Anne maria

I got this on Kindle Unlimited, and by Chapter 4, I had purchased the paperback version and six other books by Smauggy Universe. I think that says it all, really.

This book was delightfully humorous. The banter between Luc and Gabe had me laughing out loud many times. The erotica was erotic-king. The drama was drama-ing and the emotions were emo-ting?

Luc and Gabe have such tunnel vision and naivety regarding humanity. The egocentric angel and demon let their hatred and ignorance for us cloud any sense they have.
I loved Brianna; her quieter personality reminded me of myself, so I felt so protective over her, especially given the trauma both she and her son have gone through.

There are many good points lightly touched upon regarding religion, humanity, race & society without the plot becoming an emotional and/or triggering burden to read. Not that this story is emotionless. There are some really touching scenes between the three main characters.

My only criticism is the word “daddy” was used multiple times during the erotic scenes. I just can't with that one....
I can't wait for the second book in this series. Brianna, Luc and Gabe are one of my fav throuples.
It looks like I am about to devour another authors entire series of books, num num yum.

Yeah, yeah yeah, I wrote all that and I've just got to the ending and it took me the fuck out. I don't know how to feel about that lmfao. This bitch not only destroyed earth but she destroyed an entire fucking solar system, friends and family and all, and she's just happily kicking it on her own special little planet with her two drop to your knees sexy fuck god boyfriends, getting orgasm after orgasm and watching her flying children. I. Can. Not! Ha ha Fuck Yeah!

I edited this review and deleted most of what I wrote because I felt I was being too harsh, given that the entire premise was about being in a toxic relationship. My review didn't sit right with me. My comment about the racist slur stands.

I almost forgot the racial slur Samantha calls her own baby twice for the most moronic reason, which was very disappointing writing from a black author.

I saw this book searching for the darkest of dark romances and immediately added it to my shopping basket upon reading the reviews. I can't begin to describe how delighted I was when I realised Taylor Rose is the darker alter-ego of Kenya Wright, another author I love. I was positive I would end up loving this book, and I'm so glad I was right. 

I was hooked immediately. I love that Cain was a cultured and learned man. It makes his insanity even more terrifying; even his description of the physical symptoms of falling in love with Phoenix is bloody and gory.

My heart warmed. And this odd sensation spilled into me. It was quiet, soft emotion filling my heart. And I wasn't sure what it was, but I yearned to feel more of it. I could feel it changing me, merging with my body, my cells, becoming a part of my blood. 

She's doing something to me.

The more I peeked into the windows of her heart, the more I yearned to see, feel, smell, and taste. The more I longed to crawl in and look around.

In the opening of this book, we witness Cain on the hunt for his obsession, Phoenix, and Phoenix dealing with the aftermath of her kidnapping and torture because, no matter how we, as dark romance lovers, excuse the actions we read, what happened to Phoenix in book one was traumatising, and it's not something always addressed. Not only is the fmc showing clear signs of PTSD, but the abuse has opened the door for her past traumas, which were touched on in book 1, to try and push there way to the surface. Phoenix is suffering. Taylor Rose wrote this beautifully.

There is a scene in this book in the bathroom that caused me to get up in shock, go to the kitchen, and make myself a nice orange latte with foam oat milk and chocolate sprinkles in a desperate bid for some normalcy as I tried to process what the fuck I just read.

I craved more.

Phoenix is a fighter who often uses humour during the most terrifying moments with serial killing, bloodlust, crazed, sexy “smash” Cain. Some of the things she thinks, says, and does have me cackling out loud during the most gripping scenes.

There are some very intense and emotional moments between both characters. Sometimes it felt like I was intruding on their conversations as they both struggled to come to terms with their troubled pasts and growing feelings towards each other, especially Phoenix, given that Cain is her abductor.

The more I read, the more I felt so sorry for Phoenix, which is a departure from my usual “submit to the crazy, sexy stalker” messed-up stance. This is due to Taylor Rose documenting Phoenix's mental fallout because, as a greedy consumer of dark romances, Cain is genuinely one of the most terrifying and disturbing dark romance mmc's I have ever read. (Smash)

The spice is hot and written both tenderly and erotically. The illustrations are a nice touch.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to pre-ordering “Cure.”

“There we go”

I had initially written about the inconsistency of Shay wanting to remain under the radar yet immediately demonstrating she had expert knowledge and skills of martial arts and the criminal underworld within a day of meeting and sleeping with Shannon. Then I reminded myself that this is a short novella and a fast pace is needed, so I continued reading with glee.

This was short and sweet. On to book 2.

This was my first book by Sienne Vega. The reviews and promises of the darkest of the dark drew me in, and I was not disappointed. I gasped, and WTF? at the end of chapters.

Kaden was the lunatic stalker of my messed-up dreams. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see inside his head, from his own assumed disdain towards Lyra to the quick escalation of his obsession. I was so happy for him, and “no.” I don't want to look into why I am always on the stalker's side. All of this was due to the writing style of Sienne Vega.

Lyra was also a delight to get to know, watching her navigate the many obstacles thrown at her with often surprising results.

As other reviewers suggested, heed the content warning before going in. This is a very dark, graphic story with many triggers along the way. The MMC is never going to be redeemable, and neither does he care to be.

I highly recommend listening to the playlist that goes along with this book to immerse yourself further into this story, as every song perfectly reflects the moment, art, and style of this beautifully written dark romance.

This was a beautiful, horrific, and traumatic love story, and if you're here, I reckon you know what to expect with these types of dark books, and you won't be disappointed with this short novella. I was on the side of “wrong” the entire time reading. I am very eager to see what else Lilith DeLuca will produce. I could have done without the incest though, not gonna' lie. My face was like this reading the erotic scenes the entire time...

I've been wanting to read more black-fmc dark romances outside the contemporary genre and this books title and cover came flying at me. The reviews sealed the deal so I picked up the entire series to look pretty on my bookshelves. Did you SEE how pretty Jaeda is?

I love how natural the relationships between the characters built. This story managed to show such tenderness between the lovers without making me want to vomit. I just can't take the slushy romances at ALL and sometimes I forget love can be portrayed beautifully when it's written well.

The world building and magic system are very interesting and easy to understand, it happens so organically without taking you away from the story.
The more I read, the more excited I got as new plots evolved. There was never a dull moment as the story kept building and coming together perfectly.

At page 261 I knew this was a 5 star read when something I hoped would happen took place before my very eyes but in a much better way than I had ever imagined. I was having all the 5 Star reactions. Ahhh! so satisfying.

I am so excited I have two thick beauties on my shelf left to read. I really didn't expect to fall so hard for these characters and this world but I fell happily.

My first 5 Stars in what is only week 2 of the year.

The very start of this book promised fun and the fun was delivered. Adrian is proof you don't have to be an arsehole to be an alpha even though he admittedly did some dodgy things in his pursuit of Carmen that normal-thinking people would consider..... injunction worthy but lust is lust and we excuse such actions over here thank you.

I appreciated the illustrations. This was a hot read and I don't mean just the erotic scenes but the melding of the minds between Adrain and Carmen was so hot to read. It did get a bit cheesy at the end and I'm anti-smoochy romance by default which I will continue to admit is a me problem however this was a quick and fun read.

I am writing this review from the hospital as my hands are being treated for 3rd degree burns inflicted by the heat of this novella. I really enjoyed this short story and translating the spoken Italian, as I just HAD to know what nastiness the two men were saying. That was a nice touch.

The 3 mc's were so delightfully scandalosa! I also wasn't expecting to be shocked, but I was, and that's all I'll reveal.

I'm not going to state a fictional character's dalliances had me in any way, shape, or form jealous, but... This review is OVER! Leave me alone.

You know when you start a new book and the way the author writes immediately grips you? Then, as you read on, you become more sure with each turn of the page that you're about to have an amazing experience in this world. Yeah, this was that.

I loved both Willow and Caz. I didn't expect the humour. Willow's reactions to the insane situations she found herself in had me laughing out loud. I adored the dynamic between them.
This had everything, and I felt the pace was perfect, from taking a breath as the two mc's connected, albeit reluctantly at first, to the faster-paced action scenes.

Oooh, Shanora William's writing gave me butterflies. I laughed and cried. Oh, how I cried, but it was the good kind of cry, you know? Even during the sad moments. I loved the journey I was taken on, and I love the world of Vakeeli. I can't believe I've been blessed with another 5-star experience so soon after my first 5-star read of 2024, yet this definitely deserves 5 stars.

The journey continues.

4.5

I absolutely loved the realistic portrayal of how it would feel to be trapped with someone as psychotic as the mmc. No stars in the eyes; Diana's too much of an investigative reporter for that. Diana has questions. In fact, it's her natural curiosity that has helped put her at the side of a dangerous man, but what choice did she have once Asher's mind was made up?

Overall, I had a growing sense of unease reading this book. It felt so unsafe for Diana the entire time. I said out loud several times, “Diana, you in danger gurl”. Asher's sanity is so untrustworthy that I began to doubt whether his POV was the actual reality; after all, he is capable of having full conversations and meals with his dead mother. The fact that he knows something is different about him (not that he feels his actions are necessarily wrong) makes reading so much more exciting too. I often found myself thinking he made valid points. I have to admit that as I read on I started to find Diana's natural curiosity annoying, as she put herself in the most ridiculous and dangerous predicaments, and it started to grate on me. Then I have to remember that her mind is broken because who wouldn't be?

I liked book 1 a lot, and I loved book 2 even more. Do not click the spoiler if you're going to read this book I write to my audience of 0.

I like and prefer HEA's, even the morally grey ones will work, but I'm not surprised by the ending. Asher revered his mother, even though he hated her. He loved his mother but still strangled the life out of her. Whatever made Diana so sure her life was safe around Asher towards the end? Maybe she wasn't. Her last desperate act, when she made love to her monster, broke my heart. His madness meant he would eventually find fault in his obsession. I'm just sad for Diana. He came into her world, fucked with her already fragile mind, and then killed her because ghosts can't run. Fuck you, Asher. Your morals about killing innocent people went straight out of the window, you piece of fictional shit.

4.5

Book one in this series was my first five starred book as I kicked off 2024 so I was excited to dive back into this series after reading some palate cleansers in between. I wasn't disappointed when the prologue immediately pulled me back in. Ooh I am so happy to be back with the gang.

We pick up from book one with the lovers separated as Xel and Treb fight to hold off the Spider back in Kurkevy and Jade and Civan seek refuge and possibly a new start in Shahwa where Jade is getting to learn more about her new mage powers as they both wait and hope to be reunited with Xel and Treb.

I loved how beautifully the love development was. Fledgling love from the first book that blossoms over to book 2. I also appreciated the real struggle Civan had with understanding and accepting his sexuality. Like Treb he was raised to believe his attraction towards men was immoral and wrong. That his worth as a man depended on how many women he should be bedding because that's what society falsely demands. He had issues coming to terms with finding two hard, strong men just as desirable as his love for soft, curvaceous Jade and also being confused on how to love a man when he wasn't even sure how to love a woman due to his inexperience. Treb was the perfect person to help Civan talk through his emotions as he found his place amongst the group.

I appreciated that all 4 characters got their own love stories. The relationship development between Treb and Civan was different to Treb and Jade or Xel and Civan for example. This is a true MM, MMF, FMM etc and the centre point wasn't just Jade being the woman as they all had issues to sort through.

Book 2 seemed to have less action and concentrated on the group dynamics which I felt was done so well but that does not mean there is no action. There certainly is and the ending had me on the edge of my seat.

The introduction of Kevik had me side-eyeing the author and storyline, I won't spoil why but my face was scrunched up reading to begin with. You'll have to read for yourselves to find out why.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I can't wait to read the final book.

Wow. Just wow. This book had everything: suspense, thriller, action, lust, emotion, even humour, and it all came together seamlessly. It was beautifully written, and I could not put it down. I read so fast at times, desperate to find out what happened next and never wanting the story to end. I'm already planning out the movie adaptation and who'd play Severe. I just... wow.

I was so impressed with how Keta Kendric manages to elicit such empathy for Severe, considering the absolute nightmares he's capable of inflicting upon people with relish. I loved reading how both characters adapt to being thrust into each other's lives and surprisingly find commonality; it was so enjoyable. I needed more, and luckily there are bonus chapters available to download, which I'm doing now. Please read this book. You won't regret it.

Update: I read this on kindle and got worried I'd lose access to it so purchased the physical copy which just arrived. I. Am. Obsessed.

Good grief, both MCs were annoying. What with clueless Steph and the repulsive Grant I wasn't sure who to dislike more... Grant. I disliked him more. It has to be the chauvinist Grant who could be best friends with Andrew Tate. It also didn't help that I found the writing style read as quite amateurish. I wanted this to be a quick fun read as the premise excited me but sadly everything fell short.