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3.41 AVERAGE
3.41 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I don't know if this is the minotaur retelling, or if it's a minotaur retelling and honestly, either way I'm asking what was the point.
This story was freaky for the sake of being freaky. I guess because it's a series, it's unclear the history the characters have but it didn't lend itself well to being a series.
Sadaré and Daesra are in this maze together that they're trying to escape, but she has amnesia and doesn't remember why she's there. The longer they're in the maze, the more snippets of memory she gets back and she's like soul bonded to Daesra because she slits her throat while riding him during sex 😐 and really this is the beginning of the "wtf" vibes this story is giving.
It's really mostly them going through this maze together while having sexual tension based on a history that neither of them remembers, and every reveal involves someone being slit open or punctured to the point of blood making an appearance. girl....i guess!
Ofc because this is a romance, they are in love with each other and have to fight ~the monster within~ like idk. I won't be reading the next one.
Like I said, this is primarily freaky for the sake of being freaky and sometimes I can rock with that, but the surrounding plot made that unenjoyable as well.
This story was freaky for the sake of being freaky. I guess because it's a series, it's unclear the history the characters have but it didn't lend itself well to being a series.
Sadaré and Daesra are in this maze together that they're trying to escape, but she has amnesia and doesn't remember why she's there. The longer they're in the maze, the more snippets of memory she gets back and she's like soul bonded to Daesra because she slits her throat while riding him during sex 😐 and really this is the beginning of the "wtf" vibes this story is giving.
It's really mostly them going through this maze together while having sexual tension based on a history that neither of them remembers, and every reveal involves someone being slit open or punctured to the point of blood making an appearance. girl....i guess!
Ofc because this is a romance, they are in love with each other and have to fight ~the monster within~ like idk. I won't be reading the next one.
Like I said, this is primarily freaky for the sake of being freaky and sometimes I can rock with that, but the surrounding plot made that unenjoyable as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Blood
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this book. The imagery and setting is so memorable and haunting. The story is alluring, deceitful, and suspenseful. With themes of pain and power, there are surprisingly also moments of humor and vulnerability.
And Pogli is the most adorable chimera
DNF at 40%
I actually hated this. I tried both the physical book and audiobook for this one, but neither worked for me. The audiobook, in particular, didn’t improve the experience. If anything, it made it worse. The characters were insufferable, lacking depth or any redeeming qualities. The writing style was equally frustrating, either overly simplistic or needlessly convoluted, with no real finesse or flair. Worst of all, the plot felt like an endless loop of the same tedious arguments without meaningful progression. It’s a strong no from me.
Thank you to Galley Books for providing the ARC. I unfortunately have the Owlcrate Edition too. The fact that I have a special edition of this book is nothing short of tragic.
I actually hated this. I tried both the physical book and audiobook for this one, but neither worked for me. The audiobook, in particular, didn’t improve the experience. If anything, it made it worse. The characters were insufferable, lacking depth or any redeeming qualities. The writing style was equally frustrating, either overly simplistic or needlessly convoluted, with no real finesse or flair. Worst of all, the plot felt like an endless loop of the same tedious arguments without meaningful progression. It’s a strong no from me.
Thank you to Galley Books for providing the ARC. I unfortunately have the Owlcrate Edition too. The fact that I have a special edition of this book is nothing short of tragic.
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
A dark romantasy inspired by the minotaur myth, Exquisite Ruin follows a sorceress with amnesia and a demon who loathes her. Sadaré can’t remember anything before waking up inside a dangerous labyrinth, and Daesra can’t forget how Sadaré betrayed him—but if either wants to get out of the deadly maze alive, they have to work together.
The story leans heavily into themes of pain, power, and redemption with a writing style that often mirrors the surreal, chaotic, and ever-shifting world of the labyrinth. The maze feels almost like a character itself as it tests both Sadaré and Daesra, not just physically but emotionally too. I really liked how the environment heightened the tension between them while also serving as a metaphor for their tangled, complicated past and their fractured trust.
Sadaré and Daesra are both interesting characters, and I like how flashbacks are used to unravel their history, slowly revealing how the pair ended up bound together in every sense of the word. Get a fan, friends, because these two have a super steamy enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romance. Their relationship is intense, twisted, and charged with unresolved tension, which makes for some very hot and spicy scenes. Sadaré also enjoys pain/pleasure, which is explored over the course of her journey, and there are some graphic BDSM elements throughout.
Overall, I thought this was a unique and spicy reimaging of the minotaur myth that I would recommend to monster romance readers. And that ending? Absolutely wild! That being said, I would definitely recommend checking out the content warnings because this romantasy is dark. Sadaré uses pain to access her powers, which leads to some violent harm inflicted, and the flashbacks of her past reveal things that are difficult to read.
dark
mysterious
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:
Yes
Please check the trigger warnings.
What to Expect:
••» Enemies-to-Lovers
••» Forced Proximity (in a maze)
••» A Sorceress with Amnesia
••» A Hooved-and-Horned Demon Who Hates Her
••» Second Chance Romance/Betrayal
••» Pain Magic
••» A Pug in Disguise
In this darkly romantic reimagining of the Minotaur myth, a sorceress and a demon are entwined in sensual battle to escape a deadly maze and reclaim their freedom. The catch? One of them has amnesia, while the other can’t forget the painful betrayal they experienced.
The dynamic between Sadaré and Daesra was deliciously tense—classic enemies to lovers with all the push and pull you could want. Their banter kept me hooked, and I couldn’t put the book down. I read this in one sitting. The storyline jumps between past and present, giving you just enough clues to keep you guessing, but trust me, just when you think you’ve figured it out, the plot twists again. It was like trying to solve a riddle—confusing at times but so worth it. I loved how unique and unpredictable the story felt, with twists at every turn. Even the side characters were a joy.
If you're into enemies-to-lovers with a side of mind-bending puzzles and spice, this book is a must-read. It left me in total shock, but in the best way possible. I can't wait to see what AdriAnne May writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, AdriAnne May, the author, and Gallery Books for the ARC opportunity.
What to Expect:
••» Enemies-to-Lovers
••» Forced Proximity (in a maze)
••» A Sorceress with Amnesia
••» A Hooved-and-Horned Demon Who Hates Her
••» Second Chance Romance/Betrayal
••» Pain Magic
••» A Pug in Disguise
In this darkly romantic reimagining of the Minotaur myth, a sorceress and a demon are entwined in sensual battle to escape a deadly maze and reclaim their freedom. The catch? One of them has amnesia, while the other can’t forget the painful betrayal they experienced.
The dynamic between Sadaré and Daesra was deliciously tense—classic enemies to lovers with all the push and pull you could want. Their banter kept me hooked, and I couldn’t put the book down. I read this in one sitting. The storyline jumps between past and present, giving you just enough clues to keep you guessing, but trust me, just when you think you’ve figured it out, the plot twists again. It was like trying to solve a riddle—confusing at times but so worth it. I loved how unique and unpredictable the story felt, with twists at every turn. Even the side characters were a joy.
If you're into enemies-to-lovers with a side of mind-bending puzzles and spice, this book is a must-read. It left me in total shock, but in the best way possible. I can't wait to see what AdriAnne May writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, AdriAnne May, the author, and Gallery Books for the ARC opportunity.
Oh this was such a fantastic read, loved the characters and the story, and I can't wait for book 2!
dark
slow-paced
Thank you to Simon Audio for the ALC!
Exquisite Ruin is a dark romantasy retelling of the Minotaur myth. Sadaré is a powerful sorceress finds herself in a labrythinth, but doesn't remember anything. She's with Daesra, a demon who seems to know more about her than she knows about herself. Sadaré finds herself forced to work with Daesra to reach the center of the maze, and as they work together she starts uncovering unexpecting feelings.
I really liked the overall premise of this book, but it just didn't quite hit right for me. It felt really repetitive, but also didn't make a lot of sense. Basically, Sadaré and Daesra fought with each other a lot, but still helped each other with the maze, and ended up having some spicy scenes with one another. I found it really hard to connect with either character, and the story just felt a little disconnected.
The narrators, John Masterson and Meg Sylvan, did a good job with the audio and brought the emotions of the characters to life. The narration was clear and easy to understand, even when sped up, which I appreciated!
Exquisite Ruin is a dark romantasy retelling of the Minotaur myth. Sadaré is a powerful sorceress finds herself in a labrythinth, but doesn't remember anything. She's with Daesra, a demon who seems to know more about her than she knows about herself. Sadaré finds herself forced to work with Daesra to reach the center of the maze, and as they work together she starts uncovering unexpecting feelings.
I really liked the overall premise of this book, but it just didn't quite hit right for me. It felt really repetitive, but also didn't make a lot of sense. Basically, Sadaré and Daesra fought with each other a lot, but still helped each other with the maze, and ended up having some spicy scenes with one another. I found it really hard to connect with either character, and the story just felt a little disconnected.
The narrators, John Masterson and Meg Sylvan, did a good job with the audio and brought the emotions of the characters to life. The narration was clear and easy to understand, even when sped up, which I appreciated!