sioco's reviews
333 reviews

Darkest Descent by Hazel Black

4.75

I was in shock and speechless after finishing this. It was graphic, depraved, and a little disturbing at times. This is not for everyone and people need to go into this with a clear understanding of that. It was an experience and I devoured it. I am obsessed and couldn’t stop reading. I just needed to know what was going to happen and try to figure out who Hunter was to the twins he kidnapped. I had an idea based on some clues, but I was still shocked by a few things that happened. If you can handle dark and taboo romance, I think you’d enjoy this. Just, again, check triggers. 

Lifers by K.C. Blume

4.0

I’d first like to say that this is not a romance. While there was a main focus on the romance between the FMCs, this does not end in a happy ending with them as a couple. That would be my only caveat with this story. It was heavy and beautiful in the representation of mental health and what that can look like. One of the most standout parts of the story was Blair saying how being depressed can be comforting too and that it’s almost like a warm blanket. I have been there and that’s a hard reality when you’re trying to heal and take care of your mental health. This was very short and very dark but I think it worked for how short it was. Check triggers before going into this one.

That's Not My Name by Megan Lally

4.5

Wow this was heartbreaking. I was not expecting to get emotional at the end when this was a thriller. Our FMC doesn’t remember who she is and what happened to her when she gets help from the police and a man claiming to be her father shows up to bring her home. Our MMC is desperate to find his missing girlfriend and faces endless challenges when the entire town is against him and believes he did something to her.  It is so clear that the police were negligent and an example of how so many people are wrongly accused and convicted. This is short and an easy read since it will have you turning the page to find out what happens next. 

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

4.5

Sade was such an incredible FMC. Her strength and perseverance to solve the mystery of her missing roommate and tackle the racist and misogynistic practices of her new boarding school was inspiring. She never gave up in what felt right to her and what she believed in.  There were powerful messages around fighting to take back power from systemic racism and misogyny and the people who benefit from that, especially when it comes to bodily autonomy. The mystery in this story was thrilling and had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was happening. I highly recommend checking this out. 

Cheap Heat by Lily Mayne

5.0

Grumpy sunshine meets the cutest most adorable supernatural creatures I just want to read about forever. This is the first book in this series that focuses on the wrestlers since one of the MMCs is a wrestler. I love getting to see more aspects of Goliaths of Wrestling and the dynamics between all the characters. I wasn’t ready to leave this series and might need to do a reread sometime in the future. Dan and Rafe made me laugh out loud and swoon at how cute they were together. If you’ve read a Lily Mayne book, then you know how adorable, individualistic, and dynamic these stories and characters are. I cannot recommend this series enough. If you need a romcom, this is the series to read. 

This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings

4.75

This story features an innovative take on vampires, which are called Reapers in this story. Layla and Elise used to be best friends until Layla becomes a Reaper. She blames Elise for what happened and wants Elise dead. Meanwhile, Elise is doing all she can she protect her little sister as her older sister did when she sacrificed her life for Elise. When Layla is accused of killing two people, she has to work with Elise on solving a peculiar aspect of those murders. One of the people killed used to be a Reaper, but his body was human went he died. Layla and Elise have to figure things out in order for Layla to stay out of jail and for Elise to protect her sister. The TENSION between these two was so thick I felt it in my soul. And when the enemies FINALLY become lovers….phew it was hot. I loved every aspect of this book and highly recommend. 

Cute But Psycho by Beatrix Hollow

5.0

This is my second time reading this book and I fell in love with it even more. This is the book that made me adore Beatrix Hollow and when she became an auto-buy author for me. Cute but Psycho is a why-choose paranormal romance full of humor, spice, and a mysterious asylum run by a doctor/scientist who experiments on his patients. If you want psycho stalkers, killers, and unique paranormal characters, this is the book for you. Beatrix Hollow will have you in a chokehold from the first page when Bree, our FMC, discovers buckets of blood and bodies hanging upside down in her therapist’s basement. 

Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright

5.0

This dark fantasy queer romance was a unique take on vampires. Shan is our FMC and she assassinates her father in the first pages of the story in order to protect her twin brother who is not a vampire. Shan’s motivation through most of the story is to protect her brother. She soon discovers the king has a relative  no one knew about. Samuel is the king’s newfound heir and has abilities unlike anyone else. Shan and Samuel’s relationship development fit into this story seamlessly, especially when Isaac was also included. I wasn’t sure how to classify their relationship dynamic based on Shan and Samuel being our main POVs, however I am so excited for this series to continue and can’t wait to see what happens next!

Wither by Ashlyn Drewek

5.0

MM Beauty and the Beast retelling written by Ashlyn Drewek? Say less. This was incredible. Ashlyn’s retelling was better than the original in my opinion. It was cozy and warm for the fall and I am so glad I read this during the ‘ber months. 

Savage by Brea Alepoú

4.5

You can never go wrong with mafia written by Brea Alepoú. This book was short and a lot of fun. It’s MMMM romance and very spicy with distinct relationship dynamics. That is not always clear in poly romance books so I appreciated that aspect of this book. I really enjoyed this and have been reading through the Mayhem Universe and can’t wait to continue!