I should not love this book, because it has a trope I hate: a revenge plot and deception after deception after deception. But it’s my favorite in the I should not love this book, because it has a trope I hate: a revenge plot and deception after deception after deception. But it’s my favorite in the MacCarrick brothers series and my favorite from Kresley Cole.
(This is a re-read, and I actually read this series in reverse order - which also ended up being my favorites order.)
Ethan is physically scarred at the order of a lord who catches him with his wife. Years after executing his revenge to turn the man destitute, he is enchanted by a woman he meets - who happens to be his enemies daughter. He creates a new plan of revenge around seducing and then betraying her.
But he doesn’t count on Maddie being so clever, kind, funny - and wrestles with his genuine feelings for her.
I love this book so much, even if there is sooooo much deception and it seems like every 50 pages Ethan is caught in another one of his lies. What can I say? I love an age gap, Beauty and the Beast story… especially where the hero has fallen so hard for the heroine. ...more
In a testament to the fact that marketing works and book people can be influenced by pretty covers and character art - I read this book after coming aIn a testament to the fact that marketing works and book people can be influenced by pretty covers and character art - I read this book after coming across the author’s Instagram and learning the hardcover book features character art (on the book itself) and she has cute book items on her Etsy including character art and maps.
You’re really expecting me to see those things and NOT pick up the book?!
This is book 1 in the Entangled with Fae series and takes place about 20 years after her Fair Isle Trilogy - however you do not need to read the trilogy before reading this (the heroine is mentioned a few times but does not make an appearance). This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling which is my freaking catnip, I will always read BATB stories. It also exists in a new Fae world, which is exciting and interesting as we just get a glimpse of this “new universe”.
There were definite ACOTAR vibes in this book (the first book in the series) due to the BATB setting and the curse on the hero, but I also felt some comparisons to The Deal With the Elf King because of the trickery/deals, curse, and type of romance. Ironically, I didn’t really like either of those books but really enjoyed this one.
I would classify it more as YA fantasy over romance. There is one sex scene but it’s very abstract and alluded to over actually steamy. Also, the romance is very tame and slow - it’s a single POV book so we see the hero and different situations only from the heroine’s eyes.
Go into this with the right expectations and I think you’ll really enjoy it.
CW: heroine is bullied for past physical relationship with a man she was not married or engaged to...more
This book felt a bit similar to The Sea Witch, the previous book in the series, and I say that only because both deal with revenge plots. I guess bookThis book felt a bit similar to The Sea Witch, the previous book in the series, and I say that only because both deal with revenge plots. I guess book 2 Learn My Lesson was also a revenge plot, but I felt the plot really dealt more with Meg/Hades’ “marriage in crisis” rather than Hades’ plot against Zeus.
Aurora has been a fun cameo character in all previous Wicked Villains books. She went from being the “perfect sub” to Meg’s second in command and a bit of a rebellious brat, one who threatens to set fire to homes to save her friends. There was always more to Aurora than what we saw, and in this book we figured out why.
Aurora goes on a complex journey in this book as she tries to dissect her feelings for Malone. I don’t know if it was the deception/history between them, or Malone’s icy exterior but… I couldn’t buy into their relationship as much as I did with other pairs. When you have a plot that’s based on revenge/lying/deception/hurt, there’s going to be a lack of emotional honesty and closeness.
Unfortunately, this was my least favorite of the Wicked Villains novels (so far).
I think it was a mix of things: 1. Revenge plots aren’t my favorite, Unfortunately, this was my least favorite of the Wicked Villains novels (so far).
I think it was a mix of things: 1. Revenge plots aren’t my favorite, along with tropes like fortune hunters and fake identities, because they involve lying. While the revenge plot was quick to be revealed so Zuri was aware of the betrayal quickly, it doesn’t change the fact that the base of their relationship was that Alaric tricked Zuri into loving him, and then he/Ursa tricked her into auctioning off her virginity. That’s major league messed up.
2. Zuri spent a few weeks with Alaric months before the start of the book. Alaric/Ursa have been “dating” for a while. But Zuri/Ursa don’t meet until the start of this book, and Zuri/Alaric aren’t honest with each other until the revenge plot is revealed. So their entire “relationship” happens within a few days. In every other book in the series so far, there has been existing relationships - except with Hercules, as he was added onto Meg/Hades’ 10 year long relationship. I couldn’t buy into the quick insta-love.
3. Ursa spent most of the book completely unsure of her feelings for Alaric. And even in the privacy of her mind, she didn’t *think* that she was in love with him and wanted him forever, she just thought that she couldn’t trust him. Then she randomly did a 180 on her emotions for both Alaric and Zuri.
I think if the book was about Ursa/Zuri or Ursa/Alaric I could’ve bought it more but something was missing in the triad relationship dynamics for me....more
Katee Robert’s Disney retellings fill a void I didn’t realize I had, for a kinky version of Disney origin stories where the villains are the heroes/heKatee Robert’s Disney retellings fill a void I didn’t realize I had, for a kinky version of Disney origin stories where the villains are the heroes/heroines and everyone hangs out at a BDSM club. I can’t think of another book I’ve read where the hero/heroine has sex (or “does scenes”) regularly with other people throughout the book, when they are committed to each other.
I think this book is my least favorite of the first three. Tink went to Hades five years ago to get her away from Peter, her boyfriend and abuser. Now her contract is up, Hades is kicking her out, and she has to make it on her own. But Peter is still breathing down her back, so Hook - who usurped his rule - offers her a deal: marry him and he will protect her and kill Peter.
I liked Hook’s secret pining for Tink and his love of her body and confidence. I didn’t love his waffling between loving her, wanting to tell her, and thinking he should keep her at a distance so she wouldn’t be a weakness to him.
Unlike in Learn My Lesson where the group sex is pretty much contained the the throuple of Hades/Meg/Hercules, in this book Hook emphasizes that he likes to share, and throughout the book he and Tink have sex with other people - but only within the limits of “doing scenes”. It’s definitely different, and maybe because I’m a naturally jealous person and not familiar with “doing scenes” IRL I can’t imagine how it would work outside of a steamy scene.
Something I appreciate about this book and the rest from the series is the emphasis on consent, boundaries, and safe words. Throughout the scenes the sub reflects on what’s going on and how they feel and that they’re in control.
The third act conflict felt very similar to the previous two books for me and I almost wish she’d mixed it up a bit. Ultimately it felt very anti-climactic though Tink was able to reclaim her power. Also, if there had been more about her friendships with Aurora, Meg, and Allecto sooner, that would’ve been great - I loved the scene with Aurora at the end and just could’ve gladly had more.
Katee Roberts surprises me again in this MMF romance retelling of Hercules featuring Hades, Meg, and Hercules.
We met Hades/Meg in book 1 and they haveKatee Roberts surprises me again in this MMF romance retelling of Hercules featuring Hades, Meg, and Hercules.
We met Hades/Meg in book 1 and they have a relationship that I love reading about… he’s the king of the Underworld, and she rules as his equal, though in public and private he is her Dom. We learn that while she plays with many people as a switch, she is the only person he has sex with.
Their relationship is more complex. This book felt like a “marriage in crisis” trope, because they’ve been together 10 years but have drifted apart. They no longer talk to one another, take walks around the club in the early morning, reach for one another…
Hades wants to remedy this by gifting her passionate nights with the innocent Hercules. But it’s more complex than that, because there’s a revenge plot… and jealousy… and insecurity.
To me this books faults lied with Hades. While he had the potential to be my favorite type of character, his lack of ability to communicate with Meg before or after adding Hercules into their mix caused all the problems we saw in the book. Meg’s deepening insecurity about her position in Hades life (she asks him if he’s updating to a younger model and he’s shocked that she thinks he’d replace her, but then doesn’t reassure her throughout the book) as well as the health of their future relationship are valid when we learn how much Hades has been holding back from her.
This was a super fun MMF romp and I think the first I’ve read where it’s a MF couple adding a M. All their scenes are super steamy with plenty of chemistry, I just wish the emotional aspect of the relationship - specifically from Hades POV - had been spelled out more. I think both Meg and Hercules deserved to feel/know more than he gave.
Also, was it a coincidence that (view spoiler)[Hades’ son who was killed is named Jonah… and the head of Jasmine’s security is named Jonah? I thought there was going to be some big reveal that his son wasn’t really dead. Just seems odd that the name would be used in two books back to back, and we know that Jonah would have been around 30 years old. (hide spoiler)]
The ending was a bit abrupt for me, (view spoiler)[I would have loved an epilogue with a public claiming (Hades > Hercules and Meg) since that was interrupted when Meg was kidnapped, and so everyone would see Meg was not being replaced. (hide spoiler)]
Katee Robert is known on Instagram/TikTok for bringing the heat in taboo reads, but this Disney retelling is my favorite so far. (I’m planning to readKatee Robert is known on Instagram/TikTok for bringing the heat in taboo reads, but this Disney retelling is my favorite so far. (I’m planning to read the full series then tier rank them on TIkTok @virgoreader so stay tuned.)
Did I have strange sexual feelings watching Aladdin as a kid during the scene where Jasmine tries to seduce Jafar in her sexy outfit? Yes. And this lets me explore that.
I love the concept of this series, and this book. The villains are the leads and the world is a mishmash of characters living in one city, and socializing at a sex club owned by Hades.
Jafar and Jasmine’s relationship and power dynamic was so compelling. Jasmine has been treated like a sheltered flower her whole life because her father was protecting her worth - all she would ever be to him was a womb to barter off to the highest bidder. Jafar usurps her father and takes her away, changing one cage for another.
Jasmine’s reflections on her worth, her dreams, her sexual desires was all so well done. You root for her throughout the book to get some bow chicka wow wow but also to find her inner badass, which she totally does.
The ending surprised me, but in the best way possible.
TW domestic abuse by father/suitor, "kidnapping", playing non-con (but consent is always given), sex club BDSM discussed/seen...more
Goldilocks is back in New York but her three bears are coming to rescue her.
This book was better than the first to me because it dealt with the topicGoldilocks is back in New York but her three bears are coming to rescue her.
This book was better than the first to me because it dealt with the topic of forgiveness and dove into deeper emotions in the menage-maybe-harem. I also really liked Ria’s efforts to create a “New Ria” who works out, eats healthy, is responsible, doesn’t dive in head first… it was just such a relatable post-break up activity.
I spotted the plot points from a mile away but it was a sweet wrap up for Ria and the guys....more
I mean this lovingly, but the heroine Ria must have been drinking dumb bitch juice at the beginning of this book.
To be fair, throughout the first booI mean this lovingly, but the heroine Ria must have been drinking dumb bitch juice at the beginning of this book.
To be fair, throughout the first book as we get to know Ria and she reflects on the past 10 years of her life (she’s 29), she goes over the mistakes she’s made and her tendency to jump head first into new situations without thinking things through. This is how she ends up living in the middle of nowhere in a remote cabin in Alaska with a guy she’s dated for 6 months but hasn’t said I love you to, who she actually doesn’t love or trust, when her family (who lives across the country) and her one friend in town warns her against it. I mean… c’mon girl.
Ria is a hot mess. And after she runs away from the cabin of her now ex-boyfriend, she stumbles into a beautiful two story A-frame that’s unlocked and again the dumb bitch juice must be flowing because she goes inside and makes herself at home. I mean she’s high… but even when I was at my highest on a Rice Krispie Treat edible I don’t think I would have gone into a strangers home and not realized that perishable food that isn’t rotten in the kitchen = someone is living there.
Anyway, the three bears come home and they are: Noah - the oldest, the grumpy one, the protector. “Daddy Bear” Seth - twins with Noah, the artist, not as free with physical touch Eli - the youngest, carefree, goofy
Did I mention that this story plays on Goldilocks and the Three Bears by making the guys bear shifters?
While there was a particularly spicy menage scene in this book, I didn’t connect to Ria and the guys’ relationship. Eli’s felt too sudden and silly, like puppy love or a crush - and I have a hard time buying into that insta-affection unless its backed up by a “fated mates” trope, which it wasn’t. Seth and her had attraction for sure but he’s so quiet and reserved… and she/Noah were antagonistic at best.
This book ends on a mild cliffhanger and no HEA/HFN so you’ll need to read the second book in the duet....more
I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling but this book didn't hit any of the marks for me. The premise is familiar enough: young woman hired to be a coI love a Beauty and the Beast retelling but this book didn't hit any of the marks for me. The premise is familiar enough: young woman hired to be a companion at a supposedly haunted castle for a reclusive man's elderly mother. They bicker, sparks fly.
But this book combines so many other plot points - it wasn't that I couldn't follow along, I just didn't want to. First of all, there's child molestation, rape (not described but referenced), attempted rape, torture/violence, murder. There's a sadistic group of people who pay to hurt people like in The Purge sequel where the poor grandpa sold himself to make his daughter and granddaughter money. There's hallucinations and a mental asylum. And these are things primarily told through flashbacks. I hate when stories flip flop between "now" and "then", but if it's done well I'll put up with it. While I understand why the author did this, I don't think it was done really well.
On top of that, I didn't care about any of the characters. Lucian, the hero, is a straight up dick / alpha hole. I didn't believe his emotional connection with Isa. They bicker and he straight up says she's too young and he doesn't want her, he's just attracted to her... but then bam, they're together. Isa wasn't a compelling heroine until the end, when we find out (view spoiler)[that she has violent tendencies when she's protecting herself. THATS interesting. And I understand it was supposed to be a surprise/twist, but she could've been such a more interesting character if she could have taken part of that part of Lucian's life. (hide spoiler)]
And, after the whole book with rumors about Lucian being a wife-killer and child-killer and then flashbacks revealing what happened... in the last 5% there's another big twist? It just didn't pack the right punch to me.
This book was super long and I didn't care about any of it. I was just kind of mindlessly reading to see how it would end up. ...more
This book tries to be deep and mysterious but in actually is just an info dump at beginning and end, with filler in the middle. I understand keeping pThis book tries to be deep and mysterious but in actually is just an info dump at beginning and end, with filler in the middle. I understand keeping plot points hidden to make the story suspenseful, but this story kept everything hidden until 95% (with more secrets left unsaid). It's clearly setting up the second/third books, but simply isn't a good / compelling enough story for me to continue.
And if I have to read "bullspit" one more time I will scream....more
It was so easy to give pain and to become hardened to it. To give pleasure instead—and to know it was accepted—was a real gift.
A novella and prequel tIt was so easy to give pain and to become hardened to it. To give pleasure instead—and to know it was accepted—was a real gift.
A novella and prequel to the Gathering of Dragons series that I heard part way through reading it was actually best read after book 1. Oh well!
This novella takes place I think around a generation before the events in book 1. It sets up the brutal world well - there's war, violence, demons, destruction everywhere. TW: the hero has been assaulted in the past; cameo characters are assaulted on-page I don't know why I was unprepared for the sexual violence, as in barbarian/brutal settings there's usually "rape to conquer" scenes. So just... be prepared for that.
I liked both the main characters. While I didn't fully understand the lore of the goddess Vera or the concept of a quest / the demons inhabiting the world, I think more will become clear when I read book 1. This had a great mix of fantasy, romance, and a little steam. (Although I do think it's harder to be sexy when you're living under the threat of violence/rape...)
Giving it 4 stars because while I don't think this book will be a new favorite, I thought it was really well written and well paced, and I can't find faults....more
She wished him at her side this very moment. If only to turn it all to rights by doing his very best to turn it all to ruin.
I tried to read this b
She wished him at her side this very moment. If only to turn it all to rights by doing his very best to turn it all to ruin.
I tried to read this book a few years ago, and DNF'd it. I gave it another try and made it through but really didn't click with the book.
SUMMARY
In a story faintly reminiscent of Cinderella (orphaned and impoverished girl with a cruel aunt and uncle forced to play servant) the fairy godmother comes in the form of her uncle's will - but with a catch: Tabitha Timmons must marry by her 25th birthday, and she must marry the man of her uncle's choosing... a marquess' heir.
The Duke of Preston, who Tabitha first confuses for a mere "Mr.", is ruinous and on the outs with Society. Still, he's drawn to her and wants to help her escape a potentially loveless marriage.
THOUGHTS
This book felt so disjointed to me. It opens in a country town where Tabitha is mistreated by her aunt and uncle, and she and her friends come across an earl and the Duke of Preston while they are racing, or something. They chat and a curse is revealed - that apparently the women who are raised in that country town are doomed to not marry, or have bad marriages. This felt very odd because throughout the book it was never really explained... and it's the first in the series.
The pacing was off. On Tabitha's way to London she happens upon Preston eating dinner and he invites her to join him because he can't eat alone. This scene was so long - as if trying to cram all this relationship building and verbal sparring into one meeting. It felt very unnatural and insta-love, because this is their one time talking 1:1 until much later in the book.
I didn't feel like I knew Tabitha even by the end of the book. What did she want, besides to inherit the money from her uncle - without having to marry someone she didn't love? What would she have used the money for? I knew nothing about her personality or life except that she loved her father and has a dog who likes feathers. And as for Preston - he's so thoroughly unlikable! At the ball where Tabitha meets her to-be-betrothed, Preston humiliates her and him.
The third act conflict really sealed it for me because it was so messy. (view spoiler)[She got out of one marriage - but wait! The contract they reviewed wasn't the complete contract! If she DOESN'T marry, her uncles will get control of her inheritance... Like, isn't that something the solicitor should have highlighted? ... Then she was taken home to the country. Then Preston rescued her. Then she wasn't even there. Then her ex-almost-fiancé found her? Then she ran from him... Then Preston declares his love on almost the very last page of the book. What an unsatisfying ending! (hide spoiler)]...more
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