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ladylaurenexplorer's reviews
1000 reviews
Beautiful Villain: An anthology of standalone romance novels by Gemma Weir, Lexi Archer, Lee Savino, KT Strange, Emm Darcy, Natasha Anders
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Only liking 2 of the stories from this anthology has made me give this such an average rating.
I went into this anthology, very blind, only knowing about, and wanting to read one of the stories, and so getting so many was great for me.
The thing about it is that a lot of the stories I didn’t like I just didn’t see the chemistry or it had plot holes that I just couldn’t un-see. I am hoping that the two stories that I do really like become their own prints, especially since the story that I initially went into is a part of the world of one the author’s series.
But I can also say that there was lots of spice and very enjoyable spice, overall, in every single book, I don’t think that this anthology will be for everyone like everyone would like majority of the books, but I do think that if you read the prompt of some of them that actually have props and find it to be appealing. You should definitely read it. or go blind like I did.
I went into this anthology, very blind, only knowing about, and wanting to read one of the stories, and so getting so many was great for me.
The thing about it is that a lot of the stories I didn’t like I just didn’t see the chemistry or it had plot holes that I just couldn’t un-see. I am hoping that the two stories that I do really like become their own prints, especially since the story that I initially went into is a part of the world of one the author’s series.
But I can also say that there was lots of spice and very enjoyable spice, overall, in every single book, I don’t think that this anthology will be for everyone like everyone would like majority of the books, but I do think that if you read the prompt of some of them that actually have props and find it to be appealing. You should definitely read it. or go blind like I did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, Murder, Stalking, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent
Adam & Eve: A Tale of Obsession by Shantel Davis
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Oh wow this was confusing at times, especially with how Eve was thinking about her situation.
I did think the ending was a little rushed and slapped together to make everything makes sense, but other than that it was a good story, and not what I’m used to when it comes to Stalker dark romance.
I did think the ending was a little rushed and slapped together to make everything makes sense, but other than that it was a good story, and not what I’m used to when it comes to Stalker dark romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Sexual assault, Stalking, Death of parent, Kidnapping, and Sexual content
Surrender by Sam Mariano
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is basically like Sophie surrender that I read before, but then there is the added scene. Basically a short novella called sleeping beauty.
When I tell you that has been running through my mind since I ended the book and coupled with the authors notes in the end I’m just like I don’t know what the coupling is going to be in the next book!
That’s all I can tell you, but still an amazing book!
When I tell you that has been running through my mind since I ended the book and coupled with the authors notes in the end I’m just like I don’t know what the coupling is going to be in the next book!
That’s all I can tell you, but still an amazing book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Stalking, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Never Say Never: An Enemies to Lovers College Romance by Abiegail Rose
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
This was just mid to me, wasn’t enough spice to make up for the lack of chemistry to me.
Although I did like the plot, I just wish that the chemistry was there I just didn’t fill it so whenever a spice thing happened, it almost felt like two characters having spice not two characters building this tension and having spice.
I hope that made sense! 😂
But otherwise, it was a very quick read that took me longer than expected. Mainly because I just didn’t feel like continuing the story once the chemistry wasn’t established, but I got through with it and it was OK.
Although I did like the plot, I just wish that the chemistry was there I just didn’t fill it so whenever a spice thing happened, it almost felt like two characters having spice not two characters building this tension and having spice.
I hope that made sense! 😂
But otherwise, it was a very quick read that took me longer than expected. Mainly because I just didn’t feel like continuing the story once the chemistry wasn’t established, but I got through with it and it was OK.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Nero by S.J. Tilly
funny
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? Yes
3.0
So I understand why people might really love this book, but for me, I feel kind of short.
I am giving the rest of the series, at least the next two books a try !
I did like the humour that Nero had! It’s like unintentional, but still funny!
I am giving the rest of the series, at least the next two books a try !
I did like the humour that Nero had! It’s like unintentional, but still funny!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Child abuse, Sexual content, and Murder
Knives and Kisses: A Stolen Obsessions Valentine's Day Novella by Aurelia Knight
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
That should tell you what I think about this book. I think my only con is I want it to be longer.
I’m also hoping that his best friend gets a book too, because they both seem like birds of a feather.
I want the book Cover to be the illustrator picture because that picture is beautiful!
I’m also hoping that his best friend gets a book too, because they both seem like birds of a feather.
I want the book Cover to be the illustrator picture because that picture is beautiful!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, Murder, Sexual assault, and Violence
Sweet Possession by J. Daniels
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I’m giving this a three, mainly because I felt like this really dragged.
I wasn’t like I didn’t enjoy the ending it was just that everything seems to be slow paced for not even even the 300 page book.
Some of the situations also seemed a little bit forced, but other than that it was OK.
I wasn’t like I didn’t enjoy the ending it was just that everything seems to be slow paced for not even even the 300 page book.
Some of the situations also seemed a little bit forced, but other than that it was OK.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
His to Break by E.V. Olsen
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I gave wouldn’t need to do for a novella, but still left me questioning things.
There seem to be a little bit of plot holes that hopefully get filled more as the series continues with the other characters in this world.
There seem to be a little bit of plot holes that hopefully get filled more as the series continues with the other characters in this world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Murder, and Death
Minor: Death of parent