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thebiglittlelibrary's Reviews (622)
5 ⭐ Enjoyed it even more than the first book!
"There is only one Queen of Ithicana. Just as there is only one King. And if any of our enemies dare come for our kingdom, we will bring them to their knees."
You know those books that keep you up late at night because it has you so emotionally invested? Yeah, well, this is that book. I devoured The Traitor Queen in one evening, and even as I'm writing this the next morning, I can't stop thinking about it!
I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK, except for one thing (which I'll get to later). But right now, let me give you reasons to read The Traitor Queen.
Here's what I liked:
From the beginning to the end, there is non-stop action. Not the kind where there are so many details it bores you to tears. No, it was quick-paced, heart-pounding, and sometimes stressful. I gaped at the page more than once because of the action unfolding. We finally get to see Lara use her deadly training from the compound and realize just how badass she really is!
Lara and Aren's character development and struggles.By changing pov's, we can see how anguished both are at their past choices and how they try to live with themselves and the outcome. I really felt for these two as they sunk deep into desperation, hopelessness, regret, and self-loathing, and wanted nothing more than for them to forgive either themselves or each other.
Lara and Aren's romantic storyline. Lara completely betrayed Aren's trust yet in The Bridge Kingdom, yet no matter the past, Aren can't help but love her - this woman who destroyed his kingdom. Lara spends the entirety of the book trying to make up for her mistake, knowing that even if Aren could forgive her treachery, Ithicana would never accept a traitorous queen back on the throne. It broke my heart to see Lara fighting for a future she can never have.
Just FYI, the romance was slow-burn due to the previous betrayal, and there aren't many romantic scenes (only one true sex scene). The focus is more on Lara and Aren rebuilding their relationship and their emotional struggles, which I found to be more realistic and endearing. Even with everything that happened, they can't help but protect each other
Meeting Lara's sisters! This group of badass women was a great addition to the storyline and added more background and understanding to Lara's character.
The world development. While in The Bridge Kingdom, we only saw Ithicana and Vencia, in this book we are taken on a journey through most of Maridrina (including the Red Desert and Kresteck Mountains) and Valcotta. I loved the different landscapes and learning more about this fictional world.
The last 100 pages. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I felt so anxious while reading a book. So much happens - some of it will make you smile, some of it will break your heart. It's these last few pages that got me extremely emotional and wishing I could live this book. So damn good!
Here's what I didn't like :
The ending wrecked me (in the best way possible), but I needed more! The characters go through such an ordeal, and then it just sort of ends. No epilogue either. It felt rushed when what I wanted and needed was a few more chapters about the aftermath. I thought this would maybe come in the third book, but I've learned it follows the path of two secondary characters from The Traitor Queen. However, I'm hopeful Danielle L. Jensen will figure something out and won't leave us readers emotionally hanging.
Overall, this series has easily become one of my favorites! Danielle L Jensen created such a wonderful world with loveable characters, and storylines.
"There is only one Queen of Ithicana. Just as there is only one King. And if any of our enemies dare come for our kingdom, we will bring them to their knees."
You know those books that keep you up late at night because it has you so emotionally invested? Yeah, well, this is that book. I devoured The Traitor Queen in one evening, and even as I'm writing this the next morning, I can't stop thinking about it!
I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK, except for one thing (which I'll get to later). But right now, let me give you reasons to read The Traitor Queen.
Here's what I liked:
From the beginning to the end, there is non-stop action. Not the kind where there are so many details it bores you to tears. No, it was quick-paced, heart-pounding, and sometimes stressful. I gaped at the page more than once because of the action unfolding. We finally get to see Lara use her deadly training from the compound and realize just how badass she really is!
Lara and Aren's character development and struggles.By changing pov's, we can see how anguished both are at their past choices and how they try to live with themselves and the outcome. I really felt for these two as they sunk deep into desperation, hopelessness, regret, and self-loathing, and wanted nothing more than for them to forgive either themselves or each other.
Lara and Aren's romantic storyline. Lara completely betrayed Aren's trust yet in The Bridge Kingdom, yet no matter the past, Aren can't help but love her - this woman who destroyed his kingdom. Lara spends the entirety of the book trying to make up for her mistake, knowing that even if Aren could forgive her treachery, Ithicana would never accept a traitorous queen back on the throne. It broke my heart to see Lara fighting for a future she can never have.
Just FYI, the romance was slow-burn due to the previous betrayal, and there aren't many romantic scenes (only one true sex scene). The focus is more on Lara and Aren rebuilding their relationship and their emotional struggles, which I found to be more realistic and endearing. Even with everything that happened, they can't help but protect each other
Meeting Lara's sisters! This group of badass women was a great addition to the storyline and added more background and understanding to Lara's character.
The world development. While in The Bridge Kingdom, we only saw Ithicana and Vencia, in this book we are taken on a journey through most of Maridrina (including the Red Desert and Kresteck Mountains) and Valcotta. I loved the different landscapes and learning more about this fictional world.
The last 100 pages. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I felt so anxious while reading a book. So much happens - some of it will make you smile, some of it will break your heart. It's these last few pages that got me extremely emotional and wishing I could live this book. So damn good!
Here's what I didn't like :
The ending wrecked me (in the best way possible), but I needed more! The characters go through such an ordeal, and then it just sort of ends. No epilogue either. It felt rushed when what I wanted and needed was a few more chapters about the aftermath. I thought this would maybe come in the third book, but I've learned it follows the path of two secondary characters from The Traitor Queen. However, I'm hopeful Danielle L. Jensen will figure something out and won't leave us readers emotionally hanging.
Overall, this series has easily become one of my favorites! Danielle L Jensen created such a wonderful world with loveable characters, and storylines.
2 ⭐️ Interesting concept but not for me.
I didn’t get or enjoy the world-building very much because it took forever to be explained fully. It really was slow in the beginning, so I ended up skimming to the end. Also, it's left with a cliffhanger.
A few other issues:
- The language barrier between Ivy and Ketahn disappeared way too quickly.
- Ivy wasn’t very interesting enough
- The writing was incredibly wordy and if I wanted to really understand what was going on in the story or with the world-building I had to read slowly. It got to a point where it just felt painful to read
- The concept of the story and romance is interesting, but I can’t get past the fact the love interest, Ketahn is a spider. I guess my limit for monster romance is when they look like an insect. Especially when he has mandibles instead of a human-like mouth, and it's mentioned repeatedly so I’m always reminded he’s a weird insect alien man. Lol
I didn’t get or enjoy the world-building very much because it took forever to be explained fully. It really was slow in the beginning, so I ended up skimming to the end. Also, it's left with a cliffhanger.
A few other issues:
- The language barrier between Ivy and Ketahn disappeared way too quickly.
- Ivy wasn’t very interesting enough
- The writing was incredibly wordy and if I wanted to really understand what was going on in the story or with the world-building I had to read slowly. It got to a point where it just felt painful to read
- The concept of the story and romance is interesting, but I can’t get past the fact the love interest, Ketahn is a spider. I guess my limit for monster romance is when they look like an insect. Especially when he has mandibles instead of a human-like mouth, and it's mentioned repeatedly so I’m always reminded he’s a weird insect alien man. Lol
3 ⭐️ I’m intrigued but unsure about this world
The story is interesting enough. The world-building is basic and a little uninspired. Not really into a human-looking man with a kangaroo tail, Doberman ears, and a flat nose with three tongues. The final image is strange and not examples sexy to me.
I like the MCs, but there’s not a lot of depth to them. The MMC is a leader of his tribe, and the FMC is a stubborn human who only cares about getting back to her human friends that she crash-landed with. This is a fated mates story, so obviously, there is an immediate pull between the two, but there's not much else going on with them.
Writing is fine but doesn’t quite hold my interest- either some things are redundant or not explained in a concise way that allows me to remember or care.
Overall, not my favorite story but I am interested enough to read one more to see how the series' plot progresses.
The story is interesting enough. The world-building is basic and a little uninspired. Not really into a human-looking man with a kangaroo tail, Doberman ears, and a flat nose with three tongues. The final image is strange and not examples sexy to me.
I like the MCs, but there’s not a lot of depth to them. The MMC is a leader of his tribe, and the FMC is a stubborn human who only cares about getting back to her human friends that she crash-landed with. This is a fated mates story, so obviously, there is an immediate pull between the two, but there's not much else going on with them.
Writing is fine but doesn’t quite hold my interest- either some things are redundant or not explained in a concise way that allows me to remember or care.
Overall, not my favorite story but I am interested enough to read one more to see how the series' plot progresses.
3 ⭐️ Decent monster romance novella
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ Funny(ish), monster-fucking curious FMC
✨ Romantic, sweet lake monster MMC
✨ Mistaken identity
✨ Insta-connection
✨ Breeding
✨ Knotting
✨ Anal
I enjoy the overall story. Amy was funny and somewhat relatable. Adrian was a total simp and cutie. There’s not much character or story development past the romance, but it is a novella so that’s expected.
What took points off for me was the dialogue during spicy scenes. Sometimes it was strange. Sometimes too matter of fact so it didn’t come off as sexy. Here are some examples:
“That tongue slides inside me and my knees go weak. I’m nonsensical when he pulls away.” - Using the word nonsensical here wasn’t a good call.
“The swelling at the base of him is soft and slides inside easily, providing the lip-biting sensation of being stuffed too full.”
- 'lip-biting sensation'…we don’t need this description here because it should be more or less implied.
”I’d known that he’s a sizable guy, but knowing and pressing a cock against my asshole are two very different things. It burns at first, but slowly the slick cum and stretch starts to feel amazing.”
- I don’t need a play-by-play of how it burns and then stretches and then feels amazing.
So would I recommend it? Sure! If you’re into monster romance, knotting, and breeding. It’s a quick, fun read! I just wasn’t 100% a fan of how the author writes sex scenes.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ Funny(ish), monster-fucking curious FMC
✨ Romantic, sweet lake monster MMC
✨ Mistaken identity
✨ Insta-connection
✨ Breeding
✨ Knotting
✨ Anal
I enjoy the overall story. Amy was funny and somewhat relatable. Adrian was a total simp and cutie. There’s not much character or story development past the romance, but it is a novella so that’s expected.
What took points off for me was the dialogue during spicy scenes. Sometimes it was strange. Sometimes too matter of fact so it didn’t come off as sexy. Here are some examples:
“That tongue slides inside me and my knees go weak. I’m nonsensical when he pulls away.” - Using the word nonsensical here wasn’t a good call.
“The swelling at the base of him is soft and slides inside easily, providing the lip-biting sensation of being stuffed too full.”
- 'lip-biting sensation'…we don’t need this description here because it should be more or less implied.
”I’d known that he’s a sizable guy, but knowing and pressing a cock against my asshole are two very different things. It burns at first, but slowly the slick cum and stretch starts to feel amazing.”
- I don’t need a play-by-play of how it burns and then stretches and then feels amazing.
So would I recommend it? Sure! If you’re into monster romance, knotting, and breeding. It’s a quick, fun read! I just wasn’t 100% a fan of how the author writes sex scenes.
2 ⭐️ Honestly, boring until the end.
Oli is so annoying and whining, and the Bonds are. . .there. I guess she gets closer to them. But I still feel like we only scratched the surface of these characters, so it’s annoying after 2 books not to have more.
Story is stagnant. Characters are two-dimensional. Training sessions are boring. Bond romance is slow AF. (Seriously hurry the fuck up.)
And for all you horny bitches, there are only 2 smutty scenes, and they were fine but quick. So it's not worth reading this book just for the ‘spice’
I wanted to DNF at 60% but kept going hoping it would get more interesting. It does at the end, but it’s not captivating enough for me to continue the series.
Oli is so annoying and whining, and the Bonds are. . .there. I guess she gets closer to them. But I still feel like we only scratched the surface of these characters, so it’s annoying after 2 books not to have more.
Story is stagnant. Characters are two-dimensional. Training sessions are boring. Bond romance is slow AF. (Seriously hurry the fuck up.)
And for all you horny bitches, there are only 2 smutty scenes, and they were fine but quick. So it's not worth reading this book just for the ‘spice’
I wanted to DNF at 60% but kept going hoping it would get more interesting. It does at the end, but it’s not captivating enough for me to continue the series.
2.5 ⭐️ Overhyped, but I’m interested enough to read the next book
This series is exactly like Zodiac Academy, where the writing isn’t great, but the story is compelling enough for me to give it this decent rating and continue with the next book.
The FMC Oli is over the top and dramatic. Everyone's hatred of her is ridiculous. Her Bonds, except Atlas, are douches. I didn’t realize this would be a bully romance, and their reasons for bullying a 19-year-old are ridiculous and not explained.
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it, but I’ll keep reading to see what happens and if this improves.
This series is exactly like Zodiac Academy, where the writing isn’t great, but the story is compelling enough for me to give it this decent rating and continue with the next book.
The FMC Oli is over the top and dramatic. Everyone's hatred of her is ridiculous. Her Bonds, except Atlas, are douches. I didn’t realize this would be a bully romance, and their reasons for bullying a 19-year-old are ridiculous and not explained.
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it, but I’ll keep reading to see what happens and if this improves.
2 ⭐️ Meh, I didn’t like it, but since it was short, I finished.
This is a fantasy romance/erotica. While the sex was steamy and the talking sword Alexis had its funny moments, I didn’t feel like there was any chemistry between the MCs, the insta-love was too much, the other woman drama was annoying and dumb, the modern slang didn’t fit, and some of the word used during sex gave me the ick. For example, it says "pussy lips" at one point, and then the MMC refers to the FMC's vagina as a "juicy little cunt".
And here are some examples of the modern diction used:
"The king has small dick energy."
"Take me to the red-light district, and we'll talk about it." Hoops and hollers erupted from the room. "I wanna see some ass!" "Remember to pee after sex."
"I love that you're looking to let a man you just met clap those cheeks, but not those emotions. Respect."
This story is definitely meant to be ridiculous fun and mindless smut. It didn't do it for me but if that's what you're looking for and insta-love and OW drama don't bother you, maybe give it a shot.
This is a fantasy romance/erotica. While the sex was steamy and the talking sword Alexis had its funny moments, I didn’t feel like there was any chemistry between the MCs, the insta-love was too much, the other woman drama was annoying and dumb, the modern slang didn’t fit, and some of the word used during sex gave me the ick. For example, it says "pussy lips" at one point, and then the MMC refers to the FMC's vagina as a "juicy little cunt".
And here are some examples of the modern diction used:
"The king has small dick energy."
"Take me to the red-light district, and we'll talk about it." Hoops and hollers erupted from the room. "I wanna see some ass!" "Remember to pee after sex."
"I love that you're looking to let a man you just met clap those cheeks, but not those emotions. Respect."
This story is definitely meant to be ridiculous fun and mindless smut. It didn't do it for me but if that's what you're looking for and insta-love and OW drama don't bother you, maybe give it a shot.
2.5 ⭐️ Bummed I didn't like this more.
"The three of us are bound by grief. The guilt for surviving the people we loved the most has been eating us away for two years."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ Billionaire romance
✨ Taboo (family sharing)
✨ Age-gap
✨ Love-triangle
✨ MMF
✨ Hate sex
✨ Praise/degradation
✨ Grief (death of a loved one)
✨ Coping
I've only dabbled in MMF, and I usually am not a fan. However, after reading Sara Cate's Give Me and enjoying it, I thought I'd give the Wilde Boys series a try. But it wasn't for me. Here's why:
- The characters weren't really likable, and I never connected with them. I truly could give 0 fucks about Alistar, Nash, and Zara.
- I didn't feel like the characters had a real connection either. They started off as basically strangers, and it just sort of felt like they still were. Never really understood or believed Emma saying she loves both men.
- All the MCs are emotionally damaged, and I didn't feel like this trauma was truly ever dealt with. It's like they hope to fuck their problems away, and then they sort of do? lol
- The spice was there, but it didn't really do it for me, even when it was one on one. But the scene where they finally share her gave me the ick.
- The lack of possessiveness on Alastair's side bored me and pissed me off, all at the same time. I definitely didn't think he even deserved Zara.
- Some of the inner dialogue was wordy and repetitive AF, which made me lose interest at times.
- I saw that plot twist coming from a mile away, so not surprising. But I also hated it.
Overall, this isn't necessarily a bad read, but there were just too many issues for me to really enjoy it. But if you're into MMF and taboo romance, maybe you'd enjoy it.
"The three of us are bound by grief. The guilt for surviving the people we loved the most has been eating us away for two years."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ Billionaire romance
✨ Taboo (family sharing)
✨ Age-gap
✨ Love-triangle
✨ MMF
✨ Hate sex
✨ Praise/degradation
✨ Grief (death of a loved one)
✨ Coping
I've only dabbled in MMF, and I usually am not a fan. However, after reading Sara Cate's Give Me and enjoying it, I thought I'd give the Wilde Boys series a try. But it wasn't for me. Here's why:
- The characters weren't really likable, and I never connected with them. I truly could give 0 fucks about Alistar, Nash, and Zara.
- I didn't feel like the characters had a real connection either. They started off as basically strangers, and it just sort of felt like they still were. Never really understood or believed Emma saying she loves both men.
- All the MCs are emotionally damaged, and I didn't feel like this trauma was truly ever dealt with. It's like they hope to fuck their problems away, and then they sort of do? lol
- The spice was there, but it didn't really do it for me, even when it was one on one. But the scene where they finally share her gave me the ick.
- The lack of possessiveness on Alastair's side bored me and pissed me off, all at the same time. I definitely didn't think he even deserved Zara.
- Some of the inner dialogue was wordy and repetitive AF, which made me lose interest at times.
- I saw that plot twist coming from a mile away, so not surprising. But I also hated it.
Overall, this isn't necessarily a bad read, but there were just too many issues for me to really enjoy it. But if you're into MMF and taboo romance, maybe you'd enjoy it.
2.5 ⭐️ Meh, I don’t get the hype.
"No one else gets to kill you, Ms. Vitalio," he spoke quietly. "The last face you see before you die will be mine. When it comes to death, you're mine."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ Mafia romance
✨ enemies-to-lovers
✨ 'I hate you, but you intrigue me' trip
✨ Booksmart, fearless FMC
✨ Morally grey, hard-to-read MMC
✨ Mystery
I saw so many people on TikTok rave about this series, and I see the potential, but this first book didn’t wow me. Here's why:
The story dragged on with so much inner dialogue and self-questioning that halfway through, I ended up skimming to get to the end.
Tristan Caine was an underwhelming love interest. He's basically a brick wall with zero personality besides the fact he's ruthless. That is up until the end when we find out why he hates Morana. But even then, I was like, "that's why?". The revelation was pretty ridiculous and left me wanting to understand more. I mean I get this is fiction and a mafia romance as well, but the author really went to the extreme here. I also wish Tristan's past had been revealed earlier so that we could have understood his personality (or lack thereof) sooner and how/why he navigates his relationship with Morana.
The spice was okay. But the words 'nether lips' were used to refer to the vagina, and I just could not.
That ending was confusing and unsatisfying. Why on earth did she stay in the graveyard after THAT (cannot say what) to chat about Tristan's past and then stay knowing she's still in danger? And then Tristan does this stupid sign that shows her he actually does care and doesn't want her dead? And because of that, she's willing to fight for him? It was all just so dumb, cheesy, and ridiculous romantically and plot-wise.
Does the series get better? Because I feel like I'm missing something. If y'all say yes, I'll give the next book a shot!
"No one else gets to kill you, Ms. Vitalio," he spoke quietly. "The last face you see before you die will be mine. When it comes to death, you're mine."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ Mafia romance
✨ enemies-to-lovers
✨ 'I hate you, but you intrigue me' trip
✨ Booksmart, fearless FMC
✨ Morally grey, hard-to-read MMC
✨ Mystery
I saw so many people on TikTok rave about this series, and I see the potential, but this first book didn’t wow me. Here's why:
The story dragged on with so much inner dialogue and self-questioning that halfway through, I ended up skimming to get to the end.
Tristan Caine was an underwhelming love interest. He's basically a brick wall with zero personality besides the fact he's ruthless. That is up until the end when we find out why he hates Morana. But even then, I was like, "that's why?". The revelation was pretty ridiculous and left me wanting to understand more. I mean I get this is fiction and a mafia romance as well, but the author really went to the extreme here. I also wish Tristan's past had been revealed earlier so that we could have understood his personality (or lack thereof) sooner and how/why he navigates his relationship with Morana.
The spice was okay. But the words 'nether lips' were used to refer to the vagina, and I just could not.
That ending was confusing and unsatisfying. Why on earth did she stay in the graveyard after THAT (cannot say what) to chat about Tristan's past and then stay knowing she's still in danger? And then Tristan does this stupid sign that shows her he actually does care and doesn't want her dead? And because of that, she's willing to fight for him? It was all just so dumb, cheesy, and ridiculous romantically and plot-wise.
Does the series get better? Because I feel like I'm missing something. If y'all say yes, I'll give the next book a shot!