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alxisrae's reviews
120 reviews
Shades of Red by Willow Prescott
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This little filthy erotic novel was a delicious treat and felt like anything but a filler to get to know a character. This little taste is going to have me RUNNING for Willows other stories. We meet Chef Gavin Greyson and INSTANTLY get to see what kind of kinky fuckery this dark and brooding Master is into. Food play, 🩸 & c*m play, knife kink…oh my! But beyond the layer of Gavin’s dark needs that is something about him that makes you drawn to him as a character. He’s kind and caring in his own twisted way. I actually really enjoyed the ending and found it refreshing - Gavin has his boundaries and respect for himself to realize that sometimes you can’t save those that don’t want to save themselves. This book is dark, so please, please make sure to check trigger warnings before diving in. But if you love some kinky, dirty, sexy dark romance then this story is for you. The Epilogue has you craving for more.
And never did I think an ice cream sundae would be slightly ruined for me…again.
And never did I think an ice cream sundae would be slightly ruined for me…again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, Alcohol
Minor: Murder
Blood play, food play, cum play, knife kink, spanking, BDSM, D/s play
Loving the Sinner by Daisy Wren
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
YOU GUYYYS! I have never fallen faster for a book than I have with this one. First the initial draw of this book for me right off the bat is the plus size FMC. Already major points for me cause I myself am plus sized. This story gives us Elianna “Elli” and Westley “Wes” - and they are so adorable, believable and relatable. Every character Daisy gives in this book you’re able to find something to relate to and I very much appreciated that.
Elli I related to the most, for beyond also being a plus size woman. Her journey with religious trauma (I wasn’t Mormon, but was raised Catholic) and love how vulnerable she was in her journey. Her and Izzy I ADORED. but also how Elli came to love her body and have a confidence with herself as she seemed to grow with her new life. I thought that was simply beautiful
I love the strangers to friends to lovers flow of the story and how we got to know the two MCs before they became a couple. This story is just warm and fluffy. I seriously was so mad life got in my way of reading. I could read 10 more books of just this little world and group. The way Wes treated, loved and adored Elli made me ache for that same kind of love. Also Wes…Eddie Munson coded…ILL SAY NO MORE.
Elli I related to the most, for beyond also being a plus size woman. Her journey with religious trauma (I wasn’t Mormon, but was raised Catholic) and love how vulnerable she was in her journey. Her and Izzy I ADORED. but also how Elli came to love her body and have a confidence with herself as she seemed to grow with her new life. I thought that was simply beautiful
I love the strangers to friends to lovers flow of the story and how we got to know the two MCs before they became a couple. This story is just warm and fluffy. I seriously was so mad life got in my way of reading. I could read 10 more books of just this little world and group. The way Wes treated, loved and adored Elli made me ache for that same kind of love. Also Wes…Eddie Munson coded…ILL SAY NO MORE.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Sexual content, Religious bigotry
Minor: Addiction, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Death of parent
When Hearts Collide by Victoria Lum
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This books was a whirlwind of emotions. I was happy, sad, angry, and the spice in this was 🔥!!!! I really enjoyed this book and found a new series that I can’t wait to see the other parts for. I really liked how this romance didn’t start right from the jump like past romances I’ve read with this same trope. You got to know the characters and see them - before they became a couple. Any chance I got to read this book, I took it! I wanted to know when these two would get together, how it was gonna work out, and see where it ended. These two have been through so much before coming together that you couldn’t help but feel but also relate to the characters. I really related to Millie with how she “felt the need to be strong for everyone” with her friends and family. The background characters were great too, especially with the couples sort of setting up in the background. Though how the climax would come for these two was a little predictable, the outcome and ending was surprised and enjoyable nonetheless. The couple makes you root for them, and this book I couldn’t put down!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Death of parent
Minor: Grief
Lead Us To Temptation by Alana Powers
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
4.0
The moment I started Lead Us To Temptation, I couldn’t put it down. The story is captivating with twists and turns that keep you on your toes. Catalina…never wanted to shake and hug a character more. Her character growth through this was beautiful. I also really really enjoyed the religious aspect but making the characters the authors own. The dynamic between Lucifer and Gabriel I enjoyed the most, second to the main couple. Now while this story has little spice…I will tell you…the little we got was hot! Lucifer is that dark, morally grey character that dark romance girlies will love! The ending made me want the next part now! I can’t wait to see where this story goes.
Check trigger warnings before reading! There is a lot of trauma, mentions of abuse/child abuse and other triggering topics.
Poor Catalina has been through it!
Check trigger warnings before reading! There is a lot of trauma, mentions of abuse/child abuse and other triggering topics.
Poor Catalina has been through it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content, Abandonment
Fall Into Me: A Romantic Suspense Thriller by Arden Coutts
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? No
4.0
Fall Into Me hooked me when I saw “romance” & “suspense” in the title. Two genres I love most. And lord have mercy is this a suspenseful read. Right from the jump you’re dropped right back in from the point of the first in this trilogy (Fall Into Midnight) but this time we’re focused on Marcus and Kee.
The emotions coming from these characters were really well portrayed and had you coming back into the story. For example; You felt for Marcus, but understand Kee’s anger/frustration. Making the characters likable and relatable. You will be sitting on the edge of your seat with this read. Also…the villain in this story might actually be the worst and I mean that as a compliment!
Arden also does a really good job in mixing the tense situation with the lightness of the relationships of these characters and their interactions with one another. James and Kee had some really sweet moments. I am going to be keeping an eye out for the final book.
This is an excellent if you want a suspenseful storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat with couple that has great chemistry!
The emotions coming from these characters were really well portrayed and had you coming back into the story. For example; You felt for Marcus, but understand Kee’s anger/frustration. Making the characters likable and relatable. You will be sitting on the edge of your seat with this read. Also…the villain in this story might actually be the worst and I mean that as a compliment!
Arden also does a really good job in mixing the tense situation with the lightness of the relationships of these characters and their interactions with one another. James and Kee had some really sweet moments. I am going to be keeping an eye out for the final book.
This is an excellent if you want a suspenseful storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat with couple that has great chemistry!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Torture, Violence
Moderate: Sexual content, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Sexual assault
Revenants by Mel C. Bell
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
It is cruel that this was less than 100 pages. I want more! I want to know everything about Mal and Maddie. I wanted to know his entire history! Ughhhh! And the wording and writing style of this author is so beautiful. With their words alone the canvas of their words quickly came into view and I saw everything like a movie in my mind. The scene of them rushing through the woods with the hoard coming after them! Horrifically amazing. I want more. I need more. Do yourself a favor and read this now! Zombies in the Wild West should attract you enough but there is a little magical twist there toward the end. A hint of a romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Death of parent
Moderate: Body horror, Gun violence, Suicide, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment
Of Snow and Sapphire by K.C. Silver
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
THIS STORY! Guys…I was so happy to get this ARC and spent my entire day off reading. It’s the story of Ludella and Zimyn - the Queen of the Snow Court and the Captain of her Royal Guard. The two have been best friends since childhood and over time those feelings only have grown stronger.
The mutual pining and longing that’s going on with these two are FELT through the pages. You’re able to feel the ache they have because they are unable to be together. A Queen of the Snow Court, Ludella must find a consort to strengthen her Kingdom. A choice that would bring tension and angst between the two friends. It being a novella there is only one “spicy” scene, which I appreciated more so cause they felt natural and not forced. And it was written and described beautifully
I loved Ludella! Her quick whip and sarcasm was something I simply adored. Her strength is admirable since she is a Queen being obviously undermined by the men of her court (pg 66 is a great example). Belvan …idk why but I just imagined the actor that played Peter Bealish in GoT the entire time lol. And the twists and the ending…DID NOT see that coming!!
The mutual pining and longing that’s going on with these two are FELT through the pages. You’re able to feel the ache they have because they are unable to be together. A Queen of the Snow Court, Ludella must find a consort to strengthen her Kingdom. A choice that would bring tension and angst between the two friends. It being a novella there is only one “spicy” scene, which I appreciated more so cause they felt natural and not forced. And it was written and described beautifully
I loved Ludella! Her quick whip and sarcasm was something I simply adored. Her strength is admirable since she is a Queen being obviously undermined by the men of her court (pg 66 is a great example). Belvan …idk why but I just imagined the actor that played Peter Bealish in GoT the entire time lol. And the twists and the ending…DID NOT see that coming!!
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Death of parent
Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Now I have tried 2 other times to read this book and at 75% I wanted to DNF it for a 3rd time.
Now it isn’t cause it’s a bad story. It’s not. It’s a cute, entertaining historical romance….EOD I’m glad I stuck through
(Slight spoilers, but also not really)
…BUT there was something that I just couldn’t seem to enjoy this as much as Kate and Anthony’s or Sophie and Benedict’s. And I think my problem is Colin? This ongoing quip of being a constantly hungry and quickly angered man wasn’t a good taste in my mouth. It didn’t take much for Colin’s temper to come out - so much so that we’re reminded constantly as a reader that this “isn’t the Colin that Penelope knew…”. His temper gave me the ick - ESPECIALLY when he seemed to take it out on Penelope the most.
Now I love Eloise and Pens friendship in this book than I do on the show. Eloise on the show can be a little annoying and frustrating at times. This book let me see and appreciate their friendship.
The spicy moments in this book were only a couple of scenes but you were able to feel how feral Colin was for Penelope. I will say once that man saw her, and really saw her, he fell and he fell hard and fast. The man couldn’t control himself. The relationship of Colin and Pen improved with each chapter once Colin was able to get past his jealousy/ego. The ending really redeemed Colin as he stood by his wife. It was lovely.
Now it isn’t cause it’s a bad story. It’s not. It’s a cute, entertaining historical romance….EOD I’m glad I stuck through
(Slight spoilers, but also not really)
…BUT there was something that I just couldn’t seem to enjoy this as much as Kate and Anthony’s or Sophie and Benedict’s. And I think my problem is Colin? This ongoing quip of being a constantly hungry and quickly angered man wasn’t a good taste in my mouth. It didn’t take much for Colin’s temper to come out - so much so that we’re reminded constantly as a reader that this “isn’t the Colin that Penelope knew…”. His temper gave me the ick - ESPECIALLY when he seemed to take it out on Penelope the most.
Now I love Eloise and Pens friendship in this book than I do on the show. Eloise on the show can be a little annoying and frustrating at times. This book let me see and appreciate their friendship.
The spicy moments in this book were only a couple of scenes but you were able to feel how feral Colin was for Penelope. I will say once that man saw her, and really saw her, he fell and he fell hard and fast. The man couldn’t control himself. The relationship of Colin and Pen improved with each chapter once Colin was able to get past his jealousy/ego. The ending really redeemed Colin as he stood by his wife. It was lovely.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content
Minor: Body shaming
The Pleasure Protocol by Darcy Romaine, Kat Alexander
emotional
funny
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? No
5.0
The Pleasure Protocol introduces us to our couple Nikolai and Corinne. He is a billionaire and she is an escort - the two of them introduced due to Nikolai needing a date for an event. Right off the bat the chemistry between these two is hoooot.
Corinne is confidence and sex appeal really shines through the page. I really, really liked her. Nikolai is a kinky Dom, that goes to church on Sunday, and acts of service is his love language. There is this air about Nikolai that you can sense - he’s dominate while still being tentative…..BDE as Elijah would say! It wasn’t hard to find these two lovable and to root for them!
With good chemistry between your couple, you’re going to get hot fuck smut! And this book didn’t disappoint. I had to walk away sometimes because these two were just 🔥. The dirty talk 👏🏽👏🏽. I am a reader that goes feral for some good dirty talk. The scenes never felt forced and always made sense - ITS PORN WITH A PLOT!!!
Also the communication between these two *chefs kiss*
Even the side characters were great. Indali was my favorite!!!!!!!!
I didn’t want this book to end, I couldn’t put it down. I was mad when I had to. I woke up early this morning before work to finish it!
Corinne is confidence and sex appeal really shines through the page. I really, really liked her. Nikolai is a kinky Dom, that goes to church on Sunday, and acts of service is his love language. There is this air about Nikolai that you can sense - he’s dominate while still being tentative…..BDE as Elijah would say! It wasn’t hard to find these two lovable and to root for them!
With good chemistry between your couple, you’re going to get hot fuck smut! And this book didn’t disappoint. I had to walk away sometimes because these two were just 🔥. The dirty talk 👏🏽👏🏽. I am a reader that goes feral for some good dirty talk. The scenes never felt forced and always made sense - ITS PORN WITH A PLOT!!!
Also the communication between these two *chefs kiss*
Even the side characters were great. Indali was my favorite!!!!!!!!
I didn’t want this book to end, I couldn’t put it down. I was mad when I had to. I woke up early this morning before work to finish it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content