averyswann's reviews
73 reviews

A Kingdom of Wolves by Alice Wilde

challenging dark slow-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? It's complicated

4.0

Overall, I kinda enjoyed reading this trilogy but I had to admit that I only stayed for the drama, not the characters, the plot, or even the spicy scenes (which are questionnable and mostly fade-to-black anyway). It's like watching those telenovellas where you have no idea what the story is or who the characters are, but you're entertained enough to see them fight. As for the things you might dislike about this book:

• There's a huge difference between what the characters think and say, and what they do or the way they behave, which is confusing and annoying.
• No well-established characters, and definitely no strong character development. The only person with a solid character is the FMC, although sometimes her personality is also questionable. The three MCs are also almost like filler/side characters, except they have their own POVs.
• Extremely long and repetitive internal monologues. They mean one thing, but the characters will say it 5 different ways. There are entire chapters with only internal monologue.
• Weak plot and the finale is kinda disappointing. I think if the excessive internal monologues are removed, this could be made into a standalone.
• Grammatical and typographical mistakes.

As for the things that you might like ('cause I did finish this whole book):

• Wolf shifters
• Strong (?) FMC
• Castles and Kingdoms
• Pr3gnancy trope
• Drama (lots of it)
• commoner turned royalty

Beware of the TWs, though. This books contains a lot of flashback and on-page SA. Now, if you don't mind the things that you might dislike, and the blurb interests you, then maybe you'll like this book! I didn't regret reading this, despite its flaws. That's for sure.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Sexual harassment

Hailed by Fiends by Eva Chase

adventurous challenging emotional slow-paced

4.75

The pacing was really slow for this book and I'm torn between saying that it could've been wrapped up much quicker but at the same time agree that the pacing is just right for the build up of the finale. 

The spicy scenes are also kinda unnecessary. The transition leading to them were smooth, but nothing much changes if they were removed completely. I'm not complaining, though, since they are spicy. I love spicy, just stating some thoughts.

As a closing book for this series, I think it really did well! I had to stop a few times just to keep my interest in the book since it's really slow going for me, but the final battle and the after scenes left me pretty satisfied. The slow-pacing of the book gave way to more in-depth character explorations, and that made the climax meaningful. It made me root for the characters and cheer for them; love them. I think that's what's most important. 

Overall, this series is highly recommended!

Defended by Demons by Eva Chase

adventurous challenging slow-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

4.75

Finally, Rollick is with the gang. The pacing is once again very slow, but I like all the character interactions, and I was so happy when Rollick finally accepter her and vice versa. So, excited with what happens in book 4!

Courted by Beasts by Eva Chase

adventurous challenging emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The pacing is really slow but hot dang, the tension between Rollick and Quinn is *chef's kiss* Also, WHY is Torrent always getting hurt. At this point, I want to tuck him in a blanket burrito and shield him from the world. And the spicy scenes were so amazing! The ending, though... *sobs in the corner*

All I can say is, if you're having doubts whether you should continue this book, it's okay. BUT stick with the story. It gets better. You won't regret reading this.

Chosen by Villains by Eva Chase

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A beautiful book for an opener for the series. The pacing can be incredibly slow at times, but it gave way to more in depth character interactions. I think it's Eva Chase's signature writing style. She prefers character development and interactions over fast-paced plot. It wasn't boring as well, because the characters are all loveable and you'll enjoy their dynamics.

This book features the following:
• medium-burn
• low-heat
• various types of monsters (with unique appendages)
• big guy but a softie
• slightly psychotic dragon-shifter
• an aloof tentacled leader
• h with dark pasts
• sorcerers
• fmc with transplanted heart

Overall, if you don't mind slow-paced books that focus more on the characters, I think you'll love this! Happy reading!

Royals of Villain Academy: Books 5 - 8 by Eva Chase
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.

I really thought that I'd finish this book. I just had to take a break then go back to it at a later date. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I stopped reading this, and my mood just didn't let me continue this book again. Maybe I'll try and read this again from the very start, but right now, I just have to let it go. It's been bugging me to see it at my currently reading list when I know to myself that it'll probably be a long time until I pick this up again.

As to why I had so much difficulty with finishing this book, it's mainly because of the pacing. I find it so slow. I'm also a mood reader so that's to blame as well.

Pirate's Witch by Jessamine Rue

adventurous challenging dark emotional slow-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? It's complicated

4.0

The book is true to its words that it's a raunchy pirate story inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean/Peter Pan/Treasure Island. Raunchy in a way that half of its plot is the spicy scenes. Also, for a standalone, it's incredibly slow-paced, focusing more on the character developments that are overshadowed by the endless smut. The plot is linear and relatively simple.

Despite this, the first part almost had me sobbing my heart out. The fmc's struggle to be seen, desired, wanted and care for really hits home.

All in all, if you set your expectations right, you'll incredibly love this book. Unfortunately for me, I was expecting more of a swashbucking-adventure, and action-packed pirate scenes with a mix of heat. The book didn't deliver in that regard... except for the heat. It is really spicy.

So, if you're looking for a pirate-inspired reverse harem book with smut as half of its plot, then this is highly recommended for you!

This has:
• Witches powered by smut.
• Several hot virile pirates
• Super interesting smut scenes
• A story a tad bit on the daker side (do check trigger warnings)
• Curses

Happy reading!

Third Comes Vengeance by Lilith Vincent

challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Perfect title for a perfect book. Vengeance really tasted sweet for the final part of this trilogy. Although the final fight was a bit anticlimactic, everything was amazing so I really didn't mind. In fact, I think it's a nice break between everything the characters have been through. This trilogy is highly recommended!

Second Comes War by Lilith Vincent

challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I am so in love with Lorenzo Scava and his character. That's it. That's the review.

Nope, just kidding.

If book 1 focused on setting up the stage and premise of the story, book 2 is where the getting to know part happened. We finally found out what happened to their sisters. There are some major character developments, fun, sweet, and spicy times, and the group is finally whole. Well, what book doesn't have a cliffhanger ending? This one is no exception. As we go along the last chapters, their past finally caught up with them and they are once again forced to face their sisters' deaths and killer.

Overall, it's an amazing continuation and I can't wait to read book 3!

First Comes Blood by Lilith Vincent

challenging dark emotional slow-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

I have no idea why I though this is about mafia vampires, probably because of the word blood in the title, but at least I'm right on the mafia part.

It's a slow-paced, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers book with low to medium heat. The spicy scenes were interesting, and the character dynamics mixes really well. It's safe to say that you will not get bored of this book if you are into mafia stories.

This book has:
•v1rgin and innocent fmc
•alphaholes (all of the mmc are)
•morally grey characters
•touch her and d1e attitude
•obssessive and possessive mmc

If this is your cup of tea, then I highly recommend you this book!