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yinspirit's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Mental illness, Drug use, and Sexual content
discarded_dust_jacket's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
There’s a lot I really liked about this book. R.M. Virtues’ writing always hits for me. I thought the story itself was really original, and I appreciated the themes of working through PTSD and grief. The idea of a romance with your sleep paralysis demon was what really drew me in and I had so much fun reading the scenes where Penny and Acheron interacted.
The parts that distracted me:
I was a little confused when it came to the worldbuilding around Acheron’s character. I just never really understood the mechanics of how the sleep demons like, did their job. It’s not at all that I thought the premise was underdeveloped—because I got the distinct impression that Virtues has a very clear understanding of how Hell operates in this universe—it was more like, it didn’t feel communicated to the reader as thoroughly as I perhaps needed it to be.
The romance aspect of the story was a little oddly-paced in my opinion as well. It didn’t feel like a slow-burn (obviously, the book isn’t very long so it couldn’t be), but I couldn’t tell if it was trying to be or not. I guess it just surprised me the first time Acheron mentions loving Penny because it didn’t seem believable that they’d reached that level of intimacy yet (which can absolutely still be accomplished in a shorter, “insta-love” romance).
All in all I had a fun time reading this book, but I’m not sure I’d call it particularly memorable. Great to pick up if you’re just looking for a darker-themed, monster romance palette-cleanser that you can breeze through pretty quickly!
The parts that distracted me:
I was a little confused when it came to the worldbuilding around Acheron’s character. I just never really understood the mechanics of how the sleep demons like, did their job. It’s not at all that I thought the premise was underdeveloped—because I got the distinct impression that Virtues has a very clear understanding of how Hell operates in this universe—it was more like, it didn’t feel communicated to the reader as thoroughly as I perhaps needed it to be.
The romance aspect of the story was a little oddly-paced in my opinion as well. It didn’t feel like a slow-burn (obviously, the book isn’t very long so it couldn’t be), but I couldn’t tell if it was trying to be or not. I guess it just surprised me the first time Acheron mentions loving Penny because it didn’t seem believable that they’d reached that level of intimacy yet (which can absolutely still be accomplished in a shorter, “insta-love” romance).
All in all I had a fun time reading this book, but I’m not sure I’d call it particularly memorable. Great to pick up if you’re just looking for a darker-themed, monster romance palette-cleanser that you can breeze through pretty quickly!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Blood, Death of parent, Drug use, Gore, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Gun violence
readwithaashi's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I’ll admit, this one took me a minute to adjust to given consensual non-con, degradation, and dual POV are not my preferred trio. However, I enjoyed this book far more than expected! Not only is the pacing decently balanced, the romance is enticing and the “thriller" elements caught me by surprise.
Looking over the premise, my interest was piqued and, frankly, entirely preoccupied by how monster-loving manifested via meeting your sleep paralysis demon. (I suffer from perpetual insomnia as a result of SP myself, there was intrigue.) I loved Virtues’ creativity with Acheron’s character build – dynamic and seductive, like the story. The care and concern in his relationship with Penny is effective, and factors such as consensual non-con and additional kinks are clearly communicated, softening the edge. Save for my personal tastes, the erotic moments are well executed. They very much fulfill the “protective Dom” fantasy while adopting a feminist lens. I could even forgive the heavy-handedness of the dirty talk.
Acheron’s backstory and world-building I was slow to warm up to, but I was content with the part it played in the climax. A fun, unique take on the afterlife with its own set of rules and beliefs. Had this novel been expanded in length, given more time to flesh out, I would have eaten it up, (but I hear there’s a sequel, so I might give that a try). I even found Jenna enjoyable as one of the side characters, most of whom had edge and layers. Shane, especially, was perfectly introduced. No spoilers, but his role took a delicious turn. All the kudos.
All in all, the wrap-up was quick but fairly cathartic. The ending wasn’t predictable per se. The story ended on a note one might hope for and I found that immensely satisfying. If you want to explore dark topics and supernatural romances through diverse, complex characters, give this book a chance! I look forward to reading more by Virtues in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Sexual content, Stalking, and Death
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Drug use, Death of parent, and Murder
hellsploss's review
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
I don't know why I expected this book to wine and dine me first before having the main characters do the literal devil's tango within the first few chapters of the book but here we are. If you're just interested in black pepper level spice scenes with only enough plot to string it together then this is the book for you otherwise stay away.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Violence
Minor: Blood and Alcohol
shaipanda's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
4.25
I ended up liking this more than I thought I would - I wasn’t sure how the plot was going to play out but was suprisingly fleshed out considering how short this is and how much of it is just smut lol - but ya great 👀 and overall enjoyed it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Death
Moderate: Violence, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, and Gun violence
Minor: Alcohol
sambashua's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This isn’t really my type of book, but it was good for what it was! I think people who enjoy erotica will very much enjoy this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Sexual content, Grief, and Mental illness
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Death of parent
weelasswithabook's review
dark
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
CW loss of a loved one, gun violence, home Invasion, consensual non consent
Who said you can't possibly have a fully formed plot AND world building AND an absolute ton of spice in less than 200 pages? Me. It was me.
RM Virtues blew that thought process right out of the water. I thoroughly enjoyed being proved wrong!
Who said you can't possibly have a fully formed plot AND world building AND an absolute ton of spice in less than 200 pages? Me. It was me.
RM Virtues blew that thought process right out of the water. I thoroughly enjoyed being proved wrong!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence and Drug use
zabeishumanish's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
One of the more fun and creative monster fucker books I've read. The story probably could have used one more round of editing though, just a few obvious typos and incorrect character names.
Acheron is a fascinating monster. The entire form of his body is malleable and he can change sizes and shapes on a whim.
I was a bit apprehensive of the whole sleep paralysis aspect of the book, but once I saw that being used as a kind of safe word for Penelope I was on board. The whole sleep demon system and Acheron being able to read her mind and limitations created a really nice sense of security. The creativity of this setup was fantastic and I loved that Penelope was able to have so much fun.
If the author chooses to make this into a series I would be delighted to read the rest of them. The side characters introduced in this book all have enough personality to welcome additional books.
Acheron is a fascinating monster. The entire form of his body is malleable and he can change sizes and shapes on a whim.
I was a bit apprehensive of the whole sleep paralysis aspect of the book, but once I saw that being used as a kind of safe word for Penelope I was on board. The whole sleep demon system and Acheron being able to read her mind and limitations created a really nice sense of security. The creativity of this setup was fantastic and I loved that Penelope was able to have so much fun.
If the author chooses to make this into a series I would be delighted to read the rest of them. The side characters introduced in this book all have enough personality to welcome additional books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Minor: Alcohol and Drug use
_book_nook_'s review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Let's just say I'm taking four melatonins tonight in hopes I'm going to wake up and find a sleep paralysis demon like this one
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Gun violence, Violence, Drug use, and Death of parent
kenziebeck's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Drug use
Minor: Death of parent