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dmniccoli's reviews
25 reviews
Darke Passion by Rosanna Leo
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
4.0
This book serves sisterly love and a low angst romantic relationship that quickly settles into the cute, comfortable stage. Simon and Edwina both have painful pasts in the relationship department, but they both want to move on and find love and acceptance in each other. And they do—after a couple small conversational hiccups they’re open and honest about where they’re at and what they want. Any and all external forces attempting to wreck that are swiftly and succinctly shut down.
The story stakes completely lay with the plot and its malignant ghost villain.
The Darke sisters are very good at what they do—investigating hauntings and helping both the living and the dead move forward. I appreciated the care and respect in which they approach their work, and the focus on research and historical background that was weaved into the story. The sisters are motivated by helping people, creating awareness, and demonstrating the credibility of their work, not garnishing YouTube video views and followers for clout. Edwina especially exudes confidence and competence—sporting tactic-cool gear and an expert use of gadgetry—I loved it. And Simon loved it, too ;)
***spoilers***
I loved that the plot of this book revolved around helping the ghosts of two lovers finally get their happily-hereafter and revenge against the man who took their HEA away from them in life. I wish we got more of the lovers’ reunion, and I’m secretly hoping the author writes a novella or short story about them in the afterlife.
Content notes: sex, conversation about emotionally abusive and/or cheating exes and toxic family members, possession, a rapey misogynistic ghost.
The story stakes completely lay with the plot and its malignant ghost villain.
The Darke sisters are very good at what they do—investigating hauntings and helping both the living and the dead move forward. I appreciated the care and respect in which they approach their work, and the focus on research and historical background that was weaved into the story. The sisters are motivated by helping people, creating awareness, and demonstrating the credibility of their work, not garnishing YouTube video views and followers for clout. Edwina especially exudes confidence and competence—sporting tactic-cool gear and an expert use of gadgetry—I loved it. And Simon loved it, too ;)
***spoilers***
I loved that the plot of this book revolved around helping the ghosts of two lovers finally get their happily-hereafter and revenge against the man who took their HEA away from them in life. I wish we got more of the lovers’ reunion, and I’m secretly hoping the author writes a novella or short story about them in the afterlife.
Content notes: sex, conversation about emotionally abusive and/or cheating exes and toxic family members, possession, a rapey misogynistic ghost.
Christmas Passion and Hot Cocoa Cookies by Erin Rose
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
This story is passionate, heartfelt, and gives us beautiful, romantic prose like this: “She fit into the curve of his body like they’d been carved from the same stone.”
Christmas Passion and Hot Cocoa Cookies is a small town romance that’s got plenty of sugar but doesn’t shy away from spice. It’s as warm and comforting as a hot cup of cocoa or a fresh batch of cookies.
I loved all the little gentle ways Levi and Mila touch each other and show their budding love—hands clasped between their chests as they dance, a cold nose pressed to the other’s neck for warmth, a little kiss to the fingertips.
They went to school together so there’s lots of little snippets of HS memories sprinkled in and of the budding friendship and yearning between them that’s evolving into something more now that they’re adults.
Levi is perfect. He steps in when Mila is overwhelmed and overworked and takes care of everything, allowing her to get ALL the rest and self care she desperately needs. He just might d*ck her to sleep real good - toys and DP included - then completely takes care of her to-do list. An evergreen favorite. We love a partner who tends to their partner mind, body, and soul.
Btw, can I ask Santa for a Levi for Christmas?
Not only is Levi adorable as a partner, he’s extra cute when on uncle duty—this man is not afraid to wear tutus and sparkly purple nail polish with his niece or make beaded friendship bracelets.
Oh, and the Christmas vibe of the story is totally vibing—in more ways than one—see toy comment above ;)
The ending *gasp* - I won’t spoil it, but it’s perfectly adorable.
Thank you Erin Rose and Wild Rose Press for the ARC.
Christmas Passion and Hot Cocoa Cookies is a small town romance that’s got plenty of sugar but doesn’t shy away from spice. It’s as warm and comforting as a hot cup of cocoa or a fresh batch of cookies.
I loved all the little gentle ways Levi and Mila touch each other and show their budding love—hands clasped between their chests as they dance, a cold nose pressed to the other’s neck for warmth, a little kiss to the fingertips.
They went to school together so there’s lots of little snippets of HS memories sprinkled in and of the budding friendship and yearning between them that’s evolving into something more now that they’re adults.
Levi is perfect. He steps in when Mila is overwhelmed and overworked and takes care of everything, allowing her to get ALL the rest and self care she desperately needs. He just might d*ck her to sleep real good - toys and DP included - then completely takes care of her to-do list. An evergreen favorite. We love a partner who tends to their partner mind, body, and soul.
Btw, can I ask Santa for a Levi for Christmas?
Not only is Levi adorable as a partner, he’s extra cute when on uncle duty—this man is not afraid to wear tutus and sparkly purple nail polish with his niece or make beaded friendship bracelets.
Oh, and the Christmas vibe of the story is totally vibing—in more ways than one—see toy comment above ;)
The ending *gasp* - I won’t spoil it, but it’s perfectly adorable.
Thank you Erin Rose and Wild Rose Press for the ARC.
Bend Toward the Sun by Jen Devon
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Soooo many audible reactions while reading this book. It owned my feelings the whole time. Laughing, crying, cursing, and pulling my hair because I wanted to have a sit down with the main characters and have a little “chat.”
It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride - and it’s meant to be a bit messy. There’s so much angst and strife between Rowan and Harrison (if that’s not your thing this book might not work for you), but there’s a lot of hope, too, and all the big and little ways they tell each other they love each other, even before they know it or have the words or the courage to express it, seized me by the heartstrings and left me breathless. By the end, the way is made for healing and growing and learning to trust and love and lean on one another.
Bend Toward the Sun is an excellent title for this book and its themes. I LOVED the characterization work, even when I wanted to shake people. And the setting and plant descriptions were gorgeous, a love letter to place it’s set, and as someone who appreciates science and nature and places that feel like home, I gobbled it all up like the sheep in this book gobble “crunchies.”
I’m gonna be feral for all the books that come after this and let me tell ya, plenty have been teased, and I want every single one.
Content notes: sex, swearing, alcohol consumption, mention of drug use, depression/anxiety, grief, loss of a patient, death, past child abuse/neglect, past partner emotional abuse.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride - and it’s meant to be a bit messy. There’s so much angst and strife between Rowan and Harrison (if that’s not your thing this book might not work for you), but there’s a lot of hope, too, and all the big and little ways they tell each other they love each other, even before they know it or have the words or the courage to express it, seized me by the heartstrings and left me breathless. By the end, the way is made for healing and growing and learning to trust and love and lean on one another.
Bend Toward the Sun is an excellent title for this book and its themes. I LOVED the characterization work, even when I wanted to shake people. And the setting and plant descriptions were gorgeous, a love letter to place it’s set, and as someone who appreciates science and nature and places that feel like home, I gobbled it all up like the sheep in this book gobble “crunchies.”
I’m gonna be feral for all the books that come after this and let me tell ya, plenty have been teased, and I want every single one.
Content notes: sex, swearing, alcohol consumption, mention of drug use, depression/anxiety, grief, loss of a patient, death, past child abuse/neglect, past partner emotional abuse.
Surrendering to Scylla by Wren K. Morris
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
4.5
4.5/5. Vicious, skull-bashing, body-squishing lady monster of legend and her sweet, gentle, soft boi lover.
As much as I loved the vicious bits, I loved the time dedicated to learning about Scylla’s and Ophelos’s pasts, how their respective trauma shapes how they perceive the world, relationships, and how they react to things—something they openly talk about with each other to improve communication and to better accommodate and support each other.
And I loved that the focus of this story is on the nymphs and monsters — not the Greek deities that use, abuse, and then carelessly cast them aside — and gives them their agency and pride back.
There was also some very lovely tentacle action - ngl would’ve loved even more.
And while the characters face some really rough obstacles, they’re able to turn things around and there is an HEA. The final chapter made me cry on a plane as I was finishing it.
So looking forward to reading more monster romance by Wren K. Morris.
Content notes (some contain spoilers): sex, tentacle-play, blood, gore, death, bullying, death of major characters.
As much as I loved the vicious bits, I loved the time dedicated to learning about Scylla’s and Ophelos’s pasts, how their respective trauma shapes how they perceive the world, relationships, and how they react to things—something they openly talk about with each other to improve communication and to better accommodate and support each other.
And I loved that the focus of this story is on the nymphs and monsters — not the Greek deities that use, abuse, and then carelessly cast them aside — and gives them their agency and pride back.
There was also some very lovely tentacle action - ngl would’ve loved even more.
And while the characters face some really rough obstacles, they’re able to turn things around and there is an HEA. The final chapter made me cry on a plane as I was finishing it.
So looking forward to reading more monster romance by Wren K. Morris.
Content notes (some contain spoilers): sex, tentacle-play, blood, gore, death, bullying, death of major characters.
The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Paulette Kennedy’s The Witch of Tin Mountain cleverly interweaves the threads of three generations of women, and what starts as a quiet, simmering horror turns into a bubbling and brewing revenge against an insidious returning evil.
I knew from Anneliese’s opening chapter that I was going to inhale this book. A witch burns, but her story’s not over, it continues through her descendants, and the promise of revenge had me by the throat.
The Ozarkian setting leaps off the page — it’s so clear how much heart and soul went into writing it. I love how the author uses nature and weather to create tension — so many subtle things that just gave me the chills. The land remembers and knows something’s wrong and the reader can’t ignore it.
On Anneliese, Deirdre, and Gracelynn: you can try and take their power away but it will haunt you. Their stories include such important and still relevant to today themes of bodily autonomy and choice.
If you’re a reader that likes hope at the end of your horror novels, there’s plenty of it here, which was so refreshing to see. This book is about three generations of women overcoming an evil that stalks their bloodline, so while there’s a smattering of romance and heartache throughout their stories, this book is not romance, AND YET, (SPOILERS:) I was pleasantly surprised and delighted to see how many of the characters still get happily ever afters anyways <3
I knew from Anneliese’s opening chapter that I was going to inhale this book. A witch burns, but her story’s not over, it continues through her descendants, and the promise of revenge had me by the throat.
The Ozarkian setting leaps off the page — it’s so clear how much heart and soul went into writing it. I love how the author uses nature and weather to create tension — so many subtle things that just gave me the chills. The land remembers and knows something’s wrong and the reader can’t ignore it.
On Anneliese, Deirdre, and Gracelynn: you can try and take their power away but it will haunt you. Their stories include such important and still relevant to today themes of bodily autonomy and choice.
If you’re a reader that likes hope at the end of your horror novels, there’s plenty of it here, which was so refreshing to see. This book is about three generations of women overcoming an evil that stalks their bloodline, so while there’s a smattering of romance and heartache throughout their stories, this book is not romance, AND YET, (SPOILERS:) I was pleasantly surprised and delighted to see how many of the characters still get happily ever afters anyways <3
The Ugly Stepsister by Megan Van Dyke
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
A fun, romantic blend of the Cinderella + Snow White stories with just a sprinkle of the original tales’ grit, plus positive sexuality exploration, and redemption. Disney magic for adults.
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
I adore this book. Its enchanting. It’s heartfelt. It’s tender. The dialogue is witty, clever, and romantic. My heart was in my throat the whole book, and it kept surprising me (but in a good way!) The big reveals definitely landed and got me teary-eyed 😭
There’s no dilly dallying, we jump right in with Mina sacrificing herself, offering herself as the Sea God’s Bride, so that her brother and the love of his life can stay together. And so that she can put a stop to the storms that are terrorizing the coast and her people.
Mina is fierce and brave with the capacity to be unapologetically vicious in order to protect herself and the ones she loves, but she’s also observant and quick to adjust her world view when she sees signs that people or gods are not what they seem, and are perhaps better intentioned than she originally thought. Or have the capacity to change.
Shin, the Lord of Lotus House, protector of the Sea God, is a fierce and steadfast warrior, but he’s also so tender and caring.
*romance spoilers*
Mina and Shin start out as enemies, then tentative allies when they find out the Red String of Fate ties them together, and the progression of their relationship is really quite sweet and had my heart threatening to beat right out of my chest. Shin tries to hide it but of course he’s smitten with Mina, and there’s all these little gestures and words of affirmation & wisdom and understanding between them, and I just ate it all up.
Even when Mina and Shin are brand new allies and unsure of each other, they are never mean. Of course, they challenge and tease each other, which we love to see, but they are also surprisingly honest and supportive when it’s needed. As much as angst can be fun, I just loved seeing these characters surprise me and choose tenderness instead.
The point of contention between Mina and Shin is over how the Human and Spirit Worlds are negatively impacting each other.
Mina is frustrated and angry that the gods have abandoned humans and their prayers. Shin pushes back and argues that she’d blame the gods when human suffering is self inflicted, the result of their own choices—and that maybe it’s the gods who need protecting from humans. But neither are completely right or completely wrong, and this question comes full circle in the end, and as a result of the main characters’ choices both the Human and the Spirit Worlds are changed for the better.
I also gotta say that I loved the side characters—Mina’s grandmother and her wisdom, her siblings. Namgi is such a lovable ball of chaos who’s not afraid to tell it like it is but with humor. But is also a big sweetheart. Dai, Mask, and Miki look out for Mina and are so reliable and dependable. The strength of family and friends in this is so, so good and wholesome!
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh is infused with love—of friends of family of soulmates—and healing. My heart was so full having read this.
There’s no dilly dallying, we jump right in with Mina sacrificing herself, offering herself as the Sea God’s Bride, so that her brother and the love of his life can stay together. And so that she can put a stop to the storms that are terrorizing the coast and her people.
Mina is fierce and brave with the capacity to be unapologetically vicious in order to protect herself and the ones she loves, but she’s also observant and quick to adjust her world view when she sees signs that people or gods are not what they seem, and are perhaps better intentioned than she originally thought. Or have the capacity to change.
Shin, the Lord of Lotus House, protector of the Sea God, is a fierce and steadfast warrior, but he’s also so tender and caring.
*romance spoilers*
Mina and Shin start out as enemies, then tentative allies when they find out the Red String of Fate ties them together, and the progression of their relationship is really quite sweet and had my heart threatening to beat right out of my chest. Shin tries to hide it but of course he’s smitten with Mina, and there’s all these little gestures and words of affirmation & wisdom and understanding between them, and I just ate it all up.
Even when Mina and Shin are brand new allies and unsure of each other, they are never mean. Of course, they challenge and tease each other, which we love to see, but they are also surprisingly honest and supportive when it’s needed. As much as angst can be fun, I just loved seeing these characters surprise me and choose tenderness instead.
The point of contention between Mina and Shin is over how the Human and Spirit Worlds are negatively impacting each other.
Mina is frustrated and angry that the gods have abandoned humans and their prayers. Shin pushes back and argues that she’d blame the gods when human suffering is self inflicted, the result of their own choices—and that maybe it’s the gods who need protecting from humans. But neither are completely right or completely wrong, and this question comes full circle in the end, and as a result of the main characters’ choices both the Human and the Spirit Worlds are changed for the better.
I also gotta say that I loved the side characters—Mina’s grandmother and her wisdom, her siblings. Namgi is such a lovable ball of chaos who’s not afraid to tell it like it is but with humor. But is also a big sweetheart. Dai, Mask, and Miki look out for Mina and are so reliable and dependable. The strength of family and friends in this is so, so good and wholesome!
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh is infused with love—of friends of family of soulmates—and healing. My heart was so full having read this.
Wicked is the Reaper by Nisha J. Tuli
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
4.0
This one’s for fans of Laura Thalassa.
I finished Wicked is the Reaper by Nisha Tuli in one sitting. This is very much an enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance in which the couple is at odds for much of the book—Wicked uses Rowan as ogre bait and keeps her in a cage for a time (yikes!). Even as his cold heartedness towards her softens, and is replaced by tenderness and a growing mutual attraction, I liked that Rowan doesn’t let him forget his wrongs, and she doesn’t stop trying to escape.
Wicked eventually apologizes to Rowan, and makes it his mission to take her back home, but I would’ve liked to have seen more groveling and atonement on his part.
My favorite scene is when *Spoilers* Rowan shoves Wicked into the ogre cage and locks him in. He likes that she got the best of him, which I appreciated, and it turns them both on (whoopsies).
Looking forward to reading more from Nisha Tuli!
Content notes: sex, wound tending (some blood), ogre-heart eating, kidnapping, captivity.
I finished Wicked is the Reaper by Nisha Tuli in one sitting. This is very much an enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance in which the couple is at odds for much of the book—Wicked uses Rowan as ogre bait and keeps her in a cage for a time (yikes!). Even as his cold heartedness towards her softens, and is replaced by tenderness and a growing mutual attraction, I liked that Rowan doesn’t let him forget his wrongs, and she doesn’t stop trying to escape.
Wicked eventually apologizes to Rowan, and makes it his mission to take her back home, but I would’ve liked to have seen more groveling and atonement on his part.
My favorite scene is when *Spoilers* Rowan shoves Wicked into the ogre cage and locks him in. He likes that she got the best of him, which I appreciated, and it turns them both on (whoopsies).
Looking forward to reading more from Nisha Tuli!
Content notes: sex, wound tending (some blood), ogre-heart eating, kidnapping, captivity.
The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
4.5/5. Listened to the audiobook for this one. While I can’t speak to the representation of 1893 Malaya, or its port city Malacca, the writing was so beautiful and seemed every bit to me a love letter to the setting, the history, the traditions and blending of cultures in that region. It was so vibrantly described—a true masterclass in how setting can enrich a book.
“It seemed to me that in this confluence of cultures, we had acquired one another’s superstitions without necessarily any of their comforts.”
The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo is historical fiction with strong supernatural elements and light romantic ones—and has a murder mystery! All my favorite things. The dream and spirit worlds are haunting, eerie, and at times unsettling in their depiction, and I loved that, too.
I felt that the ending and resolution of the mystery was a bit rushed, but *mild spoilers* as an adoring monster/paranormal romance reader, Li Lan’s decision, and the final lines of book, had me exploding with joy:
“When [redacted] comes for his answer, I will tell him that I’ve always thought he was a monster. And that I want to be his bride.”
Content notes: opium, addiction, death/afterlife, torment and strife in the afterlife, death of a loved one, mentions of suicide, attempts at a forced marriage, some fat phobic comments
“It seemed to me that in this confluence of cultures, we had acquired one another’s superstitions without necessarily any of their comforts.”
The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo is historical fiction with strong supernatural elements and light romantic ones—and has a murder mystery! All my favorite things. The dream and spirit worlds are haunting, eerie, and at times unsettling in their depiction, and I loved that, too.
I felt that the ending and resolution of the mystery was a bit rushed, but *mild spoilers* as an adoring monster/paranormal romance reader, Li Lan’s decision, and the final lines of book, had me exploding with joy:
“When [redacted] comes for his answer, I will tell him that I’ve always thought he was a monster. And that I want to be his bride.”
Content notes: opium, addiction, death/afterlife, torment and strife in the afterlife, death of a loved one, mentions of suicide, attempts at a forced marriage, some fat phobic comments
Deceived by the Gargoyles by Lillian Lark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
5.0
The attention to every single character and their relationships with one another is just so good. No one gets left out, there’s very, very little room for jealousy. It’s hot, it’s cozy, and it’s wholesome—everything I hoped this MMMF polyamory monster romance would be.
Content notes: explicit sex, mentions of family trauma/emotional abuse, antagonist is a stalker/kidnapper, breaking & entering, animal death
Content notes: explicit sex, mentions of family trauma/emotional abuse, antagonist is a stalker/kidnapper, breaking & entering, animal death