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auroralovesbooks's reviews
413 reviews
The Winter King by C.L. Wilson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 39%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 39%.
DNF.
Trigger Warnings: Sexual assault and coercion
Wow, this book had so much potential before the blatant red flags and sexual assault.
1. When they meet, he has an instant attraction to her. They struggle because she is running away from him and then he proceeds to assault her:
"“Get your hands off me!” she demanded. “Let me go!” Behind him, Valik cleared his throat in disapproval, but Wynter ignored him. He was toying with the girl—in part, just because he could"
"The sound burrowed oddly deep inside him, rousing a response like none he’d ever felt before. Possessive, dominant, compelling. The little maid felt it, too. And it obviously terrified her. She began to struggle in earnest, slapping his hand away and pulling at the other hand still circling her throat."
“If the storm hadn’t crashed that tree branch through the window, I think I might have laid her down whether she willed it or no. Even with you in the room.”
2. After they marry for convenience, he tries to force her to have sex. Once she repeatedly says no and he decides he wants a willing bed mate, he coerces her by reminding her of her vows.
She still didn’t move. “I am not bathing with you here, and that is final.”
“You will,” he corrected. “If I have to strip those pelts from you and drop you kicking and screaming into the tub, you will.” Her eyes narrowed, beginning to swirl with silver. “You. Wouldn’t. Dare.” “Oh, min ros, I would.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Wrestling a beautiful, naked woman out of her furs and into her bath? What Winterman worth his stones would pass up a chance like that?” “I’ll fry you before you lay a finger on me.”
"You swore to offer me all the fruits of your life. And now, you would deny me that which you swore to offer? Do you have so little honor?” The accusation stole the silver from her eyes, leaving them pure, plain gray filled with shock and dismay. “I . . . No! Of course not! I’m no oathbreaker.” “Then come to your bath. Accept my care, as you swore you would. Offer me the fruits of your life, that I may dine once more on peace instead of war.”"
I think the author's intent was to do the whole: mates, he has to have her, aligned energies, etc. But this was not the way to do it. I've read plenty of Fated Mates, shifter, etc romance stories that did not have to rely on SA to get the point across.
It does not matter if you have had sex before, are in a relationship, married, etc... NO MEANS NO. You have the right to say no anytime.
Trigger Warnings: Sexual assault and coercion
Wow, this book had so much potential before the blatant red flags and sexual assault.
1. When they meet, he has an instant attraction to her. They struggle because she is running away from him and then he proceeds to assault her:
"“Get your hands off me!” she demanded. “Let me go!” Behind him, Valik cleared his throat in disapproval, but Wynter ignored him. He was toying with the girl—in part, just because he could"
"The sound burrowed oddly deep inside him, rousing a response like none he’d ever felt before. Possessive, dominant, compelling. The little maid felt it, too. And it obviously terrified her. She began to struggle in earnest, slapping his hand away and pulling at the other hand still circling her throat."
“If the storm hadn’t crashed that tree branch through the window, I think I might have laid her down whether she willed it or no. Even with you in the room.”
2. After they marry for convenience, he tries to force her to have sex. Once she repeatedly says no and he decides he wants a willing bed mate, he coerces her by reminding her of her vows.
She still didn’t move. “I am not bathing with you here, and that is final.”
“You will,” he corrected. “If I have to strip those pelts from you and drop you kicking and screaming into the tub, you will.” Her eyes narrowed, beginning to swirl with silver. “You. Wouldn’t. Dare.” “Oh, min ros, I would.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Wrestling a beautiful, naked woman out of her furs and into her bath? What Winterman worth his stones would pass up a chance like that?” “I’ll fry you before you lay a finger on me.”
"You swore to offer me all the fruits of your life. And now, you would deny me that which you swore to offer? Do you have so little honor?” The accusation stole the silver from her eyes, leaving them pure, plain gray filled with shock and dismay. “I . . . No! Of course not! I’m no oathbreaker.” “Then come to your bath. Accept my care, as you swore you would. Offer me the fruits of your life, that I may dine once more on peace instead of war.”"
I think the author's intent was to do the whole: mates, he has to have her, aligned energies, etc. But this was not the way to do it. I've read plenty of Fated Mates, shifter, etc romance stories that did not have to rely on SA to get the point across.
It does not matter if you have had sex before, are in a relationship, married, etc... NO MEANS NO. You have the right to say no anytime.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment
The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard
adventurous
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
This should be picked up for a show!! I received the ALC, so listening to it really made this come to life for me, and I can't stop thinking about how good of a mini series or movie this would make. 📽📺
Anywayyyyy, a romantasy with a "chosen one" plotline can go either way, but this kept me roped in! The trials were bloody and described so well, so entertaining. The magical elements were so easy to follow but still different enough to make this story stand out. It was an easy read with modern-day dialogue.
Tropes:
✨️ Chosen one
✨️ Magic system with magis, gods, and mystical creatures.
✨️ Trials (for a short amount of the book)
✨️ Rebellion, deceit, secrets, political uprising
My only critique is that the romance could have been a little better. I wasn't 10000% convinced of their love, BUT I do realize that there is another book 👀 where things may build up/change, so I will definitely be reading the next book! Highly recommend if youre looking for a fun, quick-paced, romantasy read. ✨️
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperAudio Adult for the ALC. All thoughts are my own. 🤍🎧
Anywayyyyy, a romantasy with a "chosen one" plotline can go either way, but this kept me roped in! The trials were bloody and described so well, so entertaining. The magical elements were so easy to follow but still different enough to make this story stand out. It was an easy read with modern-day dialogue.
Tropes:
✨️ Chosen one
✨️ Magic system with magis, gods, and mystical creatures.
✨️ Trials (for a short amount of the book)
✨️ Rebellion, deceit, secrets, political uprising
My only critique is that the romance could have been a little better. I wasn't 10000% convinced of their love, BUT I do realize that there is another book 👀 where things may build up/change, so I will definitely be reading the next book! Highly recommend if youre looking for a fun, quick-paced, romantasy read. ✨️
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperAudio Adult for the ALC. All thoughts are my own. 🤍🎧
Pole Position by Rebecca J. Caffery
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
First things first, I don't know much about F1 racing. I feel like a lot of the feedback is around inconsistencies within that world so I cant speak to that. That being said, I really enjoyed this book! The audiobook narrators were perfect and so fun to listen to.
Harper made me want to throttle him sometimes. A goos kick to the shin might have been satisfying, but his issues came off as very real and I loved seeing his character growth!
The rivals to lovers pipeline was also fantastic. I loved the banter and how put off Kian was at first. I do wish they would have included more longing looks, small touches. and sweet tension in the build up to their relationship. It would have been much more satisfying when they got together. Once they got together, it moved really fast. I understand there was the forced proximity element, but again, I think more angst and tension would have pushed the story over to a higher rating for me.
Harper made me want to throttle him sometimes. A goos kick to the shin might have been satisfying, but his issues came off as very real and I loved seeing his character growth!
The rivals to lovers pipeline was also fantastic. I loved the banter and how put off Kian was at first. I do wish they would have included more longing looks, small touches. and sweet tension in the build up to their relationship. It would have been much more satisfying when they got together. Once they got together, it moved really fast. I understand there was the forced proximity element, but again, I think more angst and tension would have pushed the story over to a higher rating for me.