Skin Cat’s Stats MMC/FMC- Frank and Emily Genre- is there such a genre as Depraved Romance? No? We should start one. Length- about 329 pages Heat- um, 9Skin Cat’s Stats MMC/FMC- Frank and Emily Genre- is there such a genre as Depraved Romance? No? We should start one. Length- about 329 pages Heat- um, 95% of it is dub con or straight up non con/R, so I wouldn’t exactly call it hot per se. It’s complicated. Series? Y Safety? Hahahahahahahaha… right. Honey, if you are looking for “safe” you won’t find it. Triggers- seriously, this book has more triggers than an NRA convention. You really need to check the TW in the front matter of the book. A small sampling of some triggers are extreme descriptive violence, detailed medical gore, explicit and graphic erotic content, substance/alcohol issues, pregnancy loss, non con (i.e. on page grape) and dub con, BC tampering, abduction, captivity, discussion of past child abuse… and there’s more. What I listed is the triggers at the redneck swap meet rather than the full-on NRA convention. Tropes- Captor/Captive, Stalker, Fairy Tale Retelling (Rumpelstiltskin), Second Chance, Stockholm Syndrome, Five Pounds of Crazy In a Three-Pound Bag, Medical Romance, Who Was That Masked Man?
Mewsings I just finished the book and now I’m wondering… does the fact that I love this get added to the list of Reasons I Am Probably Going To Spend Time In Hell, or should I add it to the list of Reasons My Psychiatrist Will Never Lack For Business?
Man, this book is good. Man, this book is twisted. And I love it. Behaviors that would send up red flags and set them on fire in real life are somehow more than acceptable, even attractive here (and we can add this to that long, long list of reasons Why My Psychiatrist Will Never Lack For Business).
Not to say it isn’t hard to read. It is. Above, I mentioned a few of the many triggers, and I am serious when I say that these, and more, are all in this book. But if you have no triggers, or if you can be mentally prepared and get yourself into the right mindset, it’s very good. I’m not going to talk about what triggers me; that’s personal and everyone’s triggers are different anyway. But I was able to get myself into the right headspace so that I could read about these events without being triggered. The writing is that good.
There’s something very appealing about a crazy MMC (and I know from crazy). It’s freeing and tempting and there’s no coloring inside the lines. But the hero isn’t the only crazy one here. Well, besides me, of course. The FMC has her own demons that she dances with in the moonlight, and these help her endure the torture while captivating the MMC.
I don’t think any other author I’ve read has had the MMC do such diabolical things to a FMC and STILL had me thinking that he wasn’t evil. And the Stockholm Syndrome actually starts to make sense! It’s not that he’s a good person, because he’s not, right from the get go; he comes across as someone with some serious sociopathic tendencies or perhaps a narcissistic personality disorder (although he denies this). Whatever, that’s for the psychiatrists (like the one for whom I am likely paying the vacation home’s mortgage) to decide. All I know is that he is so crazy that it’s hypnotic and the writing is so skillful that I was rooting for the MMC and FMC to have a relationship. Maybe I’m suffering from some kind of book-related Stockholm Syndrome myself….
Either way, this book is compelling. This book is unpredictable. This book is twisted. And extraordinarily well written. I give it five stars. ...more
Mafiella is about a girl named Stella who is pretty obviously a modern parallel to Cinderella, except she has a family whose history is shrouded in myMafiella is about a girl named Stella who is pretty obviously a modern parallel to Cinderella, except she has a family whose history is shrouded in mystery. During much of the book she is searching for answers to the mystery. She finds a letter from her late grandfather, and learns that he enrolled her in a finishing school when she was born. Eager to get away from her wicked stepmother, Stella goes to the school. There she is given a code name: Pepper. Pepper learns that the school is for daughters of mafia families and that her grandfather was involved with the mafia. And the school is not your average finishing school, but a school that trains girls for the mafia, under the guise of producing good mafia wives. This is similar to the premise of the Ares Academy series by Arianna Fraser and the Kingmaker series by Sophie Lark, except it’s a YA version. I really liked the headmistress and thought she kicks butt. I also found the girls that attended the school with Pepperstella to be very convincing. I did find Pepperstella could get a little annoying (and I would have been seriously hacked off at her if I was her friend and she volunteered me for a school project without asking me), and I didn’t always find the romance to be credible. But overall, it was a good story with a lot of fun aspects, and I give it a solid four stars....more
This is an unusual one for Nicole Snow. I don’t remember the other two books in the series specifically, but this one is a lot darker than her usual fThis is an unusual one for Nicole Snow. I don’t remember the other two books in the series specifically, but this one is a lot darker than her usual fare. It’s a grumpy/sunshine story and a revenge story and if not exactly coming of age, then coming into oneself. It’s opposites attract and small town romance. It’s all of these things, but it feels like a heavier book (sometimes a little too heavy, but I enjoy all of Snow’s work) because it’s a dark, gothic romance with fairy tale undertones, and if you don’t think fairy tales are dark, you’ve been thinking of Disney rather than Grimm. I enjoyed the gothic undertones of this book, with the heroine being a damsel in distress sometimes and full of grit at others (I’d call her plucky but she’s not an orphan in the 1800s), and with the hero full of darkness (Snow using irony because he’s an albino) and misunderstood. The bad guy who caused the death of Micah’s brother (REVENGE!) is appropriately sinister. And there is a bit of the gothic (maybe Victoria Holt) heroine about Talia, falling in love with the mysterious and brooding hero. Cue the coordinating sets of emotional baggage (complete with matching train case and hatbox). Throughout, Snow used vampire imagery (super gothic) and also light parallels to fairy tales, particularly Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood, with particular imagery casting Micah as the wolf. He really explodes it when he is stalking up to the bad guy and says “Little pig, little pig…” leaning into the wolf persona. Snow White because she has asthma and he must give her the kiss of life (mouth to mouth) in order to bring her back. The zexytime (it’s a slower burn) is both mythic and feral, recalling the vampire and the wolf and not skimping on the biting. Sometimes the imagery got a little clunky, but usually the imagery enhanced the story. Dark, yes. Gothic, yes. And ultimately, it’s a solid story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
This is an unusual one for Nicole Snow. I don’t remember the other two books in the series specifically, but this one is a lot darker than her usual fare. It’s a grumpy/sunshine story and a revenge story and if not exactly coming of age, then coming into oneself. It’s opposites attract and small town romance. It’s all of these things, but it feels like a heavier book (sometimes a little too heavy, but I enjoy all of Snow’s work) because it’s a dark, gothic romance with fairy tale undertones, and if you don’t think fairy tales are dark, you’ve been thinking of Disney rather than Grimm. I enjoyed the gothic undertones of this book, with the heroine being a damsel in distress sometimes and full of grit at others (I’d call her plucky but she’s not an orphan in the 1800s), and with the hero full of darkness (Snow using irony because he’s an albino) and misunderstood. The bad guy who caused the death of Micah’s brother (REVENGE!) is appropriately sinister. And there is a bit of the gothic (maybe Victoria Holt) heroine about Talia, falling in love with the mysterious and brooding hero. Cue the coordinating sets of emotional baggage (complete with matching train case and hatbox). Throughout, Snow used vampire imagery (super gothic) and also light parallels to fairy tales, particularly Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood, with particular imagery casting Micah as the wolf. He really explodes it when he is stalking up to the bad guy and says “Little pig, little pig…” leaning into the wolf persona. Snow White because she has asthma and he must give her the kiss of life (mouth to mouth) in order to bring her back. The zexytime (it’s a slower burn) is both mythic and feral, recalling the vampire and the wolf and not skimping on the biting. Sometimes the imagery got a little clunky, but usually the imagery enhanced the story. Dark, yes. Gothic, yes. And ultimately, it’s a solid story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Thumbellina is a fairy tale that isn’t often retold, so I was delighted to find this adaptation. It’s very well done and involved me in the story righThumbellina is a fairy tale that isn’t often retold, so I was delighted to find this adaptation. It’s very well done and involved me in the story right away. Quinn and Briar are the pixies whose magic must protect the pixie kingdom. They are bonded in marriage when she is just a seed (pixies grow from flowers in this ficton). There’s adventure, drama, intrigue, and a gentle love that makes itself known when Quinn first sacrifices to protect Briar. Their love story is sweet, and this is a clean romance appropriate for middle graders and teens, but also enjoyable for adults. The proceeds go to an organization that fights against human trafficking, and I can’t imagine a more compelling cause.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Cat’s Stats MMC/FMC/FMC/MMC- Lex/Ivy/Miri/Carter (MFFM/FMMF/MMFF/MFMF, however you imagine it) Premise-A reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer NightCat’s Stats MMC/FMC/FMC/MMC- Lex/Ivy/Miri/Carter (MFFM/FMMF/MMFF/MFMF, however you imagine it) Premise-A reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in five acts, with a cliffhanger Heat- ...more
What happened to Hansel and Gretel after she killed the witch? Well, Hansel has a gambling problem. Gretel has PTSD. She lives with her brother HanselWhat happened to Hansel and Gretel after she killed the witch? Well, Hansel has a gambling problem. Gretel has PTSD. She lives with her brother Hansel in a town where all of the townsfolk- but one- believe her to be a wicked witch. And there is a vacuum of magical power in the forest where the witch’s gingerbread cottage still stands. The main character, Margarethe, also called Marga is the now-adult Gretel. Her love interest is Lukas, a baker, who doesn’t believe the bad things he has heard about Marga. When she and Hansel flee to avoid his debtors, they must return to the witch’s cottage, where the magic is waiting for Marga, along with the machinations of a mysterious man who has a history with the old witch. He wants her to become the new witch, but Marga wants a life with Lukas. Marga is a strong character, and very likable. It’s easy to want to root for her and for a HEA with the kind and sweet Lukas. Hansel, sadly, is not very likable, but he’s not the bad guy. The villagers, in their ignorance and superstition, are the scariest problem of the book. It is really tempting to hate them. This is a love story, but not only a love story. It is really a hero’s tale, with Marga being that hero. She must conquer her fears as well as make choices that cost her personally a good deal, but would cost others more were she not to make them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Cat’s Stats MMC/FMC- Thoran and Naya (or as I like to call them “Hunckson and Chantilleee because their names are so youneeke) Genre- Gothic Romance SuCat’s Stats MMC/FMC- Thoran and Naya (or as I like to call them “Hunckson and Chantilleee because their names are so youneeke) Genre- Gothic Romance Sub Genre- Fairy Tale Retelling (beauty and the beast) Length- 529 pages. It’s a lot of book. Heat- ...more
This is a Cinderella retelling with all of the Instalove that implies. This was not my favorite. I felt the Cinderella parallels were too literal. MikThis is a Cinderella retelling with all of the Instalove that implies. This was not my favorite. I felt the Cinderella parallels were too literal. Mikhail and Ella are the main characters, with a wicked stepmother and stepsisters, and a friend who acts the part of the Fairy Godmother. I did think that the machinations of the steps were a clever update, and I liked that (Cinder)Ella was a fashion designer, but I felt that most of the elements were just too on the nose. It also felt a little slow in places, in the middle of the story. The story is Safe, with no cheating, and it is a decent read, just not to my taste.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
I love this book. This is a feminist retelling of the Llyr legend, which was famously retold in Shakespeare’s King Lear. The main conflicts in the booI love this book. This is a feminist retelling of the Llyr legend, which was famously retold in Shakespeare’s King Lear. The main conflicts in the book are all based upon the clash between matrilineal and patrilineal relationships and lines of power, and the friction between matriarchal and patriarchal societies. In order to become High King, the Leir in this novel married the three queens of Britain, each of whom was the monarch of a different territory. He had one daughter by each queen. Cridilla/Adder famously would not suck up to the king to receive her rightful inheritance. She cannot honestly say that she loves him above all others because she is in love. The story is full of interesting details, rituals, and traditions of the ancient society, and I really enjoyed that. I love romance, so I’d have liked more between Adder and Horse towards the middle and end of the story, but I think this book is excellent....more
MMC/FMC- Marco and Emilia POV- 1st person dual Genre- Mafia Romance Heat- ☄️☄️and 1/2☄️. They do the things and use the P word while naming the parts. SMMC/FMC- Marco and Emilia POV- 1st person dual Genre- Mafia Romance Heat- ☄️☄️and 1/2☄️. They do the things and use the P word while naming the parts. Series? Y but CBR as Standalone Safety: no cheating, no sharing, implied off page s. violence (not to heroine, although there’s a pretty raw erotic scene in the kitchen), no OW/OM drama. Ending- no cliffhanger for the couple, but not everything is resolved. HEA/HFN. Triggers- descriptions of past abuse of a child, violence (including decapitation but no defenestration), language, explicit erotic content, implied s. violence (off page, not perpetrated by the Hero). Tropes- Fairy Tale Retelling (Beauty and the Beast), Arranged Marriage, Dysfunctional Families FTW, Sins of the Father, Do-Si-Do With The Mafioso, Surprise Pregnancy. What I liked- this story is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The fairy tale lends theme, flavor, and some structure, but it is not a literal retelling. I like that subtlety. I love that this book is a standalone; I’m not a fan when a couple’s story takes two or three books to tell (it feels self-indulgent or at least lazy editing). So kudos! There were times when I got frustrated with one or more of the characters, which is an indication of how well the story pulled me in. I even liked the angry zexytime scene- very hot. What I didn’t- the Karen in that restaurant was a horrible person and I hope that she, her husband, and the waiter/maitre d’ who caved to her all step on Legos while barefoot. Other thoughts- cats are better mothers than Giulia. I feel bad that she’s going through so much, but even during the good times she has neglected her parental responsibilities, has played favorites, and has forgotten one of her children constantly (poor Francesca!) Verdict- I enjoyed the book and am curious to see how the overall story arc continues in the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
MMC/FMC- Knight and Aurora POV- 1st person dual Genre- Contemporary Romance Sub Genre- Billionaire Romance Bonus- Playlist (with good songs, too). AndMMC/FMC- Knight and Aurora POV- 1st person dual Genre- Contemporary Romance Sub Genre- Billionaire Romance Bonus- Playlist (with good songs, too). And it’s located at the beginning, so you can listen while reading. Heat level- ☄️☄️☄️☄️ They do the things and name the parts using the male C word and the female P word. Series? Y. Thank goodness! I want to read more! Safety: N. This is a Dark Romance, with triggers that include s. violence and OW drama, along with dark themes. There is no cheating or cliffhanger, and there’s a HEA. Triggers- Language, Attempted S. A., Violence (including physical assault), Explicit Erotic Content, Discussion of off-page self-unaliving (of a character before the beginning of the story). Tropes- Fake Relationship, Arranged Marriage, Forced Proximity, Fairytale Retelling: Mythology (Hades and Persephone).
What I liked- I like that the author made the choice not to make the story a direct adaptation of the Hades and Persephone myth. Instead, it was influenced and flavored by the myth, but not a recycle. This is one of the fresher retellings of this particular myth that I have read so far. The zexytime scenes were super hot! The love story is even better. And both characters, whom I found likable from the start, healed themselves by the end of the book.
What I didn’t- the names. Night and Day (Knight =Night, Aurora meaning Dawn/Day) ? Not gonna lie, I found those names to be a bit twee. And the symbolism to be pretty heavy handed.
Verdict- I enjoyed this book. I’d enjoy it more if it came with a coupon for a stay at Sunset Towers! Actually, I’d be okay without Sunset Towers, I just want to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
MMC/FMC- Finn, a billionaire by day and thief by night, and Kori, a cosmetology student whose mother is chronically mentally ill. POV- 1st person dual MMC/FMC- Finn, a billionaire by day and thief by night, and Kori, a cosmetology student whose mother is chronically mentally ill. POV- 1st person dual Length- Novella Genre- Contemporary Romance Sub Genre- Fairy Tale Retelling Bonus- link to free book Heat- they do the thing, he visits Australia, and they name the parts. Series? Y Safety: Y. No cheating, no OM/OW drama, No S. Violence, no cliffhanger, HEA. Triggers- language, explicit erotic content, unprotected horizontal mambo Tropes- Rapunzel, Robin Hood Hero, Virgin Heroine m Instalove What I liked- I liked the Rapunzel parallels. They were evocative without being too much. And gotta love the Instalove. What I didn’t- this book has a vague, nodding acquaintance with reality, but really, who wants reality all the time? Verdict- Short, Sweet, and Steamy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
MMC/FMC- Sawyer and Ruby POV- 1st person dual Length- Short Story/Novella Genre- Contemporary Romance Sub Genre- Mountain Man Romance Heat- they both MMC/FMC- Sawyer and Ruby POV- 1st person dual Length- Short Story/Novella Genre- Contemporary Romance Sub Genre- Mountain Man Romance Heat- they both visit Australia, they do the thing, and they name the parts whilst using all of the C words. Bonus- Link to free book Series? Y Cliffhanger? N Safety- Y , Cheating/Sharing N, OM/OW Drama N, Virginity/Celibacy- Y HEA/HFN- Y Triggers- language, explicit erotic content Tropes- Fairy Tale Retelling, Little Red Riding Hoodie, Instalove, Double V Cards What I liked- this story was cute and sweet with super heat. What I didn’t- He seemed to acclimate to being around people more quickly than I would have expected, but that’s very minor. There wasn’t really anything that I disliked about the book. Verdict- Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more