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firequeen_ash23's reviews
125 reviews
Carved From Obsidian: | An Urban Paranormal Romance by Addie Grey
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Carved from Obsidian is definitely one of my new favorite paranormal dark romances of 2024.
I loved the two main characters Soph and Eli, a Witch and billionaire vampire who end up meeting by chance only to find out that they're lives are entwined irrevocably. But other forces are at play and that could cause some bigger problems for the couple in the near future. Also take into account that there are secrets and information that Soph doesn't know about the witches history, her grandmother, and Eli. Sophs world is about to turn upside down, will she be prepared for it?
I loved this fast paced, action packed paranormal romance. There's lots of vampires, witches, and magic. There's revenge, betrayal, love and loss. Addie Grey didn't disappoint with this little gem and I love tha Grey was able to make her story enthralling, thrilling, and unlike other vampire and witch stories.
Addie Grey is a talented writer and I'm excited to see where this series goes. I highly recommend Carved from Obsidian and Addie Grey.
I loved the two main characters Soph and Eli, a Witch and billionaire vampire who end up meeting by chance only to find out that they're lives are entwined irrevocably. But other forces are at play and that could cause some bigger problems for the couple in the near future. Also take into account that there are secrets and information that Soph doesn't know about the witches history, her grandmother, and Eli. Sophs world is about to turn upside down, will she be prepared for it?
I loved this fast paced, action packed paranormal romance. There's lots of vampires, witches, and magic. There's revenge, betrayal, love and loss. Addie Grey didn't disappoint with this little gem and I love tha Grey was able to make her story enthralling, thrilling, and unlike other vampire and witch stories.
Addie Grey is a talented writer and I'm excited to see where this series goes. I highly recommend Carved from Obsidian and Addie Grey.
The Love You Fight For by Brit Benson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Love, love, love this book!!!
It's so good. Loved Sam and Casper together. I loved getting to read Sam's story and she her get retribution for all the pain and suffering she went through.
Then seeing her grow as a woman, person, and partner after healing from her own pain was beautiful. She's a good person and cares about so many people. She deserved a happy ending!!!
I love anything Brit Benson writes. She's a genius when it comes to writing contemporary romance. She's one of my auto read authors. I highly recommend this book and the others in this series.
It's so good. Loved Sam and Casper together. I loved getting to read Sam's story and she her get retribution for all the pain and suffering she went through.
Then seeing her grow as a woman, person, and partner after healing from her own pain was beautiful. She's a good person and cares about so many people. She deserved a happy ending!!!
I love anything Brit Benson writes. She's a genius when it comes to writing contemporary romance. She's one of my auto read authors. I highly recommend this book and the others in this series.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Powerless by Lauren Roberts is a YA, dark fantasy. While I did like this book and it has a lot of potential, I was a little disappointed with certain parts of it. I loved Paedyn and I think she was a great heroine yet I felt like there was something to be desired for her character.
There's a lot of tropes through out this book. You have enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, insta attraction, dagger to throat, "who did this to you", focus on me trope, etc... honestly too many to mention which is what Lauren Roberts said she meant to do but at times was a lot.
While I really did like Paedyn, Kai, Kitt and Adena, and other characters, I felt that there wasn't a lot of character building. There was a lot left to be desired when it came to the characters and getting to know them. I also didn't like that we were told about the characters, not shown. Example: we were told that Jax was extremely close with Kai and Kitt, but there's nothing showing us throughout the story. Just like we're told over and over that Kai is a monster but yet they show him releasing a child back to its family even though it was an ordinary. Yes Kai might have been raised to be a killer and do whatever the king ordered him to do but I don't see him as a monster. He doesn't actually enjoying killing and torturing.
I love fantasy romance and YA romance. I enjoyed paedyn and this story. I think Lauren Roberts has so much potential as does this story. I do wish this book didn't feel like it was taken directly from the Hunger Games. Now I've never read the Hunger Games book but I did see the movies and even I picked up the correlation between the two. Now I know authors will take something they read or watched and then try and write a story using what they read or saw as inspiration but it literally feels like pieces of this story were just copied and pasted.
Now with that said, it doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book or that I won't continue on with the series and see where Roberts goes from here. I will be reading Reckless.
**I will say that I really did enjoy the preview of book 2 at the end of Powerless. I think it was a great cliffhanger.
There's a lot of tropes through out this book. You have enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, insta attraction, dagger to throat, "who did this to you", focus on me trope, etc... honestly too many to mention which is what Lauren Roberts said she meant to do but at times was a lot.
While I really did like Paedyn, Kai, Kitt and Adena, and other characters, I felt that there wasn't a lot of character building. There was a lot left to be desired when it came to the characters and getting to know them. I also didn't like that we were told about the characters, not shown. Example: we were told that Jax was extremely close with Kai and Kitt, but there's nothing showing us throughout the story. Just like we're told over and over that Kai is a monster but yet they show him releasing a child back to its family even though it was an ordinary. Yes Kai might have been raised to be a killer and do whatever the king ordered him to do but I don't see him as a monster. He doesn't actually enjoying killing and torturing.
I love fantasy romance and YA romance. I enjoyed paedyn and this story. I think Lauren Roberts has so much potential as does this story. I do wish this book didn't feel like it was taken directly from the Hunger Games. Now I've never read the Hunger Games book but I did see the movies and even I picked up the correlation between the two. Now I know authors will take something they read or watched and then try and write a story using what they read or saw as inspiration but it literally feels like pieces of this story were just copied and pasted.
Now with that said, it doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book or that I won't continue on with the series and see where Roberts goes from here. I will be reading Reckless.
**I will say that I really did enjoy the preview of book 2 at the end of Powerless. I think it was a great cliffhanger.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Injury/Injury detail, and Misogyny
Moderate: Violence and Torture
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, Hate crime, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Death, Cursing, and Blood
Corrupt Shadows by C.M. Hutton, Rebecca L. Garcia
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
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
4.5
Corrupt Shadows was a dark fantasy romance filled with a badass witch who death magic, the cutest bat familiar ever, and of course the sexy demon who is up to no good.
This book takes you between realms, adventures with the ruler of hell, into fights with demons and lots of kinky, hot sex. This dark fantasy romance was everything I love and more. I really loved the characters, both main and side. I think this book had a lot of charm. I couldn't put this book down once I started it. I highly recommend this little gem. It's dark, dark, dark but in all the best ways!!!
I was already in love with C.M. Huttons writing but it was my first time reading something written by Rebecca l. Garcia. I found that I really loved Huttons and Garcia's writing. I think it flowed together really well. I look forward to book 2, just hoping I don't have to wait to long.
This book takes you between realms, adventures with the ruler of hell, into fights with demons and lots of kinky, hot sex. This dark fantasy romance was everything I love and more. I really loved the characters, both main and side. I think this book had a lot of charm. I couldn't put this book down once I started it. I highly recommend this little gem. It's dark, dark, dark but in all the best ways!!!
I was already in love with C.M. Huttons writing but it was my first time reading something written by Rebecca l. Garcia. I found that I really loved Huttons and Garcia's writing. I think it flowed together really well. I look forward to book 2, just hoping I don't have to wait to long.
Dukes of Peril by Angel Lawson, Samantha Rue
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
I'm obsessed with the Royals of Forsyth. This is exactly the type of dark romance that I love to read. This series is the first series by Angel Lawson & Samantha Rue that I've read and I know that I will read anything by these authors.
I loved Dukes of Peril. Dukes of Peril being the third book about the Dukes is pretty intense. You learn a lot of information that was kind of unanswered in the first two. I really loved the Dukes and their Duchess. You see them finally being able to admit what they want and do what needs to be done both in their relationship together and as leaders of the DKS. I loved the mystery and suspense in this book. I also love the fact that in this book as well as the others, you never know what's going to happen but you get to see the Dukes fight for the ones they love the most and what they want. I think Simon, Nick, and Remy ended up being the type of men a woman like Lavinia needed. I loved getting to see each of their personal character growth from book 1 to book 3.
Dukes, Kings, murder, mind games, new and old alliances all together make up the Royals of Forsyth. You won't be bored while reading this series. I love how every 3 books you get a different royal house and you follow their stories. Angel and Samantha are great writers of dark romance. I cannot recommend this series more. It's amazing.
I loved Dukes of Peril. Dukes of Peril being the third book about the Dukes is pretty intense. You learn a lot of information that was kind of unanswered in the first two. I really loved the Dukes and their Duchess. You see them finally being able to admit what they want and do what needs to be done both in their relationship together and as leaders of the DKS. I loved the mystery and suspense in this book. I also love the fact that in this book as well as the others, you never know what's going to happen but you get to see the Dukes fight for the ones they love the most and what they want. I think Simon, Nick, and Remy ended up being the type of men a woman like Lavinia needed. I loved getting to see each of their personal character growth from book 1 to book 3.
Dukes, Kings, murder, mind games, new and old alliances all together make up the Royals of Forsyth. You won't be bored while reading this series. I love how every 3 books you get a different royal house and you follow their stories. Angel and Samantha are great writers of dark romance. I cannot recommend this series more. It's amazing.
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Title: House of Shadow and Flame
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Crescent City book 3
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶
The House of Shadow and Flame is everything I could have wanted and so much more. I love the Crescent City Series so much.
HOSAF picks up right where book 2 ends and is action packed from beginning to end. The characters and side characters all have so much depth and back story that at times it did feel a tad overwhelming, like there was too much going on, but now that I finished HOSAF, I don't think I'd want it any other way. SJM has a way of bringing her books, characters and their worlds to life in a way that's so bright and vivid. I love disappearing into her books. I also loved that she brought ACOTAR and C.C together. It really made this series that much better.
I don't want to give too much away so I'll just say that I wasn't sure there was a way to love these characters any more than I already do but I was sooo wrong. I can't help but wonder where SJM is going to go from here but I can't wait to find out!!! I highly recommend this series. HOSAF is a 10 out of 10.
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Crescent City book 3
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶
The House of Shadow and Flame is everything I could have wanted and so much more. I love the Crescent City Series so much.
HOSAF picks up right where book 2 ends and is action packed from beginning to end. The characters and side characters all have so much depth and back story that at times it did feel a tad overwhelming, like there was too much going on, but now that I finished HOSAF, I don't think I'd want it any other way. SJM has a way of bringing her books, characters and their worlds to life in a way that's so bright and vivid. I love disappearing into her books. I also loved that she brought ACOTAR and C.C together. It really made this series that much better.
I don't want to give too much away so I'll just say that I wasn't sure there was a way to love these characters any more than I already do but I was sooo wrong. I can't help but wonder where SJM is going to go from here but I can't wait to find out!!! I highly recommend this series. HOSAF is a 10 out of 10.
Lords of Pain by Angel Lawson, Samantha Rue
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Killian Payne.
Tristian Mercer.
Dimitri Rath.
3 Lords in need of a lady.
Story Austin.
Needs help from the Lords for protection or else she wouldn't have come home to these guys who have mistreated her. She's being stalked by a guy named Ted. Ted is getting more and more violent and Story is afraid of because she doesn't know who Ted is or what he's capable of. Desperation and fear are the only things forcing her to run back home to the 3 people she hates more than anything in the world.
The Lords agree because when they see her for the first time in 4 years, they realize that they can't let her get away again. They're relationship is everything toxic and painful. So much history and humiliation stands between the guys and Story. Will things change? Will Story and the guys get a second chance or are they destined to continue hurting Story.
Lords of Pain is a dark/bully romance heavy of the bully and heavy on the smut. I love a good dark romance and Lords of Pain doesn't disappoint. I wasn't sure if I would like the guys at first but they really grew on me. They're all so different but that's what makes them fit together. I was hooked from beginning to end, finishing this book in a day. I couldn't put it down. The characters pull you in and you can't help but become obsessed. Stalkers, violence, smut, hot men, and a fiesty woman who won't take no s**t... what more could you want?!!! This has definitely become one of my top why choose, dark, bully romance. I can't recommend this series enough.
Tristian Mercer.
Dimitri Rath.
3 Lords in need of a lady.
Story Austin.
Needs help from the Lords for protection or else she wouldn't have come home to these guys who have mistreated her. She's being stalked by a guy named Ted. Ted is getting more and more violent and Story is afraid of because she doesn't know who Ted is or what he's capable of. Desperation and fear are the only things forcing her to run back home to the 3 people she hates more than anything in the world.
The Lords agree because when they see her for the first time in 4 years, they realize that they can't let her get away again. They're relationship is everything toxic and painful. So much history and humiliation stands between the guys and Story. Will things change? Will Story and the guys get a second chance or are they destined to continue hurting Story.
Lords of Pain is a dark/bully romance heavy of the bully and heavy on the smut. I love a good dark romance and Lords of Pain doesn't disappoint. I wasn't sure if I would like the guys at first but they really grew on me. They're all so different but that's what makes them fit together. I was hooked from beginning to end, finishing this book in a day. I couldn't put it down. The characters pull you in and you can't help but become obsessed. Stalkers, violence, smut, hot men, and a fiesty woman who won't take no s**t... what more could you want?!!! This has definitely become one of my top why choose, dark, bully romance. I can't recommend this series enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Violence, Cursing, Gaslighting, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
This Life and All the Rest by Brit Benson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed The Love of My Next Life but I absolutely LOVED This Life and all the Rest. This duet was the first books I'd read by Britt Benson and she blew me away. I was instantly intrigued by the characters, the storyline and the plot. The characters are so different but fit together perfectly.
I couldn't get enough of Macon. He's hands down the bad boy that you can't help but fall for even though you know he won't catch you. He's a pessimistic, broody, misunderstood boy who wants to be more than what he is but can't seem to make it happen. I also loved that he was artistic because why not. It only makes you want to know him. I also loved Lennon and the fact that she was able to finally do what she wanted and live for herself instead of other people. She had to go through some pretty horrible things to become who she wanted to be and I only respected her more for. Lennon and Macon are like moths to each others flame, unable to do anything but head straight for it even though they know they're going to get burnt.
Britt Benson is a fantastic author who wrote this amazing taboo romance duet that's complicated, beautiful, selfish, raw and in its own way perfection. This duet was quite the emotional rollercoaster but I wouldn't want it any other. A good book in my opinion is one that has you in your feelings and TLAATR is better than good!! If you haven't read Lennon and Macon's story, then please check out The Love of My Next Life and This Life and all the Rest!
I couldn't get enough of Macon. He's hands down the bad boy that you can't help but fall for even though you know he won't catch you. He's a pessimistic, broody, misunderstood boy who wants to be more than what he is but can't seem to make it happen. I also loved that he was artistic because why not. It only makes you want to know him. I also loved Lennon and the fact that she was able to finally do what she wanted and live for herself instead of other people. She had to go through some pretty horrible things to become who she wanted to be and I only respected her more for. Lennon and Macon are like moths to each others flame, unable to do anything but head straight for it even though they know they're going to get burnt.
Britt Benson is a fantastic author who wrote this amazing taboo romance duet that's complicated, beautiful, selfish, raw and in its own way perfection. This duet was quite the emotional rollercoaster but I wouldn't want it any other. A good book in my opinion is one that has you in your feelings and TLAATR is better than good!! If you haven't read Lennon and Macon's story, then please check out The Love of My Next Life and This Life and all the Rest!
In The Dark: Part One by A. Briar
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Title: In the Dark: Part one
Author: A. Briar
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
I love everything A. Briar writes.
Every. Single. Time.
Especially when it's about Pike and Rhys. They may not be what society deems as appropriate. I still can't help but love their relationship. It's dark and toxic, and it's everything I love about dark romance.
In the Dark: Part one is a novella. It's just a few chapters, but it's still good. It's definitely spicy. I love how Briar didn't waste any time getting to the spice. Everything about Rhys is dark and depraved. He's definitely not someone you'd bring home to mom, but he's definitely the guy you would want to piss off daddy! The only thing I wish would have been different about this novella would be the length. I wish it was longer, but that's because I love these two characters so much.
If you want to read this novella, I suggest you read Pike first. If you've never read anything by A. Briar, do yourself a favor and check her out. She's got plenty of good books out and more coming. A. Briar has become one of my auto-read authors.
Author: A. Briar
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
I love everything A. Briar writes.
Every. Single. Time.
Especially when it's about Pike and Rhys. They may not be what society deems as appropriate. I still can't help but love their relationship. It's dark and toxic, and it's everything I love about dark romance.
In the Dark: Part one is a novella. It's just a few chapters, but it's still good. It's definitely spicy. I love how Briar didn't waste any time getting to the spice. Everything about Rhys is dark and depraved. He's definitely not someone you'd bring home to mom, but he's definitely the guy you would want to piss off daddy! The only thing I wish would have been different about this novella would be the length. I wish it was longer, but that's because I love these two characters so much.
If you want to read this novella, I suggest you read Pike first. If you've never read anything by A. Briar, do yourself a favor and check her out. She's got plenty of good books out and more coming. A. Briar has become one of my auto-read authors.
Chokehold by Britt Reign
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
5.0
Title: Chokehold
Author: Britt Reign
Rating:☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
💜Guys!!!💜
Chokehold was HOTTT! I literally ate this book up. I could not get enough of these characters. Britt Reign is definitely one of my new favorite authors of 2024. I'm so glad you shared your story with the world.
I love all the characters in Chokehold. The fmc, Sutton is such a feisty, sweet woman who cares so much about others even though she's dealt with a lot of lose and trauma. Quinn is the best friend we all want, who's super supportive of Sutton and they both co own a book Cafe, WaggingwithWords. Then you have Beck and Asher, two guys they met in college and have stayed friends with ever since. Then you have August, a musician who ends up playing with his band at Suttons Cafe. Things become exciting when Beck and August both want to be with Sutton so she starts dating both trying to figure out who she wants to be with.
Chokehold definitely had me stuck from the beginning to the end. I loved that August and Beck are complete opposites. I would have had a hard time choosing if I was Sut. This book was cute and sweet. I don't think there was one thing I didn't like about this book. This book ends on quite a cliffhanger. I can't wait to see where book 2 goes. Britt Reign is definitely a author readers need to watch out for. I highly recommend Chokehold! It's definitely one of my 2024 favorites so far!!! 💜
Author: Britt Reign
Rating:☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
💜Guys!!!💜
Chokehold was HOTTT! I literally ate this book up. I could not get enough of these characters. Britt Reign is definitely one of my new favorite authors of 2024. I'm so glad you shared your story with the world.
I love all the characters in Chokehold. The fmc, Sutton is such a feisty, sweet woman who cares so much about others even though she's dealt with a lot of lose and trauma. Quinn is the best friend we all want, who's super supportive of Sutton and they both co own a book Cafe, WaggingwithWords. Then you have Beck and Asher, two guys they met in college and have stayed friends with ever since. Then you have August, a musician who ends up playing with his band at Suttons Cafe. Things become exciting when Beck and August both want to be with Sutton so she starts dating both trying to figure out who she wants to be with.
Chokehold definitely had me stuck from the beginning to the end. I loved that August and Beck are complete opposites. I would have had a hard time choosing if I was Sut. This book was cute and sweet. I don't think there was one thing I didn't like about this book. This book ends on quite a cliffhanger. I can't wait to see where book 2 goes. Britt Reign is definitely a author readers need to watch out for. I highly recommend Chokehold! It's definitely one of my 2024 favorites so far!!! 💜