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aelitareads's reviews
24 reviews
Hooked by Emily McIntire
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
This book made me question my morals. Hard core! 🤣 I had to stop a few times just to ask myself where I stood on kidnapping, torture, and murder all for the sake of love and trauma. You might see Hook and think this will be pirate based but make no mistake - its mafia through and through. Opposing families and a love story caught in the midst of a battle Wendy had no idea even existed. Hooked follows Wendy through the loss of her innocence in her journey into adulthood and Hook's journey to healing from his traumas and discovering new reasons to live.
Hooked has a medium pace with a fast build in the second half. There's spicy scenes scattered all throughout but a good chunk of the first half is setting up the major plot points and background for the story. It took me about 4 days to finish but had I not been interrupted by life I'm sure I could have got through it in 2. I loved reading through and seeing all the subtle (and not so subtle) nods to the original Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie.
Notable Tropes are mafia, found family, Touch her and die, and morally grey... everyone?
Content Warnings that stood out to me - Kidnapping, Choking, Torture, Murder, Childhood SA, Abuse.
The SA isn't graphically detailed but it is very much there. All the rest? Definitely graphic.
Hooked has a medium pace with a fast build in the second half. There's spicy scenes scattered all throughout but a good chunk of the first half is setting up the major plot points and background for the story. It took me about 4 days to finish but had I not been interrupted by life I'm sure I could have got through it in 2. I loved reading through and seeing all the subtle (and not so subtle) nods to the original Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie.
Notable Tropes are mafia, found family, Touch her and die, and morally grey... everyone?
Content Warnings that stood out to me - Kidnapping, Choking, Torture, Murder, Childhood SA, Abuse.
The SA isn't graphically detailed but it is very much there. All the rest? Definitely graphic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Murder, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Violence, Torture, and Child abuse
Moderate: Drug use, Gun violence, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Pretty Rings and Broken Things by Kat Singleton
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I liked this novel more than Black Ties and White Lies. You can see how Kat Singleton is growing as an author and filling any plot holes. Making the book make more sense getting from point A to point B.
I loved Winnie's growth throughout the story. In the beginning she's nervous, panicky, and timid around her father but as she marries Archer and lives with him, her confidence blossoms until she becomes the Boss-Ass Bitch at the end.
Archer also has growth as Winnie helps him realize there's more to life than work and being an asshole(lol no joke- he's a self declared asshole). He's protective of Winnie and falls absolutely head over heels for her. Fast.
Overall I get it a 4/5. Although the book is great, I'm giving it one star off because it really does feel like Kat Singleton used the same format from Book 1. Right down to how many chapters of sex there are in the one bed trope on vacation and joining the mile high club on the way home.
I loved Winnie's growth throughout the story. In the beginning she's nervous, panicky, and timid around her father but as she marries Archer and lives with him, her confidence blossoms until she becomes the Boss-Ass Bitch at the end.
Archer also has growth as Winnie helps him realize there's more to life than work and being an asshole(lol no joke- he's a self declared asshole). He's protective of Winnie and falls absolutely head over heels for her. Fast.
Overall I get it a 4/5. Although the book is great, I'm giving it one star off because it really does feel like Kat Singleton used the same format from Book 1. Right down to how many chapters of sex there are in the one bed trope on vacation and joining the mile high club on the way home.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Sexual harassment
There is a sex tape that is made without consent and is threatened to be made public
Mated to the Monster by Sarah Spade
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This novella length monster romance is hilarious, riveting, and romantic while also reminding everyone exactly why you shouldn't play with spell books in a language you don't understand... or maybe you should if you need a demon mate for yourself 😘
Shannon was relatable in her impulsiveness and Malphas was the sweetest cinnamon roll of a demon there ever was. This book teeters more towards a 3.5 than a full 4 for me just because I feel like there could have been more world building (discovering the Sombra Demons and how their world functions)
Shannon was relatable in her impulsiveness and Malphas was the sweetest cinnamon roll of a demon there ever was. This book teeters more towards a 3.5 than a full 4 for me just because I feel like there could have been more world building (discovering the Sombra Demons and how their world functions)
Black Ties and White Lies by Kat Singleton
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I saw this book had some bad reviews on goodreads and honestly, I think this is a case of "don't yuck someone's yum"
I personally LOVED this book for the exact reason people were dissing it - the Dom/sub relationship. Him asking for her terms in the same way you'd ask for a safeword before you jump into a scene, the consent and begging 🥵 Needless to say, I'm giving it a good rating. 4.5/5 with the .5 taken off just because the plot dropped a bit.
If you're a fan of Dom/sub, begging, and praise I implore you to read Black Ties and White Lies by Kat Singleton. Pro tip- it gets reeaally good at Chapter 30 😘
I personally LOVED this book for the exact reason people were dissing it - the Dom/sub relationship. Him asking for her terms in the same way you'd ask for a safeword before you jump into a scene, the consent and begging 🥵 Needless to say, I'm giving it a good rating. 4.5/5 with the .5 taken off just because the plot dropped a bit.
If you're a fan of Dom/sub, begging, and praise I implore you to read Black Ties and White Lies by Kat Singleton. Pro tip- it gets reeaally good at Chapter 30 😘
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity and Toxic relationship
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Finally finished Bookshops & Bonedust yesterday and it was so good! Perfect book to read while recovering from a surgery cause oof I related to Viv so much. The frustration, the urge to keep busy, get into mischief. I loved hearing the origin story of Viv's greatsword Blackblood.
Not to mention the sapphic romance 😍 I was kicking my feet and squealing like a school girl. The gay panic was extremely relatable 😂 I can't wait to see what Travis Baldree writes next!
Not to mention the sapphic romance 😍 I was kicking my feet and squealing like a school girl. The gay panic was extremely relatable 😂 I can't wait to see what Travis Baldree writes next!
Taken by the Dark Elf King by Charlotte Swan
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Talk about spice! 🥵 I got this book on a whim and I am so glad I did. Fated Mates, a praise kink, Touch her and I'll kill you 😈, and the breeding kink were the tropes that screamed out to me throughout the book. If you're in the mood for an easy read with good plot, fast pace, and moderate kink give it a try. This book took about 4 hours for me to read and about 2 for my significant other so it's definitely do-able if you have a busy life and struggle finding time to read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Sexual harassment, and Misogyny
Tea with a Minotaur by Adrienne Hiatt
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Tea With A Minotaur was a truly mystical, cozy read. As a member of the autistic community it
really resonated as I watched Mahkai go through similar struggles as what I’ve faced. From
feeling misunderstood in my own family, to finding family through the hardships I feel as though
I’ve found a friend in the characters of this book. If you like Lengends & Lattes this should be
next in your cozy fantasy repertoire.
really resonated as I watched Mahkai go through similar struggles as what I’ve faced. From
feeling misunderstood in my own family, to finding family through the hardships I feel as though
I’ve found a friend in the characters of this book. If you like Lengends & Lattes this should be
next in your cozy fantasy repertoire.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Toxic relationship, and Fire/Fire injury
Married to the Mahr by Delilah Dare
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was a nice fast paced read that I was able to finish in like 6 hours. Lots of spicy scenes. Maayybbee not the best choice for my first monster romance though 😅. The description of the Mahr made me think more of the minotaur but with a shadow feature 😘
Content Warnings
Minor: Pedophilia
Awakening The Forgotten Goddess by Rebekah Sinclair
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
4.5
She's done it again! Rebekah's books are amazing and she knows how to pull at your heartstrings. The perspective changing chapter to chapter was a bit hard for me to keep track of in this one, but I think that was more because I didn't have the time to read it in long stretches. This book would be best consumed in 4-5 chapter bursts if you can't devote a whole day.
I will say READ THE TRIGGERS. Especially the torture one... I've never gone through that experience but my God. That was a graphic description and I had to walk away for a hot minute after reading it.
I look forward to seeing how the characters grow throughout the series. I really hope they get a happily ever after.
I will say READ THE TRIGGERS. Especially the torture one... I've never gone through that experience but my God. That was a graphic description and I had to walk away for a hot minute after reading it.
I look forward to seeing how the characters grow throughout the series. I really hope they get a happily ever after.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Carnal Secrets by Suzanne Wright
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0