into a church scene, where the hero gags the heroine, hangs her by her rosary beads, and puts a nipple clamp on her boob then pierces her nipple. Sex (virginity loss for heroine), then the hero pulls out, retracts his knife and DPs the heroine with his cock and knife handle
Readability: 📖📖 (There were a lot of errors and mistakes, to the point that I – me, the typo queen – was bothered by it.)
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔 You know the bare minimum about these two, but it is a short story
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞 (I can LOVE dubcon and noncon but I didn’t find this book romantic at all. No feels. Only cringe.)
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 The actual sex was okay to me – it was explicit but missed a lot of that emotional pull I crave
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥 (It’s basically one extended scene for this short story)
Humor: Ummm no? Maybe? I didn’t find it funny but I think it’s there for some people
Perspective: first person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot? Sex?
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: It takes awhile, about 43% into this short story
Cliffhanger: Yes – this ends with an open ending...it’s not a happy for now but kind of implied there’s a possiblity of a continuation of the relationship...the ending does say ‘the end for now….’ so I’m not sure if there’s more coming.
Epilogue: There is a chapter listed as epilogue but it’s just a day or so in the future and very brief
Format: read this book through kindle unlimited in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I saw a post by @monsterlovers_bookclub on instagram and had to try it!
Should I read in order?
It’s fine to read this alone
Basic plot:
Hayden has to work the night of the Halloween carnival and meets her stalker
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary erotic horror (not really a romance)
- shorter novel
- curvy heroine
- stalker hero
- ravishment fantasy
- you’re okay with nonconsensual acts
- mid to higher steam – there is basically one extended sex act, but it’s most of the story
Ages:
- didn’t see them mentioned
First line:
I stumble out of the house of mirrors, panting heavy and shaking.
My thoughts:
Oof, I struggled with this one! I was so excited to see another short, masked hero book, but this one didn’t do it for me at all.
If you are looking for pure ravishment fantasy with lots of noncon from the hero and a touch of darkness, I think you should give this one a go!
As for me, I didn’t connect with the writing. I am VERY forgiving of typos and errors. I know they happen (just look at literally anything I post). I know editors miss things and it’s human nature. But this one felt really raw and unedited to me. Multiple (like...every page) missing commas, punctuation, missing words in sentences...repetitive. It just wasn’t very readable to me. I am all for swearing in my reads, but ‘shit’ and ‘fuck’ were in like every sentences and it just started to feel juvenile to me.
The author portrays the heroine as overweight, which I was here for! But doesn’t really comment on the hero’s size in comparison so when it’s said that ‘her small body writhing beneath me’ I was like, why isn’t he admiring her curves??
This book was mostly cringe for me, not much I loved. Along with the overtones of religion I was just not feeling it.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating: 2 stars
Favorite book: I guess this one?? I’m thinking I wouldn’t read this author again sadly.
Quotes So, usually I will own all typos and mistakes as my own because I make them constantly. But this one I did try to copy the text verbatim – there’s a lot of typos and errors in this one, missing commas and punctuation, etc
I struggled with the writing! Things like
“What are your weird senses tingling or some shit again?” She asks, rolling her eyes.
I sigh. “I’m not Spiderman. I don’t have spidey senses,”
---
Oh him. The preacher’s son whose so beautiful it should be a sin. His skin is the perfect shade of tan. His hair? Dark brown, almost black, long on top and short on the sides. His eyes were a beautiful blue that’ll hypnotize you. Jaw line that could slice and dice anything. Now I sound like a stalker. Fuck.
---
I live twenty minutes away, well if you’re driving. If you’re unlucky like me and walking, then I have no idea how long it takes. Can forever be the answer? Because the way my knees are feeling right now, it’s been forever.
---
I pop out of my hiding spot and run to where I hid my car. I jump in and start it up. The tires screeched as I pressed the pedal to the floor and accelerated onto the rain-soaked pavement. I slide a little when my tires hit the pavement.
“Shit, shit shit” I shout as I correct the steering wheel. I get my car under control and speed down the road, catching up to them. I follow them, but not too close.
I follow them until they turn on the street Hayden lives on. I keep driving until I find somewhere close to park.
Not finding anywhere, I say fuck it and park on the street in front of a random house.
---
“Say anything about what happened tonight, and I’ll make sure attend church every day. From the ground” I hiss, taking a step back, letting him scramble into his car.
---
He’s walking slowly. The orange light is from a mask. The eyes are X’s, and the mouth looks like it’s supposed to be sowed shut.
---
I can hear her running. Zigzagging between the mirrors. Sometimes a catch sight of her and the look on her face makes my cock grow harder.
---
“Why?” I choke out.
He laughs. Fucking laughs. “You know, I asked God that same exact thing. And you know what? He never answered, so here we are,”
---
I’m here for dubcon and even noncon! All this book did though was make me cringe and want it over.
Then he slams into me, breaking me open. I open my mouth and try to scream, but the grip Alec has around my throat silences me.
“Oh, fuck,” he groans, continuing to pound in and out of me. All I feel is pain. My stomach’s cramping and the burning gets worse.
He let’s up on the hold he has on my throat, and I take a deep breath. “That’s it, baby. Relax, breath through it. It’ll feel good soon,” he moans into my ear.
My body is too tired to fight, so I give in. All the way in.
----
“It’s too much, please,” I beg. What am I begging for? No fucking clue.
I think you’re begging for him to get his knife handle out from inside you???
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- there are elements of religion here – mention of religious camps, the stalker hero is the preacher’s son
- forced piercing – the hero pierces the heroine’s nipple while he has her bound and gagged
- fatfobic comments from a side character I’d have to spend too much money on snacks and fast food,” I hear Adam say as I make my way to his car. I feel my anger rising. “She’s kinda big, bro. But she’s got a nice face and sexy pair of tits, so,” Adam says laughing.
- non-con (rape and other nonconsensual acts) – hero pursues the heroine and forces her to do multiple things she doesn’t want to do, including piercing, getting fingered, rape
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
58% - hero chases the heroine in the house of mirrors, then a corn maze. When he catches her, he undresses her with his knife. Penetration with the knife handle. Hero binds the heroine’s wrists with a rosary. Leads soon into a church scene, where the hero gags the heroine, hangs her by her rosary beads, and puts a nipple clamp on her boob then pierces her nipple. Sex (virginity loss for heroine), then the hero pulls out, retracts his knife and DPs the heroine with his cock and knife handle
To Ensnare a Duke by Vivian Murdoch
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: first person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: Fairly soon in, about 7% or so (chapter 3)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the couple
Epilogue: Yes, but it’s not about the main couple – it’s more of a lead in (prologue) to the next couple
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from the author in e-book format (thank you!!!) I am just really late in writing my review...
Turning toward Augusta, I beam down at the woman who has connived to leg-shackle me. “She has agreed, though she has no choice. Her heart and mine are of one accord.” Dipping my head lower, I continue where only she can hear me. “I hope you are well aware of what you're doing, you little minx. You wanted me so desperately, and now you have me. Every. Depraved. Inch.”
Should I read in order?
You could, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Each book is very focused on that couple. There is some minor page time with other characters from the series. If you’d like to read in order, start with The Duke’s Christmas Rejection, but know it ends on a cliffhanger and their HEA hasn’t been written as of yet. (If that bothers you, start with The Duke’s Unwilling Bride, which is book 1)
Basic plot:
Augusta is drawn to Benedict, but also can’t help fighting him on everything he demands.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period
- brother’s best friend
- brat
- omegaverse elements (a society system of alphas, betas, omegas, heat cycles, mating bites and knotting…)
- slow burn!
- heroine dressed as a lad (brief)
- bet (while playing cards)
- compromised heroine
- musician hero – he plays the piano passionately
- lightest feeling of taboo/forbidden love – the hero is like an older brother to the heroine and calls her ‘little sister’
- kinks include brat/punishment dynamics, figging, spanking, praise, edging, knife play including marking
- higher steam – 6ish full scenes plus other partials/punishment scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 18, I didn't see hero mentioned but I think it's just a bit older than the heroine. I would guess maybe mid 20s
First lines:
Alone. That’s where I find myself at The Rose and Thorne on such a desolate evening.
My thoughts:
Things I’ve been absolutely loving about Murdoch’s writing in this series:
- it’s angsty!
- it’s character driven!
- I like that she can steamy yet also feel like a slow burn (gives such great tension)
- lots from the hero’s POV
- her intimate scenes take time – they are detailed and emotional and also explicit at the same time
I’ve had an awakening recently and it’s that brat is MY THING. I just love brat elements – love love love. And I haven’t really come across is in historical romance so I was super excited to see this at play here. This book had a lot of things going for it that I like (many listed above) – I really loved the slower bun of this one. Lots of great tension building – maybe a bit TOO much as I wanted more by the end of the book 😆 I do think that is a minor complaint about this one. The hero seemed really upset with the heroine’s behavior and hadn’t really ‘accepted’ it enough for me by the end of the book, so his turn around and the HEA felt a bit too soon. I wanted to see him solidify in his acceptance of how she behaves by the end – he was feeling so uncertain about their relationship most of the book.
Overall though this is probably my second favorite of the series. There’s something about book 1 that I think I still loved just a touch more, (I think they are both compromised heroine though??? which is a fave for me) I’ll have to reread it sometime and assess. But still loving this series!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 7
Average rating: 4.88 stars (what can I say, I love her dark angst!)
Favorite book: The Duke’s Unwilling Bride but this was a close second!
Quotes
Mmm
Still though, his light brown eyes settle on me, and for a moment, I find myself robbed of air. Even though I place my hand against my chest, I cannot will breath to fill my lungs. What in the all the heavens is wrong with me? The man has the nerve to smirk as he runs his thumb along his bottom lip.
----
As he gets ready to punish…
Eventually, he stands up straight. I crane my neck to watch him loosen his cravat and pull it from his shirt. With that one motion, everything in me clenches. I don’t understand it, and yet, it makes me crave him all the more.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- mention of parental loss and grief
- fire of a bawdy house on page
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: No
Hows the consent? It’s overall good – there’s some darker elements here, but both are wanting the sex acts – the hero is definitely controlling and pushy about bedroom things.
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) I don’t believe it’s discussed?
11% - 🔥 heroine self pleasure (interrupted) but then she continues
Almost there. Tears spark behind my eyelids as everything clenches. So close. So very, very close.
28% - 🔥 spanking (punishment for being out on the unsafe streets) that ends with a hero self pleasuring after she’s gone
Still though, it can’t hurt to imagine her kneeling in front of me, her eyes sparkling as I teach her how to take me in her mouth.
40% - 🔥punishment scene – heroine in the corner, then figging, spanking, heroine self pleasure in front of the hero
“Good girl,” he groans as he slips one of his hands into his lap. “Release for me. Let me see your pleasure.”
55% - gagging of heroine while hero straddles her face down on the bed and confronts her about her behavior, then anal play, followed a bit later by introduction of anal dilators (this whole time he forbids her to come)
“You will hear me now, Augusta. Only good girls get pleasure from my hands, my mouth, and my cock upon their lovely quims. Have you been a good girl?”
67% - 🔥 heroine is blindfolded, anal play, heroine self pleasure with hero stopping her (edging), while he self pleasures
“You’re doing so good for me,” he groans softly, his hot breath washing over my clit. “God, but I cannot wait to taste you. I bet you are just as divine as I imagine. Now stroke yourself. Touch your slickened flesh so that I may lap it off your fingertips.”
80% - 🔥 light fingering, spanking, anal, fingering for her
“When will you ever know your place,” he finally roars.
For a moment, very real fear slithers through my veins as he leans forward, his eyes wild, and his demeanor unhinged.
“My place. And where exactly is my place?”
“Under me.” Those two words spoken on a soft growl do more to me than I dare let on.
90% - there are some scenes of the hero jerking off while the heroine is sleeping and leaving a semen present on her bed 😂
97% - 🔥 knife play and bondage, missionary, mating bite
I don’t stop. I can’t stop. Each thrust becomes erratic as I force myself past the tight ring of her entrance. Once I’m fully seated, I sink my teeth into her delicate skin.
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: first person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: Fairly soon in, about 7% or so (chapter 3)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the couple
Epilogue: Yes, but it’s not about the main couple – it’s more of a lead in (prologue) to the next couple
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from the author in e-book format (thank you!!!) I am just really late in writing my review...
Turning toward Augusta, I beam down at the woman who has connived to leg-shackle me. “She has agreed, though she has no choice. Her heart and mine are of one accord.” Dipping my head lower, I continue where only she can hear me. “I hope you are well aware of what you're doing, you little minx. You wanted me so desperately, and now you have me. Every. Depraved. Inch.”
Should I read in order?
You could, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Each book is very focused on that couple. There is some minor page time with other characters from the series. If you’d like to read in order, start with The Duke’s Christmas Rejection, but know it ends on a cliffhanger and their HEA hasn’t been written as of yet. (If that bothers you, start with The Duke’s Unwilling Bride, which is book 1)
Basic plot:
Augusta is drawn to Benedict, but also can’t help fighting him on everything he demands.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period
- brother’s best friend
- brat
- omegaverse elements (a society system of alphas, betas, omegas, heat cycles, mating bites and knotting…)
- slow burn!
- heroine dressed as a lad (brief)
- bet (while playing cards)
- compromised heroine
- musician hero – he plays the piano passionately
- lightest feeling of taboo/forbidden love – the hero is like an older brother to the heroine and calls her ‘little sister’
- kinks include brat/punishment dynamics, figging, spanking, praise, edging, knife play including marking
- higher steam – 6ish full scenes plus other partials/punishment scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 18, I didn't see hero mentioned but I think it's just a bit older than the heroine. I would guess maybe mid 20s
First lines:
Alone. That’s where I find myself at The Rose and Thorne on such a desolate evening.
My thoughts:
Things I’ve been absolutely loving about Murdoch’s writing in this series:
- it’s angsty!
- it’s character driven!
- I like that she can steamy yet also feel like a slow burn (gives such great tension)
- lots from the hero’s POV
- her intimate scenes take time – they are detailed and emotional and also explicit at the same time
I’ve had an awakening recently and it’s that brat is MY THING. I just love brat elements – love love love. And I haven’t really come across is in historical romance so I was super excited to see this at play here. This book had a lot of things going for it that I like (many listed above) – I really loved the slower bun of this one. Lots of great tension building – maybe a bit TOO much as I wanted more by the end of the book 😆 I do think that is a minor complaint about this one. The hero seemed really upset with the heroine’s behavior and hadn’t really ‘accepted’ it enough for me by the end of the book, so his turn around and the HEA felt a bit too soon. I wanted to see him solidify in his acceptance of how she behaves by the end – he was feeling so uncertain about their relationship most of the book.
Overall though this is probably my second favorite of the series. There’s something about book 1 that I think I still loved just a touch more, (I think they are both compromised heroine though??? which is a fave for me) I’ll have to reread it sometime and assess. But still loving this series!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 7
Average rating: 4.88 stars (what can I say, I love her dark angst!)
Favorite book: The Duke’s Unwilling Bride but this was a close second!
Quotes
Mmm
Still though, his light brown eyes settle on me, and for a moment, I find myself robbed of air. Even though I place my hand against my chest, I cannot will breath to fill my lungs. What in the all the heavens is wrong with me? The man has the nerve to smirk as he runs his thumb along his bottom lip.
----
As he gets ready to punish…
Eventually, he stands up straight. I crane my neck to watch him loosen his cravat and pull it from his shirt. With that one motion, everything in me clenches. I don’t understand it, and yet, it makes me crave him all the more.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- mention of parental loss and grief
- fire of a bawdy house on page
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
11% - 🔥 heroine self pleasure (interrupted) but then she continues
Almost there. Tears spark behind my eyelids as everything clenches. So close. So very, very close.
28% - 🔥 spanking (punishment for being out on the unsafe streets) that ends with a hero self pleasuring after she’s gone
Still though, it can’t hurt to imagine her kneeling in front of me, her eyes sparkling as I teach her how to take me in her mouth.
40% - 🔥punishment scene – heroine in the corner, then figging, spanking, heroine self pleasure in front of the hero
“Good girl,” he groans as he slips one of his hands into his lap. “Release for me. Let me see your pleasure.”
55% - gagging of heroine while hero straddles her face down on the bed and confronts her about her behavior, then anal play, followed a bit later by introduction of anal dilators (this whole time he forbids her to come)
“You will hear me now, Augusta. Only good girls get pleasure from my hands, my mouth, and my cock upon their lovely quims. Have you been a good girl?”
67% - 🔥 heroine is blindfolded, anal play, heroine self pleasure with hero stopping her (edging), while he self pleasures
“You’re doing so good for me,” he groans softly, his hot breath washing over my clit. “God, but I cannot wait to taste you. I bet you are just as divine as I imagine. Now stroke yourself. Touch your slickened flesh so that I may lap it off your fingertips.”
80% - 🔥 light fingering, spanking, anal, fingering for her
“When will you ever know your place,” he finally roars.
For a moment, very real fear slithers through my veins as he leans forward, his eyes wild, and his demeanor unhinged.
“My place. And where exactly is my place?”
“Under me.” Those two words spoken on a soft growl do more to me than I dare let on.
90% - there are some scenes of the hero jerking off while the heroine is sleeping and leaving a semen present on her bed 😂
97% - 🔥 knife play and bondage, missionary, mating bite
I don’t stop. I can’t stop. Each thrust becomes erratic as I force myself past the tight ring of her entrance. Once I’m fully seated, I sink my teeth into her delicate skin.
Robot Daddy by Rayanna Jamison, Allysa Hart
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
medium-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
4.0
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (I knocked a star for the ending and I’m tempted to knock 2...)
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, quite a bit
Perspective: first person from the heroine only
More character focused or plot focused? maybe character?
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Stella builds her boyfriend in the first chapter and starts interacting with him in chapter 2
Cliffhanger: No, but this DOES NOT END WITH A HEA (It has some kind of happy ending for the heroine, but I would not qualify this one as a romance
Epilogue: Yes, about 6 months later
Format: bought the e-book for $0 and read in e-book form
“I could kiss you all day, baby, but then I might not be able to fulfill my promises about tonight, and that is simply not okay.”
Should I read in order?
I think these are standalones within the series? This one was fine alone.
Basic plot:
Stella needs a date to her sisters wedding...to her ex! So she builds a robot date.
Give this a try if you want:
- PLEASE NOTE THIS DOES NOT HAVE A TRADITIONAL HEA
- contemporary
- robotics engineer heroine
- sentient robot hero
- fake relationship
- kinks – daddy/LG, spanking, D/s elements
- special equipment downstairs
- mid steam – 2 full scenes (plus another short one I combined with another flame)
Ages:
- Heroine is 30. She builds the hero so he’s only a few days old but is built like a 30ish year old man?
First line:
“Shitballs!” I swore loudly as I grabbed the thick white envelope with the fancy calligraphy writing from the top of the stack of mail, glaring at it as if something were about the jump out and bite me.
My thoughts:
So I really loved so much about this book! It was surprisingly endearing and full of heart, and funny and delightful and I loved these characters so much! It was a humorous read that has your rooting for the characters so much.
But….the ending. It was just not okay to me. While I get what happened here, I felt like the ending was unfair and we should have been able to have the robot fantasy and the HEA!
I still really enjoyed this book. I’ll be searching out more from these authors!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating: 4 stars
Favorite book: This one!
Cock/Hero Stats:
- Stella’s Build-A-Boyfriend was 6 feet tall and made of silicone, washboard abs, blue-green eyes and dimples
- Rob builds himself a cock with buttons to control the attachments/specifications on his wrist freckles. His cock can vibrate and thrust all on it’s own (no manual movement), a clit vibrator attachment can come out, a cooling setting, and even bumps and ridges can be added. It can also rotate in circles. So vibrating, twisting, thrusting and changing temperature...
80% - the previous scene is followed by a quicky the next morning
Endearments
The hero calls the heroine ‘little Einstein’, and the heroine calls the hero ‘daddy’
Quotes/thoughts: (Any mistakes are my own)
He rolled his neck, rotating his head. He formed fists with his hands and then opened them again. He blinked, and then blinked again. His mouth opened, and he cocked his head, appearing to look right at me. His hand raised, and his finger crooked. He caught my chin with the curve of his finger, and looked at me as if he could see into my soul.
My mouth dried up. My palms grew damp, and my pussy clenched and throbbed.
“Hello,” I whispered because I had to say something.
“Hello,” Build-A-Boyfriend parroted my greeting back to me.
//
“I’m Robo-Rob.” He still held my chin in the crook of his finger, and his features seemed to soften when he spoke to me in a hushed whisper.
//
“I think I will just call you Rob,” I chuckled, jerking my chin to break free from his hold.
He frowned at the loss of contact and reached for my hand, folding it into his as he stared into my eyes, as if daring me to pull away. “How about you call me Daddy?”
---
“Because,” he whispered, pressing his body harder against mine, “I find you cute and endearing and funny and sexy as hell.” His lips closed over mine, and he kissed me, rendering me fully speechless as my brain processed the fact that I was making out with a robot. And enjoying it.
He pulled away, just enough so that our lips were no longer touching. “I’d say you make me hard, but you seem to have forgotten that part of my anatomy.”
---
“You’re not hearing me. But I have been listening to you. You want me to act a certain way around your family, and I understand that. But newsflash, little girl, they aren’t here, and if you want to get up, you’re going to agree to a few things.”
“Okay,” I whimpered, feeling the familiar prick of stinging tears in the corners of my eyes.
“I will act however you want when they are around. I will be the perfect boyfriend, and woo them completely. I will make your dickwod of an ex regret ever hooking up with your little sister, much less asking her to marry him, and I will make her so jealous she can’t see straight.”
---
“Oh. Oh. Oh, Stella.” His voice was a mixture of concern and hilarity. “You didn’t!”
“I did,” I groaned, peeking at him from between my fingers.
“You had sex with a robot? Really? I mean, I know it’s been a while, but really?”
Content warnings: (This should be taken as a minimum because I could have missed some!)
- minor scenes of drinking wine in excess
- boyfriend is a robot that uses AI technology
- minor scenes of smoking
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: He’s a virgin robot, so no diseases or semen.
Hows the consent? It’s good
Pregnancy/children in story? No children in the story. No pregnancy. There is a side character that’s pregnant.
13% - kiss
38% - kisses
47% - 🔥 oral for her
He took my hand and backed me up, out of the bathroom, until I was against the edge of the bed then smiled and gave me a gentle push onto the mattress.
70% - kiss
74% - 🔥 kisses, fingering for her, sex (missionary/her on top) and I think there’s another quick scene the morning after
“Let’s be honest.” He spoke confidently in a voice that made me ache with need. “A finger or a tongue is all well and good, but sometimes a girl just needs that dick.”
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, quite a bit
Perspective: first person from the heroine only
More character focused or plot focused? maybe character?
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Stella builds her boyfriend in the first chapter and starts interacting with him in chapter 2
Cliffhanger: No, but this DOES NOT END WITH A HEA (It has some kind of happy ending for the heroine, but I would not qualify this one as a romance
Epilogue: Yes, about 6 months later
Format: bought the e-book for $0 and read in e-book form
“I could kiss you all day, baby, but then I might not be able to fulfill my promises about tonight, and that is simply not okay.”
Should I read in order?
I think these are standalones within the series? This one was fine alone.
Basic plot:
Stella needs a date to her sisters wedding...to her ex! So she builds a robot date.
Give this a try if you want:
- PLEASE NOTE THIS DOES NOT HAVE A TRADITIONAL HEA
- contemporary
- robotics engineer heroine
- sentient robot hero
- fake relationship
- kinks – daddy/LG, spanking, D/s elements
- special equipment downstairs
- mid steam – 2 full scenes (plus another short one I combined with another flame)
Ages:
- Heroine is 30. She builds the hero so he’s only a few days old but is built like a 30ish year old man?
First line:
“Shitballs!” I swore loudly as I grabbed the thick white envelope with the fancy calligraphy writing from the top of the stack of mail, glaring at it as if something were about the jump out and bite me.
My thoughts:
So I really loved so much about this book! It was surprisingly endearing and full of heart, and funny and delightful and I loved these characters so much! It was a humorous read that has your rooting for the characters so much.
But….the ending. It was just not okay to me. While I get what happened here, I felt like the ending was unfair and we should have been able to have the robot fantasy and the HEA!
I still really enjoyed this book. I’ll be searching out more from these authors!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating: 4 stars
Favorite book: This one!
Cock/Hero Stats:
- Stella’s Build-A-Boyfriend was 6 feet tall and made of silicone, washboard abs, blue-green eyes and dimples
- Rob builds himself a cock with buttons to control the attachments/specifications on his wrist freckles. His cock can vibrate and thrust all on it’s own (no manual movement), a clit vibrator attachment can come out, a cooling setting, and even bumps and ridges can be added. It can also rotate in circles. So vibrating, twisting, thrusting and changing temperature...
80% - the previous scene is followed by a quicky the next morning
Endearments
Quotes/thoughts: (Any mistakes are my own)
He rolled his neck, rotating his head. He formed fists with his hands and then opened them again. He blinked, and then blinked again. His mouth opened, and he cocked his head, appearing to look right at me. His hand raised, and his finger crooked. He caught my chin with the curve of his finger, and looked at me as if he could see into my soul.
My mouth dried up. My palms grew damp, and my pussy clenched and throbbed.
“Hello,” I whispered because I had to say something.
“Hello,” Build-A-Boyfriend parroted my greeting back to me.
//
“I’m Robo-Rob.” He still held my chin in the crook of his finger, and his features seemed to soften when he spoke to me in a hushed whisper.
//
“I think I will just call you Rob,” I chuckled, jerking my chin to break free from his hold.
He frowned at the loss of contact and reached for my hand, folding it into his as he stared into my eyes, as if daring me to pull away. “How about you call me Daddy?”
---
“Because,” he whispered, pressing his body harder against mine, “I find you cute and endearing and funny and sexy as hell.” His lips closed over mine, and he kissed me, rendering me fully speechless as my brain processed the fact that I was making out with a robot. And enjoying it.
He pulled away, just enough so that our lips were no longer touching. “I’d say you make me hard, but you seem to have forgotten that part of my anatomy.”
---
“You’re not hearing me. But I have been listening to you. You want me to act a certain way around your family, and I understand that. But newsflash, little girl, they aren’t here, and if you want to get up, you’re going to agree to a few things.”
“Okay,” I whimpered, feeling the familiar prick of stinging tears in the corners of my eyes.
“I will act however you want when they are around. I will be the perfect boyfriend, and woo them completely. I will make your dickwod of an ex regret ever hooking up with your little sister, much less asking her to marry him, and I will make her so jealous she can’t see straight.”
---
“Oh. Oh. Oh, Stella.” His voice was a mixture of concern and hilarity. “You didn’t!”
“I did,” I groaned, peeking at him from between my fingers.
“You had sex with a robot? Really? I mean, I know it’s been a while, but really?”
Content warnings: (This should be taken as a minimum because I could have missed some!)
- minor scenes of drinking wine in excess
- boyfriend is a robot that uses AI technology
- minor scenes of smoking
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story?
13% - kiss
38% - kisses
47% - 🔥 oral for her
He took my hand and backed me up, out of the bathroom, until I was against the edge of the bed then smiled and gave me a gentle push onto the mattress.
70% - kiss
74% - 🔥 kisses, fingering for her, sex (missionary/her on top) and I think there’s another quick scene the morning after
“Let’s be honest.” He spoke confidently in a voice that made me ache with need. “A finger or a tongue is all well and good, but sometimes a girl just needs that dick.”
Hide Me Darling by Maree Rose
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A touch, but overall this has heavier themes
Perspective: first person from all the 3 main characters but mostly from the heroine (only a few short chapters from the heroes)
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium (slower in the beginning)
When mains are first on page together: I felt like it took forever! There is some minimal mention on the blog post that they ‘know’ Hydessa is on the island but they aren’t actually on page together until about 28% (technically Hydessa meets both male main characters before this point but the reader has no idea they are the ‘masked men’)
Cliffhanger: the mains end with a happy for now, but the story ends with a cliffhanger for the sister’s story, which will be book 3
Epilogue: Yes, but it’s more of a prologue for the next book
Format: read an e-book copy through kindle unlimited
Should I read in order?
I think you should! It’s not 100% necessary, but there is character overlap (the heroine in this story is the daughter of the throuple in book 1) and there’s some plot mentions.
Basic plot:
Hydessa is drawn into a blog detailing murders in a small island town and goes undercover to solve the case.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- Island/small town setting
- MFM pairing (no M/M)
- darker romance elements with content warnings
- mystery in the plot
- detective heroine
- obsessive/possessive heroes
- we’ll watch you while you sleep...
- size difference (taller heroes)
- pierced heroes
- kinks including breath/throat play resulting in bruising, masks, praise, degradation, knife play including marking (with caretaking), bondage, degradation (more like ‘you’re our little slut’…), masochism, primal play
- higher steam – 5ish full scenes (I don’t count a random encounter with another male character)
Ages:
- heroine is 25, didn’t catch heroes but I think they are somewhat close in age
First line:
Somethings I wonder what it would be like to be normal.
My thoughts:
I am conflicted about this book! I loved book 1 for what it was – pure masked man ravishment….but the plot was quite weak and the whole mystery was weak too (not that I cared because I wasn’t here for that…). I do think this book improved on the plot and the characters and gave a bit more depth.
I do think there was a lot of similarities between the two books. The setting was different, but the relationship aspect was 100% similar even down to the childhood memories. I didn’t mind that toooo much because I went into this book wanting what I got and I didn’t necessary need a lot of originality.
Maybe I’m just a lame poor sport, but I despised how the children called their parents Truth and Dare?? I just thought that was weird – I guess I took it as more special for the heroine from that book (Hunt Me Darling) and not for the kids. Like that was all the dirty talk and names in book 1….and since Hydessa calls them Dad and Papa or whatever, I didn’t see a reason for her to call them that (I understand not wanting to give away the identities from book 1 in case people haven’t read that...but again Dad and Papa do that just fine from her perspective.) And while I liked the idea of Hide and Seek for this book being a theme, I really hated the play on that for their names (HYDEssa and SEAnna) and how every. Single. Time. They called each other they went through their hide and seek lines….minor complaints but it did pull me out of the story!
Another minor complaint -
okay – the random guy she has sex with in the club, I didn’t need that scene at all. It just seemed so pointless. I guess it was to establish the darkness in her heart, how she has a hard time connecting emotionally and sexually with partners due to it. But I felt like that could have been given with some reflection scenes from her.
And last complaint….while this was a bit of an improvement from book 1 it was also driving me nuts – the amount of characters you were introduced to in the beginning. Maybe I wouldn't have minded as much if we had some interaction between the heroine and heroes, but we had to wait forever for that so at that point I was like omg I don’t care about any more peopleeeeeeee…..
But overall I liked a lot about this book. I am in my mask kink era for sure and this met that fantasy. I didn’t find it quite as….gory-ish as book 1 which was again an improvement for me, but it also wasn’t quite as steamy as book 1 either.
All that aside I’m totally going to be reading book 3 when it comes out!!!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating: 4.5 stars
Favorite book: Hunt Me Darling
Endearments
The heroes call the heroine ‘darling’, ‘darling girl’, ‘little shadow’
Quotes
I do not go into these books expecting any kind of perfection or impressive plotline but things like this make me wonder about her intelligence
Suddenly, fingers grip the mask covering on my face, turning me to look into the neon green smiling face that has my eyes wincing under the harshness of the light. I had let myself be distracted by the person in front of me and forgot the other one.
---
An example of the dubcon and noncon in the book
“Oh, you cut me, darling girl. But we don’t need permission. We own you and your darkness, even if you aren’t ready to accept that.”
---
Green-masks bare hand quickly wraps around my throat, his fingers pressing into my skin causing my pulse to speed up. “Funny, your heart rate says something different.”
The red-masked figured steps more firmly up behind me, and I can feel the entire length of their body.
---
Again, what kind of cop is she????
Then cursing myself for not even considering the possibility before now, I get the small scanner I have to check for bugs. It was given to me by Uncle Max, and he would be so disappointed in me for not using it when I arrived.
---
I see the moment they enter the room, their neon masks casting red and green glows as they walk straight toward me. My heart is hammering inside me as Cain kneels in front of me, his mask glowing a sinister red.
“The cookies,” I manage to grind out, my voice barely a whisper.
Cain tilts his head, studying me for a moment. “It wasn’t in the cookies,” he says before reaching for me, picking me up like my weight means nothing and throwing me over his shoulder.
---
Abel’s grip on me is firm but not painful, his body a solid, unyielding presence behind me.
He must have raised his mask because I can feel his breath against my neck, slow and measured, sniffing at my skin. It contrasts sharply with my own rapid, panicked breaths, but I can’t move my head enough to see his face. Then I feel his tongue touch my neck, licking at me, tasting me.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- heroine works in law enforcement
- murder and violence on page (committed by the mains)
- stalking and forceful/aggressive heroes
- dubious consent at best – some aspects stay into noncon though this is written very much as a ravishment fantasy and we know the heroine is intrigued
- heroine is intimate on page with someone, but it’s before she meets the heroes
- drugging and kidnapping of the heroine by the heroes
- branding
- getting turned on by murdering people
- heroes cut out the heroine’s birth control and put a tracker under her skin
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: heroine is on birth control. A condom is used in a random encounter at a bar. I don’t believe there’s any protection used from the heroes and they also cut out her birth control while she was sedated
Hows the consent? If you prefer consent in your books, I would not read this. There are scenes of dubious and non consensual acts. It’s very ravishment fantasy.
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) No children in the story, and I don’t believe there’s much talk of having children or pregnancy, but the heroes cut out her birth control and don’t use protection so there is a light element of ‘breeding’ vibes….
8% - sex in the club between Hydessa (pretending to be her sister) and a male stranger
32% - 🔥 heroine self pleasure that is interrupted by the heroes on the TV
“We told you we would come for you,” Abel’s modulated voice joins, darker, more menacing. “From that moment on, you belonged to us.”
A shiver runs down my spine. I can almost feel his touch again, sending a jolt of arousal through me.
“Now, lay back,” Cain’s voice is softer now, almost coaxing. “Show us what belongs to us.”
45% - 🔥 heroine is drugged, kidnapped and chained to the bed. Knife play, marking, choking, fingering for her, Cain (with plenty of piercings) fucks Hydessa while Abel (with one piercing) fucks her mouth. When Cain finishes, Abel does her doggy style
“Do you want more now, baby girl? Do you want our cocks?” Cain’s question hangs in the air, a challenge and a promise wrapped in one.
60% - 🔥 primal play in the closed carnival – Cain chases Hydessa through the house of mirrors and fucks her...
“I’m going to fuck you now, little shadow I’m going to impale you on my cock and savor every delicious sound you make.
71% - 🔥 fingering for her by Abel, bj for Cain, Abel takes her from behind in the cave
I open and he presses forward, groaning as my lips wrap around him. The piercings along the underside of his length are cold compared the warmth of my mouth, and I flick my tongue against them, wondering if they are sensitive. I hear the catch in his breath as his cock twitches inside my mouth, so I do it again.
92% - 🔥 oral for her, then DP with both (1V1A)
“You want to know the only difference between now and when I had that mask on and you didn’t know who I was?” Before I can answer, he wraps his hands around the back of my knees and jerks me toward the edge of the bed. “”This,” he says, ripping my underwear from my body with one swift motion.
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A touch, but overall this has heavier themes
Perspective: first person from all the 3 main characters but mostly from the heroine (only a few short chapters from the heroes)
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium (slower in the beginning)
When mains are first on page together: I felt like it took forever! There is some minimal mention on the blog post that they ‘know’ Hydessa is on the island but they aren’t actually on page together until about 28% (technically Hydessa meets both male main characters before this point but the reader has no idea they are the ‘masked men’)
Cliffhanger: the mains end with a happy for now, but the story ends with a cliffhanger for the sister’s story, which will be book 3
Epilogue: Yes, but it’s more of a prologue for the next book
Format: read an e-book copy through kindle unlimited
Should I read in order?
I think you should! It’s not 100% necessary, but there is character overlap (the heroine in this story is the daughter of the throuple in book 1) and there’s some plot mentions.
Basic plot:
Hydessa is drawn into a blog detailing murders in a small island town and goes undercover to solve the case.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- Island/small town setting
- MFM pairing (no M/M)
- darker romance elements with content warnings
- mystery in the plot
- detective heroine
- obsessive/possessive heroes
- we’ll watch you while you sleep...
- size difference (taller heroes)
- pierced heroes
- kinks including breath/throat play resulting in bruising, masks, praise, degradation, knife play including marking (with caretaking), bondage, degradation (more like ‘you’re our little slut’…), masochism, primal play
- higher steam – 5ish full scenes (I don’t count a random encounter with another male character)
Ages:
- heroine is 25, didn’t catch heroes but I think they are somewhat close in age
First line:
Somethings I wonder what it would be like to be normal.
My thoughts:
I am conflicted about this book! I loved book 1 for what it was – pure masked man ravishment….but the plot was quite weak and the whole mystery was weak too (not that I cared because I wasn’t here for that…). I do think this book improved on the plot and the characters and gave a bit more depth.
I do think there was a lot of similarities between the two books. The setting was different, but the relationship aspect was 100% similar even down to the childhood memories. I didn’t mind that toooo much because I went into this book wanting what I got and I didn’t necessary need a lot of originality.
Maybe I’m just a lame poor sport, but I despised how the children called their parents Truth and Dare?? I just thought that was weird – I guess I took it as more special for the heroine from that book (Hunt Me Darling) and not for the kids. Like that was all the dirty talk and names in book 1….and since Hydessa calls them Dad and Papa or whatever, I didn’t see a reason for her to call them that (I understand not wanting to give away the identities from book 1 in case people haven’t read that...but again Dad and Papa do that just fine from her perspective.) And while I liked the idea of Hide and Seek for this book being a theme, I really hated the play on that for their names (HYDEssa and SEAnna) and how every. Single. Time. They called each other they went through their hide and seek lines….minor complaints but it did pull me out of the story!
Another minor complaint -
And last complaint….while this was a bit of an improvement from book 1 it was also driving me nuts – the amount of characters you were introduced to in the beginning. Maybe I wouldn't have minded as much if we had some interaction between the heroine and heroes, but we had to wait forever for that so at that point I was like omg I don’t care about any more peopleeeeeeee…..
But overall I liked a lot about this book. I am in my mask kink era for sure and this met that fantasy. I didn’t find it quite as….gory-ish as book 1 which was again an improvement for me, but it also wasn’t quite as steamy as book 1 either.
All that aside I’m totally going to be reading book 3 when it comes out!!!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating: 4.5 stars
Favorite book: Hunt Me Darling
Endearments
Quotes
I do not go into these books expecting any kind of perfection or impressive plotline but things like this make me wonder about her intelligence
Suddenly, fingers grip the mask covering on my face, turning me to look into the neon green smiling face that has my eyes wincing under the harshness of the light. I had let myself be distracted by the person in front of me and forgot the other one.
---
An example of the dubcon and noncon in the book
“Oh, you cut me, darling girl. But we don’t need permission. We own you and your darkness, even if you aren’t ready to accept that.”
---
Green-masks bare hand quickly wraps around my throat, his fingers pressing into my skin causing my pulse to speed up. “Funny, your heart rate says something different.”
The red-masked figured steps more firmly up behind me, and I can feel the entire length of their body.
---
Again, what kind of cop is she????
Then cursing myself for not even considering the possibility before now, I get the small scanner I have to check for bugs. It was given to me by Uncle Max, and he would be so disappointed in me for not using it when I arrived.
---
I see the moment they enter the room, their neon masks casting red and green glows as they walk straight toward me. My heart is hammering inside me as Cain kneels in front of me, his mask glowing a sinister red.
“The cookies,” I manage to grind out, my voice barely a whisper.
Cain tilts his head, studying me for a moment. “It wasn’t in the cookies,” he says before reaching for me, picking me up like my weight means nothing and throwing me over his shoulder.
---
Abel’s grip on me is firm but not painful, his body a solid, unyielding presence behind me.
He must have raised his mask because I can feel his breath against my neck, slow and measured, sniffing at my skin. It contrasts sharply with my own rapid, panicked breaths, but I can’t move my head enough to see his face. Then I feel his tongue touch my neck, licking at me, tasting me.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- heroine works in law enforcement
- murder and violence on page (committed by the mains)
- stalking and forceful/aggressive heroes
- dubious consent at best – some aspects stay into noncon though this is written very much as a ravishment fantasy and we know the heroine is intrigued
- heroine is intimate on page with someone, but it’s before she meets the heroes
- drugging and kidnapping of the heroine by the heroes
- branding
- getting turned on by murdering people
- heroes cut out the heroine’s birth control and put a tracker under her skin
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
8% - sex in the club between Hydessa (pretending to be her sister) and a male stranger
32% - 🔥 heroine self pleasure that is interrupted by the heroes on the TV
“We told you we would come for you,” Abel’s modulated voice joins, darker, more menacing. “From that moment on, you belonged to us.”
A shiver runs down my spine. I can almost feel his touch again, sending a jolt of arousal through me.
“Now, lay back,” Cain’s voice is softer now, almost coaxing. “Show us what belongs to us.”
45% - 🔥 heroine is drugged, kidnapped and chained to the bed. Knife play, marking, choking, fingering for her, Cain (with plenty of piercings) fucks Hydessa while Abel (with one piercing) fucks her mouth. When Cain finishes, Abel does her doggy style
“Do you want more now, baby girl? Do you want our cocks?” Cain’s question hangs in the air, a challenge and a promise wrapped in one.
60% - 🔥 primal play in the closed carnival – Cain chases Hydessa through the house of mirrors and fucks her...
“I’m going to fuck you now, little shadow I’m going to impale you on my cock and savor every delicious sound you make.
71% - 🔥 fingering for her by Abel, bj for Cain, Abel takes her from behind in the cave
I open and he presses forward, groaning as my lips wrap around him. The piercings along the underside of his length are cold compared the warmth of my mouth, and I flick my tongue against them, wondering if they are sensitive. I hear the catch in his breath as his cock twitches inside my mouth, so I do it again.
92% - 🔥 oral for her, then DP with both (1V1A)
“You want to know the only difference between now and when I had that mask on and you didn’t know who I was?” Before I can answer, he wraps his hands around the back of my knees and jerks me toward the edge of the bed. “”This,” he says, ripping my underwear from my body with one swift motion.
Twisted Shifters by Dallas Ryan, Amelia Elliot, Cora Day, Jayelle Dee
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Spread ‘Em by Cora Day
A Spreadsheet Shifter Romance
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Intimate Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: first person from both the heroine and the spreadsheet (haha)
More character focused or plot focused? kind of a mix?
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: No
Basic plot:
Rebecca is trying to finish her spreadsheet project during a solar storm.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance period
- sentient romance
- workplace romance-ish?
- spreadsheet ‘hero’ / human heroine
- shorter story
- mid to higher steam – 3 full scenes
My thoughts:
So, I do want to note this hero does look like he came from AI and is a computer program. With all the AI controversy, I know a story with this plot won’t be for everyone!
But I really liked it! It was just silly enough but also steamy and fun. The story definitely picked up for me once our hero had a corporeal form. It was a bit weird when she was groping her computer….
I liked the comeuppance for the villain in this story and how hard the hero worked to meet and exceed the heroine’s needs. Such a fun sentient romance!
Big Dragon Energy by Dallas Ryan
A Dragon Shifter Romance
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔 (This is a short novel!)
Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Intimate Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: first person from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? maybe plot?
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Chapter 1 the heroine is with the hero in ‘book’ form and he comes to her in her dreams but actual on page interaction is chapter 3
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: Yes, two weeks later
Basic plot:
Tessa gets a special book for her 30th birthday present...
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance setting (Texas)
- heroine is a librarian
- dragon hero that emerges from a book
- light language barrier
- hard instalove from the hero (fated mates)
- bond forms a tattoo on the heroine
- higher steam – 3 scenes in a shorter page count
My thoughts:
This was a pleasant read! A quick and steamy read with a dragon shifting hero that is OBSESSED with his heroine.
It took a bit for the mains to really be interacting with each other but once it happened I was so adoring this! I had one minor complaint, that the hero just seemed a bit too….like arrogantly contemporary?? He seemed to dive right into Tessa’s world….but still this was such a great especially to break up longer reads or just a nice palette cleanser (or lunchtime read!)
Hard Up by Jayelle Dee
A Vibro-Shifter Romance
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Intimate Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: third person from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: pretty soon – the first chapter
Cliffhanger: no this ends with a happy for now for the mains
Epilogue: no
Basic plot:
Vicki is gifted a perfect gold sculpture for her birthday after being dumped...
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary sentient romance
- toy hero
- undoing the curse
- higher steam – 5-ish full scenes in a shorter page count
My thoughts:
I wanted to love this one! And maybe it’s because I read Stiff by Thea Masen so recently and just truly adored it that I couldn’t help but want more from this novel.
I love the idea of a toy hero – it’s just fun. But I wasn’t in love with this story because the heroine just didn’t seem all in. I wasn’t a fan of her having a side quest with a man and didn’t really get the point of it – he kind of disappears. It did lead to some humorous scenes for sure though and I appreciated that!!!
Overall this is still a fun and short read, it just wasn’t a favorite for me. Very funny though and I would definitely try more from this author.
Ring My Bell by Amelia Elliot
A Cat Shifter Reverse Harem Romance
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Intimate Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes! I really enjoyed the humor in this one, though it’s a bit on the slapstick/over the top side
Perspective: third person from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: it takes a little bit for her to realize her cat is a human (but towards the end of chapter 1 of 8
Cliffhanger: This ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: No
Basic plot:
Niecy is in the middle of a messy break up when she realizes her 3 cats are actually human.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- PNR elements – the 3 heroes are cat shifters
- break the curse
- short and chubby heroine
- shorter novel
- why choose – heroine has 3 pet cats that shift into men
- medium to higher steam – 3 full scenes in a short page count
My thoughts:
Overall I liked this one! It was funny and sexy. The heroes were all very sweet and enthusiastic and I liked that.
There is a big plot point with the toxic ex-boyfriend and is the focus of the book. It was hard to read in some parts because he was just so truly awful and the way a side character got involved with him was so disappointing – but I did love the way it worked and was resolved within this short story!
A Spreadsheet Shifter Romance
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Intimate Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: first person from both the heroine and the spreadsheet (haha)
More character focused or plot focused? kind of a mix?
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: No
Basic plot:
Rebecca is trying to finish her spreadsheet project during a solar storm.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance period
- sentient romance
- workplace romance-ish?
- spreadsheet ‘hero’ / human heroine
- shorter story
- mid to higher steam – 3 full scenes
My thoughts:
So, I do want to note this hero does look like he came from AI and is a computer program. With all the AI controversy, I know a story with this plot won’t be for everyone!
But I really liked it! It was just silly enough but also steamy and fun. The story definitely picked up for me once our hero had a corporeal form. It was a bit weird when she was groping her computer….
I liked the comeuppance for the villain in this story and how hard the hero worked to meet and exceed the heroine’s needs. Such a fun sentient romance!
Big Dragon Energy by Dallas Ryan
A Dragon Shifter Romance
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔 (This is a short novel!)
Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Intimate Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: first person from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? maybe plot?
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Chapter 1 the heroine is with the hero in ‘book’ form and he comes to her in her dreams but actual on page interaction is chapter 3
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: Yes, two weeks later
Basic plot:
Tessa gets a special book for her 30th birthday present...
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance setting (Texas)
- heroine is a librarian
- dragon hero that emerges from a book
- light language barrier
- hard instalove from the hero (fated mates)
- bond forms a tattoo on the heroine
- higher steam – 3 scenes in a shorter page count
My thoughts:
This was a pleasant read! A quick and steamy read with a dragon shifting hero that is OBSESSED with his heroine.
It took a bit for the mains to really be interacting with each other but once it happened I was so adoring this! I had one minor complaint, that the hero just seemed a bit too….like arrogantly contemporary?? He seemed to dive right into Tessa’s world….but still this was such a great especially to break up longer reads or just a nice palette cleanser (or lunchtime read!)
Hard Up by Jayelle Dee
A Vibro-Shifter Romance
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Intimate Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: third person from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: pretty soon – the first chapter
Cliffhanger: no this ends with a happy for now for the mains
Epilogue: no
Basic plot:
Vicki is gifted a perfect gold sculpture for her birthday after being dumped...
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary sentient romance
- toy hero
- undoing the curse
- higher steam – 5-ish full scenes in a shorter page count
My thoughts:
I wanted to love this one! And maybe it’s because I read Stiff by Thea Masen so recently and just truly adored it that I couldn’t help but want more from this novel.
I love the idea of a toy hero – it’s just fun. But I wasn’t in love with this story because the heroine just didn’t seem all in. I wasn’t a fan of her having a side quest with a man and didn’t really get the point of it – he kind of disappears. It did lead to some humorous scenes for sure though and I appreciated that!!!
Overall this is still a fun and short read, it just wasn’t a favorite for me. Very funny though and I would definitely try more from this author.
Ring My Bell by Amelia Elliot
A Cat Shifter Reverse Harem Romance
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Intimate Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes! I really enjoyed the humor in this one, though it’s a bit on the slapstick/over the top side
Perspective: third person from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: it takes a little bit for her to realize her cat is a human (but towards the end of chapter 1 of 8
Cliffhanger: This ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: No
Basic plot:
Niecy is in the middle of a messy break up when she realizes her 3 cats are actually human.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- PNR elements – the 3 heroes are cat shifters
- break the curse
- short and chubby heroine
- shorter novel
- why choose – heroine has 3 pet cats that shift into men
- medium to higher steam – 3 full scenes in a short page count
My thoughts:
Overall I liked this one! It was funny and sexy. The heroes were all very sweet and enthusiastic and I liked that.
There is a big plot point with the toxic ex-boyfriend and is the focus of the book. It was hard to read in some parts because he was just so truly awful and the way a side character got involved with him was so disappointing – but I did love the way it worked and was resolved within this short story!
Dark Succession by Katee Robert
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ (I didn’t get a ton of tension because of the elements of instalust here)
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 (It’s hard to tell on audio! But a bit more than average length??)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (at least….note taking got bad. Might be 5/6 scenes total)
Humor: a bit
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine (and a few minor scenes from some other characters, villains, etc)
More character focused or plot focused? a mix but probably more plot
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: not too far in, about 7% or chapter
Cliffhanger: this ends with a happy ever after for the couple but a bit of a cliffy for the plot and other couples that their books are next in the series.
Epilogue: no
Format: listened to the audiobook from my library (hoopla), but I was also given a NetGalley ARC in e-book form and was very late in reviewing it….
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Robert’s The O’Malleys.
Basic plot:
Teague and Callista are forced in an arranged marriage for their families.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- Boston setting
- arranged marriage
- protective hero
- mafia romance
- who did this to you??
- touch of heroine nurses hero back to health
- higher steam – note taking was bad but I’d say at least 4-5 scenes between the mains and another scene between side characters
Ages:
- I didn’t hear them mentioned….would guess late 20s to early 30s?
First line: (taken from audio, might be butchered.)
Callista Sheriden pulled at the hem of her dress, wishing she’d chosen something else for this ill-advised trip.
My thoughts:
I did like this one overall. It was fun to have as an audiobook while I was doing other tasks. It took me a bit to get into the narrators here, though it may have just been the Boston accents too.
I didn’t get a ton of feels in this one though because of the elements of instalust between the mains. I liked how the hero was pretty much all in after meeting the heroine and very protective. I didn’t know what this one was about going in, and I’ve been wanting to try more ‘mafia’ plotlines so I liked that it was a pleasant surprise in that way!
I was annoyed with a few things here. I felt like I wanted the mains on page more. There was a lack of trust and communication between them while fucking which always leaves me with less feels...I guess I want that build up more...I would maybe read another in this series (specifically Kerrigan’s story) because I was kind of drawn into their story but that also bothered me a bit because I definitely prefer books that are focused on the main couple only.
So I’m not super eager to continue with the series but might at some point!
Endearments
The hero calls the heroine ‘angel’.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating: 4.5 stars
Favorite book: Neon Gods
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- assault on the heroine, choking, hitting, throwing her and another victim was in the room and may have been dead (not the hero)
- murder on page in self defense
- smoking, alcohol
- scenes of gun violence and death
- human trafficking
- violence including a bit of torture, whipping/caning (off page), physical beating
- minor mention of religion/Catholicism
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: Condoms used
Hows the consent? It’s good
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) There is talk about her needing to be ‘married to an appropriate man and extend the empire with children’ as a family responsibility. Both mention they do want kids someday, but use condoms during sex.
There is a kiss or two prior to 17%
24% - 🔥 kisses that lead to oral for her in a car
32% - 🔥 heroine self pleasure in the bath (maybe a touch short)
34% - 🔥 kisses, oral/fingering for her, bj for him (complete)
(Note taking got bodgy) about 60% 🔥 her on top sex
apparently I didn’t take any more notes...I know there’s a sex scene between Kerrigan and another character (sorry, terrible with names)...and I think maybe one more between Callie and Teague.
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ (I didn’t get a ton of tension because of the elements of instalust here)
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 (It’s hard to tell on audio! But a bit more than average length??)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (at least….note taking got bad. Might be 5/6 scenes total)
Humor: a bit
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine (and a few minor scenes from some other characters, villains, etc)
More character focused or plot focused? a mix but probably more plot
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: not too far in, about 7% or chapter
Cliffhanger: this ends with a happy ever after for the couple but a bit of a cliffy for the plot and other couples that their books are next in the series.
Epilogue: no
Format: listened to the audiobook from my library (hoopla), but I was also given a NetGalley ARC in e-book form and was very late in reviewing it….
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Robert’s The O’Malleys.
Basic plot:
Teague and Callista are forced in an arranged marriage for their families.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- Boston setting
- arranged marriage
- protective hero
- mafia romance
- who did this to you??
- touch of heroine nurses hero back to health
- higher steam – note taking was bad but I’d say at least 4-5 scenes between the mains and another scene between side characters
Ages:
- I didn’t hear them mentioned….would guess late 20s to early 30s?
First line: (taken from audio, might be butchered.)
Callista Sheriden pulled at the hem of her dress, wishing she’d chosen something else for this ill-advised trip.
My thoughts:
I did like this one overall. It was fun to have as an audiobook while I was doing other tasks. It took me a bit to get into the narrators here, though it may have just been the Boston accents too.
I didn’t get a ton of feels in this one though because of the elements of instalust between the mains. I liked how the hero was pretty much all in after meeting the heroine and very protective. I didn’t know what this one was about going in, and I’ve been wanting to try more ‘mafia’ plotlines so I liked that it was a pleasant surprise in that way!
I was annoyed with a few things here. I felt like I wanted the mains on page more. There was a lack of trust and communication between them while fucking which always leaves me with less feels...I guess I want that build up more...I would maybe read another in this series (specifically Kerrigan’s story) because I was kind of drawn into their story but that also bothered me a bit because I definitely prefer books that are focused on the main couple only.
So I’m not super eager to continue with the series but might at some point!
Endearments
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating: 4.5 stars
Favorite book: Neon Gods
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- assault on the heroine, choking, hitting, throwing her and another victim was in the room and may have been dead (not the hero)
- murder on page in self defense
- smoking, alcohol
- scenes of gun violence and death
- human trafficking
- violence including a bit of torture, whipping/caning (off page), physical beating
- minor mention of religion/Catholicism
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
There is a kiss or two prior to 17%
24% - 🔥 kisses that lead to oral for her in a car
32% - 🔥 heroine self pleasure in the bath (maybe a touch short)
34% - 🔥 kisses, oral/fingering for her, bj for him (complete)
(Note taking got bodgy) about 60% 🔥 her on top sex
apparently I didn’t take any more notes...I know there’s a sex scene between Kerrigan and another character (sorry, terrible with names)...and I think maybe one more between Callie and Teague.
The Marquess and His Muse by Lavinia Glen
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
4.75
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 (varies a bit, but decently long *wink wink *
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: third person from hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium to fast
When mains are first on page together: Almost immediately (chapter 1)
Cliffhanger: no, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: No
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from the author in e-book form (thank you!!)
Should I read in order?
I believe this is a standalone.
Basic plot:
An eloping couple on the run brings Thalia and the Murderous Marquess together.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian – 1867
- Marquess hero
- teaming up – the hero and heroine work together to find the heroine’s sister and hero’s brother who have run away together to elope
- sculptor hero
- size difference – heroine is tall but hero ‘dwarfs’ her
- widow heroine
- widower hero
- plus size heroine
- hero has a sweet tooth and feeds the heroine dessert
- well-endowed hero
- surprise virgin
- you’re okay with a bit of a possessive hero that can be a tad jerky
- higher steam – 4 full scenes within a shorter page count
Ages:
- hero is 42, didn’t see heroine mentioned
First line:
“What do you mean Artemis has eloped?” Lady Thalia Renier’s shocked exclamation reverberated throughout the cavernous drawing room of her father’s London townhouse.
My thoughts:
Oh I loved this novel! I have tried a few by Glen, but I think this one is my favorite.
I loved the working toward a goal that Thalia and William had in the beginning. There’s a bit of instalust at play here (short novel) and I loved them being together on a road trip (especially on a train!). William can definitely be a bit of a jerk towards the end – Glen can write heroes that kind of need a slap upside the head, you know? 😆 But the heroine’s in her books hold them accountable and Thalia was no different. She takes him immediately to task and stands up for herself and I enjoyed William having to realize his wrongs.
I also liked that there was more details about Thalia’s body image and how she is a touch self conscious. It wasn’t overdone at all - but I have read quite a few ‘full figured’ historical romance heroines and in so many of them it’s only a quick mention here or there and it’s very easy to forget there’s any body diversity in the character. So I really loved that aspect to it.
Endearments
The hero calls the heroine ‘sweetheart’, ‘my muse’, ‘my angel’ and ‘my darling’.
Quotes
I love this stuff!
Her travel bag slipped from her grasp and spilled its contents onto the stone floor. Flustered, she knelt to gather her belongings, only to have her hat knocked askew by a passing gentleman’s umbrella.
Just as she regained her composure and secured her hat, a young child darted past, brushing against her skirts and causing her to lose her balance. Thalia’s heart raced as she teetered on the edge of the platform.
Strong arms circled her, holding her secure against a solid body. She instinctively knew who it belonged to even before she heard the deep voice rumble in her ear.
“Good God, woman. Be careful.”
The Marquess.
---
“Here try this,” he said, offering a spoonful of cake overflowing with custard and sweet cream. She looked at it hesitantly, but the temptation was plain to see in her eyes. “Open your mouth, Thalia.”
She met his eyes and licked her lips in anticipation, making his cock twitch. But when she closed her mouth over the decadent morsel, and hummed in pleasure as the flavors caressed her palate, the rush of lust to his groin almost made him regret offering her the cake. Fuck, but he was in a state. If he didn’t pace himself, this encounter could turn embarrassing for him.
“That was delicious.”
He used his thumb to wipe a bit of cream from the corner of her lips and brought it to his mouth to lick it off. “You are right. Quite delicious.”
---
“My body is overabundant,” she said, looking down, her face flaming in shame at having to confess.
God, this man was gorgeous. He was a mountain of muscle and a face like a Greek god. How would he feel when he uncovered her doughy roundness?
“Yes, it is,” he rasped. His voice sounded strangled, pained. Was he going to back out? She would die.
“S-so you see. It is better if you leave so I can put on a shift. And we should dim the lights,” she added desperately.
“Not a fucking chance.”
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 4
Average rating: 4.5 stars
Favorite book: This one! (The Marquess and His Muse)
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- parental death
- death of hero’s spouse in a fire with her lover while she was pregnant
- both mains experienced infidelity from their spouses
- mention of heroine’s dead husband’s pedophilia
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: sheaths are talked about a lot and used
Hows the consent? It’s good
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) The hero was married and his wife cheated on him repeatedly and eventually got pregnant, but she died before the baby was born. No children in the story really and I don’t recall any mention of trying to get pregnant in the book – condoms are used. No epilogue so no post story babies.
24% - kiss on the train
29% - kisses
40% - 🔥 breast play, fingering for her, he comes against her thigh, then oral for her, bj for him (short), missionary
“My body is overabundant,” she said, looking down, her face flaming in shame at having to confess.
God, this man was gorgeous. He was a mountain of muscle and a face like a Greek god. How would he feel when he uncovered her doughy roundness?
“Yes, it is,” he rasped. His voice sounded strangled, pained. Was he going to back out? She would die.
“S-so you see. It is better if you leave so I can put on a shift. And we should dim the lights,” she added desperately.
“Not a fucking chance.”
66% - 🔥 bj (complete)
“I want you to get naked and then sit on my face. The better to enjoy you.”
“No.” She shook her head for emphasis. “I couldn’t possibly. Not here! Your servant is right next door.”
“We would retire to the sleeping berth, of course.” So saying, he stood up and grabbed her hand, pulling her up and towards the door of the sleeping compartment.
“He could still hear us.”
“Then you’ll have to be very quiet.”
69% - kiss
72% - 🔥 doggy
“I want...I need...the release. Give me the release.” Her voice was a whimper of need, her eyes scrunched shut, her head thrown back as she strained against him. Shame, embarrassment, and fears forgotten in the face of unrelenting need.
“I will, darling. I’ll give it to you.”
One of his hands sneaked around her waist and dipped between her legs, to caress the place where all sensation coalesced.
99% - 🔥 her on top
“Thalia, no. Wait. Don’t - “ His warning dissolved into a groan as her fingers closed over his hard flesh. She squeezed, pumpking slowly, touching him the way he had taught her, and was gratified when his thick member seemed to get even thicker and bigger in her hands.
“Fuuuck...”
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 (varies a bit, but decently long *wink wink *
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: third person from hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium to fast
When mains are first on page together: Almost immediately (chapter 1)
Cliffhanger: no, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: No
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from the author in e-book form (thank you!!)
Should I read in order?
I believe this is a standalone.
Basic plot:
An eloping couple on the run brings Thalia and the Murderous Marquess together.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian – 1867
- Marquess hero
- teaming up – the hero and heroine work together to find the heroine’s sister and hero’s brother who have run away together to elope
- sculptor hero
- size difference – heroine is tall but hero ‘dwarfs’ her
- widow heroine
- widower hero
- plus size heroine
- hero has a sweet tooth and feeds the heroine dessert
- well-endowed hero
- surprise virgin
- you’re okay with a bit of a possessive hero that can be a tad jerky
- higher steam – 4 full scenes within a shorter page count
Ages:
- hero is 42, didn’t see heroine mentioned
First line:
“What do you mean Artemis has eloped?” Lady Thalia Renier’s shocked exclamation reverberated throughout the cavernous drawing room of her father’s London townhouse.
My thoughts:
Oh I loved this novel! I have tried a few by Glen, but I think this one is my favorite.
I loved the working toward a goal that Thalia and William had in the beginning. There’s a bit of instalust at play here (short novel) and I loved them being together on a road trip (especially on a train!). William can definitely be a bit of a jerk towards the end – Glen can write heroes that kind of need a slap upside the head, you know? 😆 But the heroine’s in her books hold them accountable and Thalia was no different. She takes him immediately to task and stands up for herself and I enjoyed William having to realize his wrongs.
I also liked that there was more details about Thalia’s body image and how she is a touch self conscious. It wasn’t overdone at all - but I have read quite a few ‘full figured’ historical romance heroines and in so many of them it’s only a quick mention here or there and it’s very easy to forget there’s any body diversity in the character. So I really loved that aspect to it.
Endearments
The hero calls the heroine ‘sweetheart’, ‘my muse’, ‘my angel’ and ‘my darling’.
Quotes
I love this stuff!
Her travel bag slipped from her grasp and spilled its contents onto the stone floor. Flustered, she knelt to gather her belongings, only to have her hat knocked askew by a passing gentleman’s umbrella.
Just as she regained her composure and secured her hat, a young child darted past, brushing against her skirts and causing her to lose her balance. Thalia’s heart raced as she teetered on the edge of the platform.
Strong arms circled her, holding her secure against a solid body. She instinctively knew who it belonged to even before she heard the deep voice rumble in her ear.
“Good God, woman. Be careful.”
The Marquess.
---
“Here try this,” he said, offering a spoonful of cake overflowing with custard and sweet cream. She looked at it hesitantly, but the temptation was plain to see in her eyes. “Open your mouth, Thalia.”
She met his eyes and licked her lips in anticipation, making his cock twitch. But when she closed her mouth over the decadent morsel, and hummed in pleasure as the flavors caressed her palate, the rush of lust to his groin almost made him regret offering her the cake. Fuck, but he was in a state. If he didn’t pace himself, this encounter could turn embarrassing for him.
“That was delicious.”
He used his thumb to wipe a bit of cream from the corner of her lips and brought it to his mouth to lick it off. “You are right. Quite delicious.”
---
“My body is overabundant,” she said, looking down, her face flaming in shame at having to confess.
God, this man was gorgeous. He was a mountain of muscle and a face like a Greek god. How would he feel when he uncovered her doughy roundness?
“Yes, it is,” he rasped. His voice sounded strangled, pained. Was he going to back out? She would die.
“S-so you see. It is better if you leave so I can put on a shift. And we should dim the lights,” she added desperately.
“Not a fucking chance.”
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 4
Average rating: 4.5 stars
Favorite book: This one! (The Marquess and His Muse)
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- parental death
- death of hero’s spouse in a fire with her lover while she was pregnant
- both mains experienced infidelity from their spouses
- mention of heroine’s dead husband’s pedophilia
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
24% - kiss on the train
29% - kisses
40% - 🔥 breast play, fingering for her, he comes against her thigh, then oral for her, bj for him (short), missionary
“My body is overabundant,” she said, looking down, her face flaming in shame at having to confess.
God, this man was gorgeous. He was a mountain of muscle and a face like a Greek god. How would he feel when he uncovered her doughy roundness?
“Yes, it is,” he rasped. His voice sounded strangled, pained. Was he going to back out? She would die.
“S-so you see. It is better if you leave so I can put on a shift. And we should dim the lights,” she added desperately.
“Not a fucking chance.”
66% - 🔥 bj (complete)
“I want you to get naked and then sit on my face. The better to enjoy you.”
“No.” She shook her head for emphasis. “I couldn’t possibly. Not here! Your servant is right next door.”
“We would retire to the sleeping berth, of course.” So saying, he stood up and grabbed her hand, pulling her up and towards the door of the sleeping compartment.
“He could still hear us.”
“Then you’ll have to be very quiet.”
69% - kiss
72% - 🔥 doggy
“I want...I need...the release. Give me the release.” Her voice was a whimper of need, her eyes scrunched shut, her head thrown back as she strained against him. Shame, embarrassment, and fears forgotten in the face of unrelenting need.
“I will, darling. I’ll give it to you.”
One of his hands sneaked around her waist and dipped between her legs, to caress the place where all sensation coalesced.
99% - 🔥 her on top
“Thalia, no. Wait. Don’t - “ His warning dissolved into a groan as her fingers closed over his hard flesh. She squeezed, pumpking slowly, touching him the way he had taught her, and was gratified when his thick member seemed to get even thicker and bigger in her hands.
“Fuuuck...”
Dark Torment by Karen Robards
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (some are a bit longer)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥ish
Humor: A bit
Perspective: third person mostly from heroine, and some from the hero (and possibly a side character too?? If so, it’s brief)
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? medium to fast
When mains are first on page together: Pretty soon in, about pg 17 (towards the end of chapter 1)
Cliffhanger: no, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: yes
Format: read a paperback from the library
Why I chose this book: combined elements of wanting a book published in the year I was born for my library summer bingo challenge and our author of the month in our Vintage Romance FB group bring Karen Robards.
Should I read in order?
I believe this is a standalone.
Basic plot:
Sarah finds herself stepping between a convict and a beating that could take his life. She saves him and he’s brought back to their farm in the Outback.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian - 1838
- Australia setting
- Irish hero / Australian herione
- one horse
- kidnapped heroine
- forbidden love
- enemies to lovers
- heroine nurses hero back to health
- moonlight dance lessons
- size difference – hero tops the heroine by at least a foot
- revenge elements – the hero believes the heroine has wronged him and takes his due
- you have to be okay with quite a few content warnings including an owner/slave dynamic and strong dubious consent (more details in content warnings)
- definitely elements of a jerk hero, though he’s way more honorable than other old school heroes I have read
- medium steam – 3ish scenes (one scene fades a bit towards the end), plus plenty of kisses, partials and alluded to scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 22, I think hero is mid 30s, maybe around 35
First line:
“I don’t know what Pa can have been thinking about, telling us to meet him down here!”
My thoughts:
Overall I really enjoyed this one! It definitely had lots of things I loved – the beautiful Australian setting and a sweeping fast paced story that kept me interested. Dominic and Sarah are on page for much of the story and I loved that. There was some surprising moments of humor and sweetness for me from these two, and I enjoyed a great emotional pull from their story.
I struggled with a few minor things...some of the overbearing attitude of Dominic where he wouldn’t believe Sarah or even let her explain herself was trying, including some of the language used (I really hate when the hero calls the heroine a bitch….)
This novel has some very light scenes of body betrayed me (thinks like As she felt his body move, heard his lilting voice shouting at the recalcitrant sheep, and felt his thighs shifting beneath her own, Sarah realized to her horror that her body was responding blindly to his nearness. Having once learned the secret joys of being female, her body was reacting automatically to the overwhelming presence of the man who had schooled it. which usually really bothers me but since it was lighter here it was fine. (This is why I struggled with so many Johanna Lindsey books – let’s hate each other then fuck and go back to hating each other)
Few random reading stats for this author This won’t be totally accurate because I know I read some of hers in high school way before I started tracking.
# of books read: 3
Average rating: 4 stars
Favorite book: Tiger’s Eye
Endearments
The hero calls the heroine ‘cuilin’ and ‘my own’.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- fire (arson) with death of horses
- various scenes of violence, beatings, mention of death, gunfire
- slavery/indentured servant serving a convict sentence is a big plot point
- there is a bit of an owner/slave relationship in this one – the heroine’s father ‘buys’ the hero to serve his sentence on his farm
- attempted rape and physical assault of the heroine (not from hero)
- there is a lot of dubious consent in this novel with pushy hero behavior. Non consensual kisses. Sex can cross a bit into the ‘body betrayed me’ trope popular of the time and feel like rape because the heroine doesn’t truly understand what is happening/going to happen or trust her body and the hero doesn’t explain beforehand. For the second full scene he does ask and the consent is explicit (but she does waver a bit internally so it doesn’t feel solid.)
- some elements of domestic violence – the heroine smacks and whip at the hero’s face and cuts him and attempts to hit and punch him
- the hero does call the heroine a bitch more than once in the book
- lashing and imprisonment
Author content warnings? None given
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: Nope
Hows the consent? It’s not very good so if consent is important to you I would bypass this one. The hero does noncon kisses and is generally more pushy and aggressive with the heroine. The sex is more dubcon with some body betrayed me.
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) Most of the story is child free, but the heroine does fall pregnant towards the very end (last 30-50 pages-ish)
Pg 94 of 389 – forceful kiss
Pg 120 of 389 - kiss
Pg 160 of 389 – forceful, punishing kiss
Pg 216 of 389 – a bit of a partial with tension, longing and an almost kiss before the hero dumps her in the water for a bath
Pg 225 of 389 – kiss, fingering for her but it’s interrupted
Pg 272 of 389 – kisses, oral for her, missionary
more kisses and alluded to sex in the next 70 pages or so but no ‘full scenes’
Pg 355 of 389 – bj (incomplete and only a few short sentences), then missionary
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (some are a bit longer)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥ish
Humor: A bit
Perspective: third person mostly from heroine, and some from the hero (and possibly a side character too?? If so, it’s brief)
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? medium to fast
When mains are first on page together: Pretty soon in, about pg 17 (towards the end of chapter 1)
Cliffhanger: no, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: yes
Format: read a paperback from the library
Why I chose this book: combined elements of wanting a book published in the year I was born for my library summer bingo challenge and our author of the month in our Vintage Romance FB group bring Karen Robards.
Should I read in order?
I believe this is a standalone.
Basic plot:
Sarah finds herself stepping between a convict and a beating that could take his life. She saves him and he’s brought back to their farm in the Outback.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian - 1838
- Australia setting
- Irish hero / Australian herione
- one horse
- kidnapped heroine
- forbidden love
- enemies to lovers
- heroine nurses hero back to health
- moonlight dance lessons
- size difference – hero tops the heroine by at least a foot
- revenge elements – the hero believes the heroine has wronged him and takes his due
- you have to be okay with quite a few content warnings including an owner/slave dynamic and strong dubious consent (more details in content warnings)
- definitely elements of a jerk hero, though he’s way more honorable than other old school heroes I have read
- medium steam – 3ish scenes (one scene fades a bit towards the end), plus plenty of kisses, partials and alluded to scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 22, I think hero is mid 30s, maybe around 35
First line:
“I don’t know what Pa can have been thinking about, telling us to meet him down here!”
My thoughts:
Overall I really enjoyed this one! It definitely had lots of things I loved – the beautiful Australian setting and a sweeping fast paced story that kept me interested. Dominic and Sarah are on page for much of the story and I loved that. There was some surprising moments of humor and sweetness for me from these two, and I enjoyed a great emotional pull from their story.
I struggled with a few minor things...some of the overbearing attitude of Dominic where he wouldn’t believe Sarah or even let her explain herself was trying, including some of the language used (I really hate when the hero calls the heroine a bitch….)
This novel has some very light scenes of body betrayed me (thinks like As she felt his body move, heard his lilting voice shouting at the recalcitrant sheep, and felt his thighs shifting beneath her own, Sarah realized to her horror that her body was responding blindly to his nearness. Having once learned the secret joys of being female, her body was reacting automatically to the overwhelming presence of the man who had schooled it. which usually really bothers me but since it was lighter here it was fine. (This is why I struggled with so many Johanna Lindsey books – let’s hate each other then fuck and go back to hating each other)
Few random reading stats for this author This won’t be totally accurate because I know I read some of hers in high school way before I started tracking.
# of books read: 3
Average rating: 4 stars
Favorite book: Tiger’s Eye
Endearments
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- fire (arson) with death of horses
- various scenes of violence, beatings, mention of death, gunfire
- slavery/indentured servant serving a convict sentence is a big plot point
- there is a bit of an owner/slave relationship in this one – the heroine’s father ‘buys’ the hero to serve his sentence on his farm
- attempted rape and physical assault of the heroine (not from hero)
- there is a lot of dubious consent in this novel with pushy hero behavior. Non consensual kisses. Sex can cross a bit into the ‘body betrayed me’ trope popular of the time and feel like rape because the heroine doesn’t truly understand what is happening/going to happen or trust her body and the hero doesn’t explain beforehand. For the second full scene he does ask and the consent is explicit (but she does waver a bit internally so it doesn’t feel solid.)
- some elements of domestic violence – the heroine smacks and whip at the hero’s face and cuts him and attempts to hit and punch him
- the hero does call the heroine a bitch more than once in the book
- lashing and imprisonment
Author content warnings? None given
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
Pg 94 of 389 – forceful kiss
Pg 120 of 389 - kiss
Pg 160 of 389 – forceful, punishing kiss
Pg 216 of 389 – a bit of a partial with tension, longing and an almost kiss before the hero dumps her in the water for a bath
Pg 225 of 389 – kiss, fingering for her but it’s interrupted
Pg 272 of 389 – kisses, oral for her, missionary
more kisses and alluded to sex in the next 70 pages or so but no ‘full scenes’
Pg 355 of 389 – bj (incomplete and only a few short sentences), then missionary
After the Wedding by Courtney Milan
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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? No
4.0
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (1-2ish scenes. I didn’t take notes. There were a few scenes that were short and I wouldn’t count them as a full scene. At least one full scene though!)
Humor: a touch
Perspective: third person mostly from the hero and heroine (there is a bit from a side character’s POV towards the end of the book)
More character focused or plot focused? kind of a mix but probably more character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: There’s a bit of prologue that’s a jump ahead in the story but they aren’t interacting much – it takes a bit for them to be on page together but not overly long (I didn’t note it specifically, sorry!)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the couple
Epilogue: I think there was a bit of one? Sorry my notes were terrible with this read...the final chapter I think is from
Format: listened to the audiobook from the library (Hoopla)
Should I read in order?
Ideally yes. The series flows together and the story is about the Worth family and you’ll get a better feel for what the family has been through if you’ve read in order, and a stronger sense of their reconciliation.
Basic plot:
Camilla and Adrian are compromised and forced into marriage.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian romance – 1867
- compromised heroine
- marriage of necessity (hero gets married at gunpoint)
- finding lost family
- light secret identity from both mains
- working class mains
- lower steam – 1-2 full scenes. I didn’t take good notes. Most scenes were pretty short but there was one that was countable for sure and some kisses.
Ages:
- heroine is 20, didn’t catch hero
My thoughts:
I think one is my best liked of the series so far.
These characters are both individuals you are rooting for – they both have differing obstacles they face and I enjoyed how they really listened to each other and respected each other while trying to resolve their problems.
I remember a reader saying that Milan likes to take tropes and turn them on their heads and I can really see that in this ‘compromised heroine’ trope – it doesn’t go at all like you think it will go. There’s a lot of honesty, vulnerability and self reflection in our mains and they both desperately deserve their HEAs.
I do find myself struggling with this series a bit. Maybe it’s the….heaviness of it? They aren’t necessarily heavy books, but they are very real with real characters with flaws and real obstacles. They face racism and misogyny and insurmountable odds aren’t always overcome – but they do always find happiness.
This series feels not so much romance as it is family love and I am getting a bit attached to the family.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 7
Average rating: 4 stars
Favorite book: The Governess Affair
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- racism
- employee abuse
- lost family
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: I didn’t take notes! So I’m not sure...I want to say no
Hows the consent? It’s good!
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) No children in the story and I don’t think there’s any planning of children – they want an annulment so they refrain from sex most of the story
Readability: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (1-2ish scenes. I didn’t take notes. There were a few scenes that were short and I wouldn’t count them as a full scene. At least one full scene though!)
Humor: a touch
Perspective: third person mostly from the hero and heroine (there is a bit from a side character’s POV towards the end of the book)
More character focused or plot focused? kind of a mix but probably more character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: There’s a bit of prologue that’s a jump ahead in the story but they aren’t interacting much – it takes a bit for them to be on page together but not overly long (I didn’t note it specifically, sorry!)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the couple
Epilogue: I think there was a bit of one? Sorry my notes were terrible with this read...the final chapter I think is from
Format: listened to the audiobook from the library (Hoopla)
Should I read in order?
Ideally yes. The series flows together and the story is about the Worth family and you’ll get a better feel for what the family has been through if you’ve read in order, and a stronger sense of their reconciliation.
Basic plot:
Camilla and Adrian are compromised and forced into marriage.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian romance – 1867
- compromised heroine
- marriage of necessity (hero gets married at gunpoint)
- finding lost family
- light secret identity from both mains
- working class mains
- lower steam – 1-2 full scenes. I didn’t take good notes. Most scenes were pretty short but there was one that was countable for sure and some kisses.
Ages:
- heroine is 20, didn’t catch hero
My thoughts:
I think one is my best liked of the series so far.
These characters are both individuals you are rooting for – they both have differing obstacles they face and I enjoyed how they really listened to each other and respected each other while trying to resolve their problems.
I remember a reader saying that Milan likes to take tropes and turn them on their heads and I can really see that in this ‘compromised heroine’ trope – it doesn’t go at all like you think it will go. There’s a lot of honesty, vulnerability and self reflection in our mains and they both desperately deserve their HEAs.
I do find myself struggling with this series a bit. Maybe it’s the….heaviness of it? They aren’t necessarily heavy books, but they are very real with real characters with flaws and real obstacles. They face racism and misogyny and insurmountable odds aren’t always overcome – but they do always find happiness.
This series feels not so much romance as it is family love and I am getting a bit attached to the family.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 7
Average rating: 4 stars
Favorite book: The Governess Affair
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- racism
- employee abuse
- lost family
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: I didn’t take notes! So I’m not sure...I want to say no
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
A Bump in Boohail by Kimberly Lemming
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔 (By itself, it’s quite short and more plot based but read book 1 and you will get to know the characters!)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: first person from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: It takes awhile...about 41% (or chapter 2 of 3 of this short story)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends happily for the couple
Epilogue: No
Format: read an e-book version through kindle unlimited
A small rabbit charm lined with diamonds glittered in the pale moonlight. The band was an elegant string of rose gold that hugged loosely against my ankle. “Oh, it’s so cute!”
“Good.” Fallon ran his fingers along my thighs, teasing them further apart. “I kept going back and forth between that and a necklace – yet whenever I thought about anything else wrapped around your throat, my hands grew terribly jealous.”
Should I read in order?
YES! You should, at minimum, read book 1 of the Mead Mishaps series (That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon) because this feels like an extended epilogue. But the whole series is so fun, so reading the whole thing in order is a great choice.
Basic plot:
Cinnamon and Fallon experience a Samhain festival together.
Give this a try if you want:
- fantasy romance with a historical feel
- Samhain celebration
- short story
- medium steam – 1 full scene that takes up most of the second chapter
Ages:
- They might be mentioned in book 1, didn’t see them listed here
First line:
“Cinnamon, go talk to your husband or I’ll hit you with another pumpkin spice pancake.”
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this short story! I haven’t read Kimberly Lemming in awhile, and picked up the next book in the series for me (this one) because of the Diverse Baseline Challenge. It made me miss her work so much and now I want to catch up on everything I missed!
This is a short story, and definitely best after reading book 1 because it feels like an epilogue for Cinnamon and Fallon’s story. Fun, with a bit of light spookiness.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 4
Average rating: 5
Favorite book: That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- some light scenes of fear/spookiness
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: No
Hows the consent? It’s good
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) I don’t think there’s any talk of children/trying to get pregnant between the couple? There is unsafe sex but I can’t remember if there’s some other kind of contraceptive mentioned in their prior story (magical birth control, etc)
46% - kisses, oral for her, missionary, choking
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔 (By itself, it’s quite short and more plot based but read book 1 and you will get to know the characters!)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: first person from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: It takes awhile...about 41% (or chapter 2 of 3 of this short story)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends happily for the couple
Epilogue: No
Format: read an e-book version through kindle unlimited
A small rabbit charm lined with diamonds glittered in the pale moonlight. The band was an elegant string of rose gold that hugged loosely against my ankle. “Oh, it’s so cute!”
“Good.” Fallon ran his fingers along my thighs, teasing them further apart. “I kept going back and forth between that and a necklace – yet whenever I thought about anything else wrapped around your throat, my hands grew terribly jealous.”
Should I read in order?
YES! You should, at minimum, read book 1 of the Mead Mishaps series (That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon) because this feels like an extended epilogue. But the whole series is so fun, so reading the whole thing in order is a great choice.
Basic plot:
Cinnamon and Fallon experience a Samhain festival together.
Give this a try if you want:
- fantasy romance with a historical feel
- Samhain celebration
- short story
- medium steam – 1 full scene that takes up most of the second chapter
Ages:
- They might be mentioned in book 1, didn’t see them listed here
First line:
“Cinnamon, go talk to your husband or I’ll hit you with another pumpkin spice pancake.”
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this short story! I haven’t read Kimberly Lemming in awhile, and picked up the next book in the series for me (this one) because of the Diverse Baseline Challenge. It made me miss her work so much and now I want to catch up on everything I missed!
This is a short story, and definitely best after reading book 1 because it feels like an epilogue for Cinnamon and Fallon’s story. Fun, with a bit of light spookiness.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 4
Average rating: 5
Favorite book: That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- some light scenes of fear/spookiness
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
46% - kisses, oral for her, missionary, choking