hiddenirises's review

2.0

I would like to thank the author for providing me with an ARC, but I don’t believe that this book was personally for me.

Ridge had little to no redeeming qualities and I personally feel like the dynamic between our 3 main characters could have been better developed. There were moments where he could be sweet but then I would immediately be reminded of his past behavior and it kinda lost its flare for me.

On a brighter side, the writing and descriptions were very good. There were scenes that will continue to be memorable. The mystery aspects about who our main character made a deal with was handled really well and was quite enjoyable. The scenes at our FMCs old house were spooky and kept me on the edge of my seat. Overall the images that I would get in my head from those were so exciting.

The writing was excellent and often times poetic . The author did a great job with the story telling so I will try to check out their further works in the near future, despite my feelings with this one.

There are people who would genuinely enjoy this type of read, but that person is just not me unfortunately . I would still advise people to check it out for themselves as always .
slow-paced
dark emotional hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

This book was recommended to me by several people so I finally gave it a shot. This was beautiful, and I’m honestly sad I’m finished reading. So let’s talk about it. 😉

Then, Earth Swallowed Ocean is an intensely dark romance and erotic horror set in post WW2 Appalachia. After a violent tragedy, Sadie makes a deal with the Devil: if she exchanges an evil soul for her own within a month, she can have a second chance at life. 

I don’t generally go for paranormal books with shifters in them. But I’m glad I gave this one a shot! The writing style was beautiful. The imagery and detail this author used made me love this so much more. Sadie made my heart ache and also frustrated the shit out of me at times. When she decided not to deliver an evil soul and give herself up that shit pissed me off. She was going to leave her fated mate behind and I cried like a baby. But Sadie redeemed herself in the end. I fell in love with Ridge in the beginning. 🫣 I mean he did try to eat her so I guess that says something about me lol. But Ridge took “touch her and die” to a whole new level that I have yet to see in a book. 😅 The love Ridge has for Sadie is undying and he’d follow this girl to hell if it meant keeping her. The spice in this was SO GOOD. 🥵 This had knotting and so many other things I love! I’m not generally one for the breeding trope but damn Ridge made it seem so hot. This book was dark and delicious and definitely a top read for me. 

Fave quote: “Then, I’m going to make you choke. I’m going to keep you from breathing. Do you know why?” She’s panting but she keeps her gaze steady on him. “Because it feels good?” He smiles. “No. Because that’s how it felt when you left. You took the air with you.”

Plot: 5⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️
Overall: 5⭐️
ally_bird_books's profile picture

ally_bird_books's review

5.0

There hasn't been a day that's gone by since reading that this book hasn't crossed my mind. I haven't ever read anything like it. I have so many thoughts and things I want to say about this beautiful and devastating story Shiloh has written but it’s hard, this made me feel so much.

The characters, the FEAR, the scents, the passion, the lust, the rage, the blood, and ultimately the love and sacrifice are all so palpable that you feel like you're right there with them and experiencing everything.

Sadie comes face to face with the Devil. (THIS SCENE!! CHILLSSS) She's asked to do the unthinkable in order to save herself. After she leaves home she comes face to face with something even more frightening, Ridge. He's wild and all consuming. Ridge tastes her and then all hell breaks loose. He claims her. Sadie puts up one hell of a fight though but there's no stopping him, merely delaying the inevitable. Even when she gets help from Wright, Ridge's brother.

The tension is THICK. Wright is protecting Sadie while dealing with his feral brother and his inner demons. He’s drawn to her. I loved Wright but his story absolutely destroyed me. He's been through so much but still cares so deeply for his brother and ultimately Sadie. This man will break your heart.

"I'm going to eat you bite by bite, little fawn."

But, Ridge. Oh boy. He's something else. His love for Sadie is depraved, bloody, and out right terrifying but I loved it all. I'm so torn and I want more, so much more!! I can't wait to see what Shiloh gives us next.
adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
medium-paced
adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Not entirely sure how I feel about the Sadie and Wright situation. At first, I kind of wanted them to end up together, but it all felt kind of jumbled and incorrect toward the end. Maybe I'll read Wright's book when it comes out.

Honestly, I think I would have liked this book a lot more if Sadie and Wright didn't get entangled at the literal very end of the story.
ashleymichelelx's profile picture

ashleymichelelx's review

5.0

Okay, so this tag list is not extensive but the majority is there. Ya'll--I cannot tell you enough about this book. I cannot tell you enough how much like poetry it reads, but how filthy it gets??? Jesus. Every second of this book I have been HYPERVENTALATING it's just perfection. It's so fucking good, so goddamn good all I can do is beg you to read it, if not for yourself then for me.

I'll be adding to this review all the fucking time, I promise.

I received an ARC of this book and I was BLOWN AWAY

It was 100% not what I expected, and even then it was one of the most stunning romance books I’ve ever read. The imagery in this book really brought forward the dark, melancholy vibe of Appalachia post WW2. I loved how the werewolves and fated mates were done in a way that didn’t feel at all corny. It was almost like a darker, paranormal Oh Brother Where Art Thou feeling.

I loved watching the growth and character depth of the brothers.

Also. The smut that was in this book came off as the characters having a religious experience and was written as art rather than just something to make you horny. I loved it.

I am so enamored with this book, and I absolutely hope the author continues to put books out in this setting.

It’s been under 24 hours and I have recommended every book friend I have to get this one the moment it comes out. I will definitely be purchasing a hard copy ASAP