Take a photo of a barcode or cover
revengelyne's reviews
1923 reviews
A Kiss From a Kraken by Charlotte Swan
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
0.5
I was on the fence when I finished this book because I have come to love Kraken romances (and yes, I like tentacle porn and yes I will place the blame on anime and manga for this. LOL). Yet, there seemed to be something missing when it came to this novel. While I did enjoy its predecessor, this one seemed to lack the chemistry between the characters. Chemistry, especially in short romances, has always managed to have a spark there between the characters. Something that you could feel between them but this one seemed to lack it. Plus, add in the insta-love on the male lead's half and this just did not seem to mash well together. This one had the potential but the execution just was not there to make this book a favorite of mine.
Still, it was an enjoyable read and I did appreciate the unique plot and twist on the Kraken romance genre. The world-building was well done and the author's writing style was engaging. I just wish there had been a bit more depth to the characters and their relationship. Hopefully, the next book in the series will bring back that spark that was missing in this one.
Still, it was an enjoyable read and I did appreciate the unique plot and twist on the Kraken romance genre. The world-building was well done and the author's writing style was engaging. I just wish there had been a bit more depth to the characters and their relationship. Hopefully, the next book in the series will bring back that spark that was missing in this one.
A Kiss From a Demon by Charlotte Swan
dark
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Lately any erotica books with a small or no plot seem to be mostly misses when it comes to enjoyment. This book, however, broke that expectation and I found that I enjoyed this one. Irys searches for the Demon in the Woods hoping to make a bargain that would halt her marriage to a neighboring duke, one who has been waiting all this time to get his hands on her. She does not expect that the Demon in the Woods has only one stipulation - one night with him. One night in his arms is all the Demon wants but what if both want there to be more as the evening progresses?
Was it wrong for me to enjoy this book more than I have with others of the same genre? Because I did enjoy this one. There is not a ton of information dump. We learn early in the story why Irys is seeking out the Demon in the Woods - her father is finally giving in to this Duke and handing over his daughter to him. The father knows she does not want this and she knows the only answer is in those woods. You feel her fear of the future her father already has prepared for her.
When she meets Asgorath, he is in demon form and yet she does not shy away from him. She shows little fear and yet this seems to draw Asgorath toward her. There is no love right away. There is respect for each other and the demon side - possession. He wants her and by the end of the night, he plans to have her for eternity.
The only downside to this novel - I think the confrontation with the Duke lacked something. I would have liked to have seen something more there.
Otherwise, this book was worth the read.
Was it wrong for me to enjoy this book more than I have with others of the same genre? Because I did enjoy this one. There is not a ton of information dump. We learn early in the story why Irys is seeking out the Demon in the Woods - her father is finally giving in to this Duke and handing over his daughter to him. The father knows she does not want this and she knows the only answer is in those woods. You feel her fear of the future her father already has prepared for her.
When she meets Asgorath, he is in demon form and yet she does not shy away from him. She shows little fear and yet this seems to draw Asgorath toward her. There is no love right away. There is respect for each other and the demon side - possession. He wants her and by the end of the night, he plans to have her for eternity.
The only downside to this novel - I think the confrontation with the Duke lacked something. I would have liked to have seen something more there.
Otherwise, this book was worth the read.
If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
My first DNF of the year.
I struggled to connect with this book and its characters. The female lead was incredibly irritating, and everything she did or said grated on my last nerve. The constant "I love yous" felt forced and insincere, appearing to be more for Autumn's benefit than genuine feelings towards Jaime. I just couldn't see the connection between them.
I ended up giving up on this book halfway through. It's amusing because I was initially excited to read it, especially with the companion piece releasing next month. However, now I'm unsure if I'll even bother picking it up.
I struggled to connect with this book and its characters. The female lead was incredibly irritating, and everything she did or said grated on my last nerve. The constant "I love yous" felt forced and insincere, appearing to be more for Autumn's benefit than genuine feelings towards Jaime. I just couldn't see the connection between them.
I ended up giving up on this book halfway through. It's amusing because I was initially excited to read it, especially with the companion piece releasing next month. However, now I'm unsure if I'll even bother picking it up.
Queen of Hearts by May Freighter
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
Emilia, you naughty girl. First, you get a bit drunk after coming out of a coma, telling Thessian he is your favorite character and is "such a cutie-patootie with 'ose kishable lips and wondarpul abs." It would help if you were thankful that he did not catch that or there would be a lot of questions you may not be able to answer.
On top of that, you go kissing your Shadow. Have you decided to make that Harem near your room now? LOL Seriously girl, you should consider it. You have all these men wanting to knock your world and you would not have to choose a single one. You can have them all. Just like Pokemon. xD
I have come to love all the characters. Each one has grown since the beginning and it shows with each book through their fears, their flaws, their strengths, and their interactions with each other. These characters stand out to the reader and you will often find yourself rooting for both the main characters as well as the secondary.
This book was well worth the wait. The character growth and world-building have been the best yet, pulling the reader to keep them engaged in the storyline from the beginning of the novel to the very end. It's a great read and continues to leave a reader anticipating the next installment in this series.
On top of that, you go kissing your Shadow. Have you decided to make that Harem near your room now? LOL Seriously girl, you should consider it. You have all these men wanting to knock your world and you would not have to choose a single one. You can have them all. Just like Pokemon. xD
I have come to love all the characters. Each one has grown since the beginning and it shows with each book through their fears, their flaws, their strengths, and their interactions with each other. These characters stand out to the reader and you will often find yourself rooting for both the main characters as well as the secondary.
This book was well worth the wait. The character growth and world-building have been the best yet, pulling the reader to keep them engaged in the storyline from the beginning of the novel to the very end. It's a great read and continues to leave a reader anticipating the next installment in this series.
The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Being the son of Poseidon is never easy and Percy Jackson will attest to that fact. He has taken down the Titans and restored the Olympians to their place, but one would think that they would be a bit less harsh on him. Yeah, not going to happen especially when on his college form for New Rome University, he has to have three God recommendations. This is not going to be an easy task...that is until the moment Ganymede calls upon Percy for help - the Chalice of the Gods is missing and he needs it before Zeus learns it's gone.
It has been what? A little over ten years since we last had a Percy Jackson adventure? Nevertheless, we do and this time we have new characters - new lesser gods and a quest that requires Percy to seek out recommendations to attend New Rome University.
It is always great to see Percy return. You would think the Gods would give him a break but you know how that has always turned out and this book is no different. The only difference is that someone has taken Ganymede's chalice and now it is up to Percy, Annabeth, and Grover to retrieve it while also trying to get recommendations. This book was a fun adventure for those familiar with Percy Jackson. His sarcastic self alongside the chapter titles are always a welcoming addition.
The Chalice of the Gods returns us to the world of Percy Jackson and back to the unique blending of ancient mythology with modern-day settings and relatable teenage protagonists has been highly praised by readers and critics alike. For any fan of Rick Riordan, this book is something you should add to your collection.
It has been what? A little over ten years since we last had a Percy Jackson adventure? Nevertheless, we do and this time we have new characters - new lesser gods and a quest that requires Percy to seek out recommendations to attend New Rome University.
It is always great to see Percy return. You would think the Gods would give him a break but you know how that has always turned out and this book is no different. The only difference is that someone has taken Ganymede's chalice and now it is up to Percy, Annabeth, and Grover to retrieve it while also trying to get recommendations. This book was a fun adventure for those familiar with Percy Jackson. His sarcastic self alongside the chapter titles are always a welcoming addition.
The Chalice of the Gods returns us to the world of Percy Jackson and back to the unique blending of ancient mythology with modern-day settings and relatable teenage protagonists has been highly praised by readers and critics alike. For any fan of Rick Riordan, this book is something you should add to your collection.
Welcome to Carnage by Selena Winters
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.5
Gurl, I don't know how to say this but let me say it anyway, "It's not me, it's you." Sorry, not sorry.
I don't understand how you did not see his obsession with you because it was there in front of you and yet, you proved to be the stupidest woman to ever cross the road. I am really surprised that you did not get hit. He stalked you. Had been obsessed with you. Killed two guys.
And yet, you would have continued to ignore it if it danced in front of you and did a striptease.
It is characters like this chick that make me try to stay far, far away from short stories but the premises always sound so promising and end up reeling me in only to disappoint.
I don't understand how you did not see his obsession with you because it was there in front of you and yet, you proved to be the stupidest woman to ever cross the road. I am really surprised that you did not get hit. He stalked you. Had been obsessed with you. Killed two guys.
And yet, you would have continued to ignore it if it danced in front of you and did a striptease.
It is characters like this chick that make me try to stay far, far away from short stories but the premises always sound so promising and end up reeling me in only to disappoint.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
A Court of Sugar and Spice by Rebecca F. Kenney
This book exceeded my expectations. I loved everything about this book and I am quite looking forward to reading the next one in the series. It was a truly enjoyable read that I didn't want to put down. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys well-developed characters and immersive world-building that will keep you turning the page.
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A Court of Sugar and Spice is a spicy retelling of the beloved tale The Nutcracker. The story is told from the dual points of view of sisters Louisa and Clara. After the death of their father, the girls are sent to their godfather, Drosselmeyer, to live. But the girls start to realize that there is more to the dolls in his home. One night, Louisa's finger is pricked by a splinter and her blood awakens the nutcracker. When the girls learn of his curse and his plight to return to his home, they offer their help determined to get the cursed prince to the pool that would help end his curse. Upon their arrival, they find the Unseelie army led by the Rat King has taken over the Kingdom. Add a deliciously seductive Sugarplum Faerie into the mix and you have a delightful and smutty retelling.
I found myself mildly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. This is the first book I have come across with a unique retelling of The Nutcracker. The characters and world-building are beautifully crafted with a determination to draw the reader in and keep them glued to the edge of their seats by investing their emotions into the characters and their world.
The only downside to this book was Louisa. I don't know why but I just did not like her character. She seemed to be too pushy when it came to sex especially when the prince's mind had been on returning to his original self and saving the kingdom. I get that she enjoyed sex but I did not like how her entire character seemed to revolve around it. I often found myself skipping any of her scenes in favor of Clara and Fin.
Who would NOT want to spend more time with Fin and Clara, especially the chase, the rescue, and the hot smut scenes? Louisa and Lir did not have that type of chemistry as the former did. It was there hot and steamy and I was there for it happily.
I found myself mildly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. This is the first book I have come across with a unique retelling of The Nutcracker. The characters and world-building are beautifully crafted with a determination to draw the reader in and keep them glued to the edge of their seats by investing their emotions into the characters and their world.
The only downside to this book was Louisa. I don't know why but I just did not like her character. She seemed to be too pushy when it came to sex especially when the prince's mind had been on returning to his original self and saving the kingdom. I get that she enjoyed sex but I did not like how her entire character seemed to revolve around it. I often found myself skipping any of her scenes in favor of Clara and Fin.
Who would NOT want to spend more time with Fin and Clara, especially the chase, the rescue, and the hot smut scenes? Louisa and Lir did not have that type of chemistry as the former did. It was there hot and steamy and I was there for it happily.
Final Thought:
This book exceeded my expectations. I loved everything about this book and I am quite looking forward to reading the next one in the series. It was a truly enjoyable read that I didn't want to put down. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys well-developed characters and immersive world-building that will keep you turning the page.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Despite its flaws, I did enjoy reading the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. The rich world-building and captivating romance kept me engaged despite some of the frustrations with the main character. I would still recommend giving it a try, especially if you enjoy fantasy and romantic elements.
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I had been promising myself that I would read this series but I always kept putting it off. Mostly, this was due to the fact I had read A Throne of Glass a long time ago and found the female lead not readily to my liking. I had always promised myself that I would eventually give it another try but first, I wanted to read A Court of Thorn and Roses. I had been hearing a lot of mixed reviews but my friends have mostly been the ones telling me that the series was much better once you started reading it.
I won't lie when I have been told that the series is a mixture of Hades and Persephone with Beauty and the Beast. I have always been a sucker for these and I had placed this series on my TBR. Now that I had time, I decided this would be the series for December. The final books that would end my 2023 reading year.
But now having read the series, I am a bit torn about where to rank it. While the story felt slow - too slow for that matter, it did have its moments. But again, the female lead is what drove me insane. I don't what it is about Maas's female leads but they end up being extremely annoying. I don't feel she improves much. I don't want to give too much away, but I found her decisions and actions frustrating at times. However, there were also moments where she showed strength and resilience, which I appreciated.
On the other hand, the world-building in this series was phenomenal. Maas has created a rich and vivid world, filled with different courts and creatures. I was completely immersed in this fantastical world and loved learning about the various realms and their politics.
The romance in this series felt slow. For one thing, I am glad that this was not some insta-love with both declaring how much they were made for each other, blah blah blah but it was taken slowly allowing the characters to see each other's flaws and strengths but at the same time I also felt that it was at a crawl. It could be frustrating at times and at other times it felt right.
I won't lie when I have been told that the series is a mixture of Hades and Persephone with Beauty and the Beast. I have always been a sucker for these and I had placed this series on my TBR. Now that I had time, I decided this would be the series for December. The final books that would end my 2023 reading year.
But now having read the series, I am a bit torn about where to rank it. While the story felt slow - too slow for that matter, it did have its moments. But again, the female lead is what drove me insane. I don't what it is about Maas's female leads but they end up being extremely annoying. I don't feel she improves much. I don't want to give too much away, but I found her decisions and actions frustrating at times. However, there were also moments where she showed strength and resilience, which I appreciated.
On the other hand, the world-building in this series was phenomenal. Maas has created a rich and vivid world, filled with different courts and creatures. I was completely immersed in this fantastical world and loved learning about the various realms and their politics.
The romance in this series felt slow. For one thing, I am glad that this was not some insta-love with both declaring how much they were made for each other, blah blah blah but it was taken slowly allowing the characters to see each other's flaws and strengths but at the same time I also felt that it was at a crawl. It could be frustrating at times and at other times it felt right.
Despite its flaws, I did enjoy reading the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. The rich world-building and captivating romance kept me engaged despite some of the frustrations with the main character. I would still recommend giving it a try, especially if you enjoy fantasy and romantic elements.
Shunned by Steffanie Holmes
Will I continue this series? No. I could find nothing about this novel that I believed would keep me interested in reading the second novel. So, any answers I had will die with this novel.
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
0.5
This definitely going to be another "it's not me, it's you" review.
I don't know why but the bully romances I have been reading lately have been nothing but misses. They have promising premises like this one that gain my interest and end up being a huge disappointment in the end. The female lead is always drawn to where the filthy rich tend to send their heirs to learn how to take over their family business, but the boys are always these bad males who tend to either call the poor female lead names, demand she leave the school, and/or allow their female counterparts to do something that would ostracize her from the rest of the class. It is always the same premise of any and all bully romance harem novels.
The female lead is always supposed to be this badass female who is supposed to come in with guns blazing and force change upon the school. She forges friendships with the poor people because, you know, reasons. And though they warn her to stay away from those "Kings of nameless schools", she ignores them. They always smell like some sort of weird thing for her and they make her body cream itself whenever they are near or speak to her.
While I did try to read this book, I ended up skimming through about forty percent of it because the story and its characters felt uninteresting. The female lead and her bully males had nothing about them that offered to set them apart from other school bully novels. But in all honesty, these novels read the same except the story and characters are changed slightly to fit another narrative.
I don't know why but the bully romances I have been reading lately have been nothing but misses. They have promising premises like this one that gain my interest and end up being a huge disappointment in the end. The female lead is always drawn to where the filthy rich tend to send their heirs to learn how to take over their family business, but the boys are always these bad males who tend to either call the poor female lead names, demand she leave the school, and/or allow their female counterparts to do something that would ostracize her from the rest of the class. It is always the same premise of any and all bully romance harem novels.
The female lead is always supposed to be this badass female who is supposed to come in with guns blazing and force change upon the school. She forges friendships with the poor people because, you know, reasons. And though they warn her to stay away from those "Kings of nameless schools", she ignores them. They always smell like some sort of weird thing for her and they make her body cream itself whenever they are near or speak to her.
While I did try to read this book, I ended up skimming through about forty percent of it because the story and its characters felt uninteresting. The female lead and her bully males had nothing about them that offered to set them apart from other school bully novels. But in all honesty, these novels read the same except the story and characters are changed slightly to fit another narrative.
Final Thought:
Will I continue this series? No. I could find nothing about this novel that I believed would keep me interested in reading the second novel. So, any answers I had will die with this novel.
Persephone by Kitty Thomas
Overall, I was left feeling let down and unenthused by this book. It did not meet my expectations and failed to capture my interest. I would not recommend it if you're looking for an engaging retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth.
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
0.5
It's not me, it's you.
I tried to read you but could not find an ounce of this story I enjoyed. The storyline and characters - I could not find any connection that would keep me interested further in reading this.
I had high expectations for this book because it was an older Hades and Persephone retelling and had been on my TBR forever. This one was supposed to be different. Instead of Demeter being the main problem for Hades and Persephone, it was Zeus. Zeus had been given an oracle that his daughter was meant to be Queen of the Underworld. Stripping her of her powers, he placed her in the human world hoping to hide her from Hades. However, Hades is determined to find his fated Queen. Centuries upon centuries he scoured the world to find her and when he does, he takes her much like the myth. There is just a small tweak. Otherwise, the whole premise drew me and I had hoped it would keep me hooked, line, and sinker to the end.
That was, however, not the retelling for me. I found myself sorely disappointed. The storyline felt flat and predictable, lacking any twists or surprises that would have kept me engaged. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to form any sort of emotional connection with them.
Honestly, I nearly DNF'ed this book but I just decided skimming it would be better.
I tried to read you but could not find an ounce of this story I enjoyed. The storyline and characters - I could not find any connection that would keep me interested further in reading this.
I had high expectations for this book because it was an older Hades and Persephone retelling and had been on my TBR forever. This one was supposed to be different. Instead of Demeter being the main problem for Hades and Persephone, it was Zeus. Zeus had been given an oracle that his daughter was meant to be Queen of the Underworld. Stripping her of her powers, he placed her in the human world hoping to hide her from Hades. However, Hades is determined to find his fated Queen. Centuries upon centuries he scoured the world to find her and when he does, he takes her much like the myth. There is just a small tweak. Otherwise, the whole premise drew me and I had hoped it would keep me hooked, line, and sinker to the end.
That was, however, not the retelling for me. I found myself sorely disappointed. The storyline felt flat and predictable, lacking any twists or surprises that would have kept me engaged. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to form any sort of emotional connection with them.
Honestly, I nearly DNF'ed this book but I just decided skimming it would be better.
Final Thought:
Overall, I was left feeling let down and unenthused by this book. It did not meet my expectations and failed to capture my interest. I would not recommend it if you're looking for an engaging retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth.