Scan barcode
A review by ashlightgrayson
Berries and Greed by Lily Mayne
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Wholesome kinky monster romance is the best way I can describe this story. The main character, Beryl, grows up in a cult that worships monsters (called demiurgus) that they aspire to be able to have sex with. A very strange premise for a romance novel to start. Beryl is our main character who wants to leave the cult to go live in the real world. Eventually she gets her wish when an innocent demiurgus named Greid stumbles upon the cult and strikes a deal with her to leave the cult. He needs a new roommate and she needs a way out, so it works out in both of their favors.
Greid and Beryl are both awkwardly cute and become very good friends that spend a lot of time together. It's a friends to lovers story that introduces the interesting world of demiurgus. Beryl ends up getting a job at a local bar and starts trying to make friends. I really liked that the story explored how strange it is to leave a religious cult and have to adapt back into society. Greid is a misfit as well in other ways. The demiurgus are known for being assertive and specifically sexually dominant and assertive in bed. Greid on the other hand, is a very shy, sexually submissive, and nerdy guy. What is cool is that Beryl and Greid like each other for who they are. Greid's family is also super cool once they get introduced. It's no surprise that Greid is such a sweetheart.
The story is very slice of life and the sexual scenes are very kinky and explicit. Beryl has vaginismus and I think this is the first time I've ever read a story that includes a character with the condition. I loved that it didn't make Beryl and Greid's sex life any less exciting and joyful. There is no penis in vagina intercourse in the entirety of the story but it was still great smut. I hope to find more books with a variety of positive sexual experiences such as this one. It was written in a loving and non-judgmental way that is inclusive. We really need more books like this.
As an aside, I would only recommend reading this if you are aware that there is explicit sexual content. It is very cozy outside of that though and will cheer you up if you're looking for a wholesome and fun monster romance with lots of spice.
Greid and Beryl are both awkwardly cute and become very good friends that spend a lot of time together. It's a friends to lovers story that introduces the interesting world of demiurgus. Beryl ends up getting a job at a local bar and starts trying to make friends. I really liked that the story explored how strange it is to leave a religious cult and have to adapt back into society. Greid is a misfit as well in other ways. The demiurgus are known for being assertive and specifically sexually dominant and assertive in bed. Greid on the other hand, is a very shy, sexually submissive, and nerdy guy. What is cool is that Beryl and Greid like each other for who they are. Greid's family is also super cool once they get introduced. It's no surprise that Greid is such a sweetheart.
The story is very slice of life and the sexual scenes are very kinky and explicit. Beryl has vaginismus and I think this is the first time I've ever read a story that includes a character with the condition. I loved that it didn't make Beryl and Greid's sex life any less exciting and joyful. There is no penis in vagina intercourse in the entirety of the story but it was still great smut. I hope to find more books with a variety of positive sexual experiences such as this one. It was written in a loving and non-judgmental way that is inclusive. We really need more books like this.
As an aside, I would only recommend reading this if you are aware that there is explicit sexual content. It is very cozy outside of that though and will cheer you up if you're looking for a wholesome and fun monster romance with lots of spice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing