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thebiglittlelibrary's Reviews (622)
3.5 ⭐️ A fun, quick read with portal magic and magical matchmaking between a human x orc
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ monster romantasy novella
✨ she's a human who gets sent to Faerie through a magic portal
✨ he's the orc warrior who finds her
✨ rescuer to lover
✨ magical matchmaking
✨ insta-love
✨ language barrier
✨ forced proximity
✨ 2.5/5 spice (open door and explicit)
✨ pierced peen, special fluids, knotting
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I got this during Stuff Your Kindle Day, and it was a fun read!
I really don't have much else to say about it. lol It was a campy fantasy monster romance. The heroine is a loser in the human world but gets magical powers in this one. The orc is obsessed with her and wants to bang her constantly. There's a bit of conflict between the orcs and ogres, but of course the ending is HEA. I don't quite understand the magic and gods in this fantasy world but it probably isn't explained as much in this novella as it would be in the other books of this series.
I'd recommend reading if you want a short, ridiculous yet fun palate cleanser.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ monster romantasy novella
✨ she's a human who gets sent to Faerie through a magic portal
✨ he's the orc warrior who finds her
✨ rescuer to lover
✨ magical matchmaking
✨ insta-love
✨ language barrier
✨ forced proximity
✨ 2.5/5 spice (open door and explicit)
✨ pierced peen, special fluids, knotting
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I got this during Stuff Your Kindle Day, and it was a fun read!
I really don't have much else to say about it. lol It was a campy fantasy monster romance. The heroine is a loser in the human world but gets magical powers in this one. The orc is obsessed with her and wants to bang her constantly. There's a bit of conflict between the orcs and ogres, but of course the ending is HEA. I don't quite understand the magic and gods in this fantasy world but it probably isn't explained as much in this novella as it would be in the other books of this series.
I'd recommend reading if you want a short, ridiculous yet fun palate cleanser.
5 ⭐️ I fucking love this book
"Be my wife. Stay my wife. Forever, LaRynn. I don't care where we end up or what we do as long as I have you."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ second chance romance
✨ first love to strangers to spouse to lover
✨ dislike to love
✨ marriage of convenience
✨ roommates
✨ forced proximity
✨ pranks
✨ pushing each other's buttons
✨ insane tension & chemistry
✨ "that’s my wife"
✨ 2.5/5 spice
✨ it’s always been you
✨ soulmates
✨ HEA
✨ the sweetest epilogue I’ve ever read
✨ Dual POV
✨ TW: grief, loss of family member
My Thoughts:
I first read the indie version of this book last year, and now, after reading the updated traditionally published edition, I can honestly say that while there are some differences between the two, my feelings remain exactly the same. This book is absolutely incredible. In both versions, I fell in love with Deacon and LaRynn, and their beautiful story will stay with me forever.
Both Deacon and LaRynn are wonderful main characters. While they are fictional characters, I found them to be incredibly relatable, realistic, and authentic. Honestly, I wish these two existed in the world.
LyRynn is an interesting and complex character. She comes from a tumultuous home where her only escape and sense of safety and security was with her grandmother in Santa Cruz.
"I always thought if I could do everything expected of me, if I was good, if I caused as little inconvenience as possible and needed as little as possible, then maybe I'd fit somewhere between them [her parents]. Instead, anger became my quiet companion, something I'd wear like a shroud. I'd take their love where I could get it, which usually came in the form of pride whenever I did manage to do something impressive."
When I first read this passage, I sobbed. You could have taken this right out of my diary. I've never related so much to a character or felt more seen in a book. LaRynn can come off prickly and stuck-up at first, but it's only because she's been hurt so much that she's grown used to having a hardened exterior in order to protect herself. After years of neglect and never feeling like she was enough from the people that were supposed to love her unconditionally, she started closing herself off from others. LaRynn needed someone to see her, flaws and all, and love her for exactly who she is. And that is exactly how Deacon loves her in the end.
"The trying was what it was really about. I'd begun to believe that trying was its own love language. Trying to understand a person, trying to make them happy, trying to make yourself happy, too. My relationship with him is what made me believe that."
Being with Deacon was healing for LaRynn, and vice versa. Deacon and LaRynn both have major insecurities that were unfortunately heightened when they dated years ago. But throughout this story, they both put away their anger and resentment from the past and start to learn about the adult versions of themselves and see each other in a new light. Yes, the insecurities and flaws are still there, but now they have the emotional intelligence to offer compassion and understanding to one another. And this understanding and acceptance for the ugliest parts of themselves only makes LaRynn and Deacon truly fall in love with each other. Their journey together really was so beautiful and realistic.
"I don't mind your mess."
"Be my wife. Stay my wife. Forever, LaRynn. I don't care where we end up or what we do as long as I have you."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ second chance romance
✨ first love to strangers to spouse to lover
✨ dislike to love
✨ marriage of convenience
✨ roommates
✨ forced proximity
✨ pranks
✨ pushing each other's buttons
✨ insane tension & chemistry
✨ "that’s my wife"
✨ 2.5/5 spice
✨ it’s always been you
✨ soulmates
✨ HEA
✨ the sweetest epilogue I’ve ever read
✨ Dual POV
✨ TW: grief, loss of family member
My Thoughts:
I first read the indie version of this book last year, and now, after reading the updated traditionally published edition, I can honestly say that while there are some differences between the two, my feelings remain exactly the same. This book is absolutely incredible. In both versions, I fell in love with Deacon and LaRynn, and their beautiful story will stay with me forever.
Both Deacon and LaRynn are wonderful main characters. While they are fictional characters, I found them to be incredibly relatable, realistic, and authentic. Honestly, I wish these two existed in the world.
LyRynn is an interesting and complex character. She comes from a tumultuous home where her only escape and sense of safety and security was with her grandmother in Santa Cruz.
"I always thought if I could do everything expected of me, if I was good, if I caused as little inconvenience as possible and needed as little as possible, then maybe I'd fit somewhere between them [her parents]. Instead, anger became my quiet companion, something I'd wear like a shroud. I'd take their love where I could get it, which usually came in the form of pride whenever I did manage to do something impressive."
When I first read this passage, I sobbed. You could have taken this right out of my diary. I've never related so much to a character or felt more seen in a book. LaRynn can come off prickly and stuck-up at first, but it's only because she's been hurt so much that she's grown used to having a hardened exterior in order to protect herself. After years of neglect and never feeling like she was enough from the people that were supposed to love her unconditionally, she started closing herself off from others. LaRynn needed someone to see her, flaws and all, and love her for exactly who she is. And that is exactly how Deacon loves her in the end.
"The trying was what it was really about. I'd begun to believe that trying was its own love language. Trying to understand a person, trying to make them happy, trying to make yourself happy, too. My relationship with him is what made me believe that."
Being with Deacon was healing for LaRynn, and vice versa. Deacon and LaRynn both have major insecurities that were unfortunately heightened when they dated years ago. But throughout this story, they both put away their anger and resentment from the past and start to learn about the adult versions of themselves and see each other in a new light. Yes, the insecurities and flaws are still there, but now they have the emotional intelligence to offer compassion and understanding to one another. And this understanding and acceptance for the ugliest parts of themselves only makes LaRynn and Deacon truly fall in love with each other. Their journey together really was so beautiful and realistic.
"I don't mind your mess."
3 ⭐️ It was a fine sequel
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ new adult paranormal fantasy romance
✨ gothic medieval-esque world
✨ couples: Elm x Ione (main), Elspeth x Ravyn (side)
✨ forbidden romance
✨ forced proximity
✨ insta-lust
✨ slow burn
✨ 1/5 spice (one open door scene that's not explicit)
✨ secrets and lies
✨ magic has a price
✨ high stakes
✨ multiple POVs
My Thoughts:
It was an interesting sequel. Once again, I like the gothic vibes, moody/creepy atmosphere, unique magic system, and characters. The story is well put together and the plot was unique and intriguing. However . . .
While I actually like Ione and Elm, it was surprising they were the stars of this book. Elspeth is the main character of book 1 but takes a backseat in this story. I get why but it’s a bitter pill to swallow when you've invested your time into Elspeth, only for previous side characters to take over as the main protagonists. Again, I liked the new MCs but I just wasn’t as invested in them as I think we were expected to be. So yeah, I was disappointed that Elspeth didn’t play a big part in this book.
Also, the romance between Ione and Elm was infatuation to love at best. The transition from "I'm horny for you to I deeply care for you" was too sudden and not believable.
I was not a fan of all the different POVs. It’s hard going from the previous book that only has two POVs to five POVs.
The twists/reveals were once again not shocking. Everything came together nicely but either the foreshadowing was too obvious or the story wasn't complicated enough that I was able to predict everything.
Maybe it was my disappointment and disinterest as I continued to read, but I found the writing to be overly descriptive and wordy at times. So I ended up skimming a bit.
And a few other random annoyances. There was a moment when time freezes and Elm could have killed his brother but he didn't. Why? This felt like a major oversight. Also, Elspeth's uncle / Ione's dad should have been sentenced to death for his betrayals.
I was expecting to be blown away because of all the hype but I just wasn’t. However, I would recommend this to people who like fantasy with a bit of romance and want to read something different.
Favorite Quotes:
If he ever grew old enough to do so, he would tell this story to his children, with the firm lesson being don't ever strike bargains with beautiful women.
_______
"You have a wonderful mouth. . . And now, it's all mine."
_______
"I want you to know me very well, Ione Hawthorn. Which is" -he dipped her again, bowing over her and speaking against her throat- "a rather horrifying feeling, if I'm perfectly honest."
_______
"You're beautiful."
"No. That word is only for you."
_______
"Don't die. I won't. Because if you do, and we never get the time we're owed, I'll hate you, Ravyn Yew. I'll love you and hate you forever."
_______
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ new adult paranormal fantasy romance
✨ gothic medieval-esque world
✨ couples: Elm x Ione (main), Elspeth x Ravyn (side)
✨ forbidden romance
✨ forced proximity
✨ insta-lust
✨ slow burn
✨ 1/5 spice (one open door scene that's not explicit)
✨ secrets and lies
✨ magic has a price
✨ high stakes
✨ multiple POVs
My Thoughts:
It was an interesting sequel. Once again, I like the gothic vibes, moody/creepy atmosphere, unique magic system, and characters. The story is well put together and the plot was unique and intriguing. However . . .
While I actually like Ione and Elm, it was surprising they were the stars of this book. Elspeth is the main character of book 1 but takes a backseat in this story. I get why but it’s a bitter pill to swallow when you've invested your time into Elspeth, only for previous side characters to take over as the main protagonists. Again, I liked the new MCs but I just wasn’t as invested in them as I think we were expected to be. So yeah, I was disappointed that Elspeth didn’t play a big part in this book.
Also, the romance between Ione and Elm was infatuation to love at best. The transition from "I'm horny for you to I deeply care for you" was too sudden and not believable.
I was not a fan of all the different POVs. It’s hard going from the previous book that only has two POVs to five POVs.
The twists/reveals were once again not shocking. Everything came together nicely but either the foreshadowing was too obvious or the story wasn't complicated enough that I was able to predict everything.
Maybe it was my disappointment and disinterest as I continued to read, but I found the writing to be overly descriptive and wordy at times. So I ended up skimming a bit.
And a few other random annoyances. There was a moment when time freezes and Elm could have killed his brother but he didn't. Why? This felt like a major oversight. Also, Elspeth's uncle / Ione's dad should have been sentenced to death for his betrayals.
I was expecting to be blown away because of all the hype but I just wasn’t. However, I would recommend this to people who like fantasy with a bit of romance and want to read something different.
Favorite Quotes:
If he ever grew old enough to do so, he would tell this story to his children, with the firm lesson being don't ever strike bargains with beautiful women.
_______
"You have a wonderful mouth. . . And now, it's all mine."
_______
"I want you to know me very well, Ione Hawthorn. Which is" -he dipped her again, bowing over her and speaking against her throat- "a rather horrifying feeling, if I'm perfectly honest."
_______
"You're beautiful."
"No. That word is only for you."
_______
"Don't die. I won't. Because if you do, and we never get the time we're owed, I'll hate you, Ravyn Yew. I'll love you and hate you forever."
_______
5 ⭐️ I LOVED this! Such a good time! 10/10 recommend!
"I fear I want to fuck my husband."
"I fear I want to fuck my husband."
5 ⭐ WE LISTEN AND WE DON'T JUDGE
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ sci-fi monster romance
✨ human x kraken
✨ he saves her from drowning
✨ forced proximity
✨ distrust to love
✨ forbidden romance
✨ 2.5/5 spice
✨ slight ow/om drama (but I promise it's not a big deal)
✨
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
Yep. You're seeing that correctly. I'm giving this human x kraken monster romance 5-fucking stars.
I want to start by saying that it's been a challenge lately to read/listen to a book and stay engaged the entire time, and I certainly was while listening to the audiobook of Treasure of the Abyss. Hence my 5-star rating. No, it is not some high brow story or award winning drama. And I KNOW FOR A FACT that this book is not for everyone. But if you're someone who saw The Shape of Water and thought "Um, yeah I might be down to f*ck a monster" or if you're slightly interested in how a human woman and a male Kraken would get it on, then saddle up because this book is for you.
Summary: The story takes place on another planet in a different galaxy, years into the future. Macy is a human on a settlement near an ocean. She is about to get engaged and is not very eager about the prospect. When she's on a boat with her suitor, they get caught in a storm and Macy almost drowns but is saved by a Kraken named Jax. Until that moment, no humans knew about the existence of Kraken, but Kraken have been aware and wary of humans for hundreds of years. To keep his species a secret, Jax tells Macy she is not allowed to return home and will stay with him indefinitely. A little bit of captive x captor vibes going on here.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ sci-fi monster romance
✨ human x kraken
✨ he saves her from drowning
✨ forced proximity
✨ distrust to love
✨ forbidden romance
✨ 2.5/5 spice
✨ slight ow/om drama (but I promise it's not a big deal)
✨
Spoiler
accidental pregnancy✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
Yep. You're seeing that correctly. I'm giving this human x kraken monster romance 5-fucking stars.
I want to start by saying that it's been a challenge lately to read/listen to a book and stay engaged the entire time, and I certainly was while listening to the audiobook of Treasure of the Abyss. Hence my 5-star rating. No, it is not some high brow story or award winning drama. And I KNOW FOR A FACT that this book is not for everyone. But if you're someone who saw The Shape of Water and thought "Um, yeah I might be down to f*ck a monster" or if you're slightly interested in how a human woman and a male Kraken would get it on, then saddle up because this book is for you.
Summary: The story takes place on another planet in a different galaxy, years into the future. Macy is a human on a settlement near an ocean. She is about to get engaged and is not very eager about the prospect. When she's on a boat with her suitor, they get caught in a storm and Macy almost drowns but is saved by a Kraken named Jax. Until that moment, no humans knew about the existence of Kraken, but Kraken have been aware and wary of humans for hundreds of years. To keep his species a secret, Jax tells Macy she is not allowed to return home and will stay with him indefinitely. A little bit of captive x captor vibes going on here.
3.5 ⭐️ Allarion is officially the new king of the simps
"You would burn down his life, whereas I would incinerate the man himself. Let me bring you his cinders."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ fantasy monster romance
✨ he’s an ancient fae
✨ she’s a human barmaid
✨ arranged marriage
✨ fated mates
✨ he falls first
✨ insta-lust
✨ miscommunication
✨ denial of feelings
✨ slow burn
✨ size difference
✨ 3.5/5
"You would burn down his life, whereas I would incinerate the man himself. Let me bring you his cinders."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ fantasy monster romance
✨ he’s an ancient fae
✨ she’s a human barmaid
✨ arranged marriage
✨ fated mates
✨ he falls first
✨ insta-lust
✨ miscommunication
✨ denial of feelings
✨ slow burn
✨ size difference
✨ 3.5/5
4 ⭐ What a wild ride! That ending has me gasping!
"Do you think something as fragile as fate would keep me from you? I defy the Stars."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ romantasy
✨ celestial inspired world
✨ star crossed lovers
✨ prince x princess
✨ she's being held captive in the enemy kingdom
✨ he's the rakish prince forced to train her
✨ enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ hate to love
✨ slow burn
✨ he falls first
✨ banter
✨ soulmates
✨ touch him/her and d!3
✨ shadow mommy
✨ training sessions
✨ prophecies and gods
✨ found family
✨ dream magic
✨ single POV
✨ cliffhanger
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed the overall story. A lot of heart pounding moments with an ending that had my head spinning. I love Enzo and Elara
"Do you think something as fragile as fate would keep me from you? I defy the Stars."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ romantasy
✨ celestial inspired world
✨ star crossed lovers
✨ prince x princess
✨ she's being held captive in the enemy kingdom
✨ he's the rakish prince forced to train her
✨ enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ hate to love
✨ slow burn
✨ he falls first
✨ banter
✨ soulmates
✨ touch him/her and d!3
✨ shadow mommy
✨ training sessions
✨ prophecies and gods
✨ found family
✨ dream magic
✨ single POV
✨ cliffhanger
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed the overall story. A lot of heart pounding moments with an ending that had my head spinning. I love Enzo and Elara
⭐️ ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR IMMEDIATELY! ⭐️
Synopsis:
Two years after a night of passion, Cory finds herself face to face with the man she can't seem to forget. He might have let her go before, but as a cop, Garrett knows how to pursue what he wants—and this time around, he’s not letting her slip away.
Get ready for a hilarious chase as one man tries to prove that love is worth the risk!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ contemporary rom-com
✨ Boston setting
✨ she's a tattoo artist opening a new shop
✨ he's a police officer
✨ black cat x golden retriever
✨ one night stand
✨ second chance
✨ she's anti-relationship
✨ he falls first and hard
✨ 3/5 spice (open door, explicit)
✨ found family
✨ little bit of mystery
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
FYI, I just finished alpha reading this, and these are my honest to goodness thoughts.
I've actually never read a rom-com with a cop MMC, but this was such a delight! Garrett is a total cinnamon roll with a heart of gold. I adore him and how he treats his friends, family, and Cory. But ladies, get ready for this gentleman in the streets to also be a freak in the sheets.
Cory was such a badass. I'm obsessed with black cat energy FMCs, and I love how she's also a tattoo artist and business woman opening up her own shop. It’s always nice seeing a strong female lead follow her dreams against all the odds!
The banter between Garrett and Cory is so fun, and suggestive at times. No matter how much Cory tries to push him away or pretends she doesn't want him, Garrett's always able to flip the script on Cory to make her blush. I love these two.
And the spice. It's definitely hot!
Synopsis:
Two years after a night of passion, Cory finds herself face to face with the man she can't seem to forget. He might have let her go before, but as a cop, Garrett knows how to pursue what he wants—and this time around, he’s not letting her slip away.
Get ready for a hilarious chase as one man tries to prove that love is worth the risk!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ contemporary rom-com
✨ Boston setting
✨ she's a tattoo artist opening a new shop
✨ he's a police officer
✨ black cat x golden retriever
✨ one night stand
✨ second chance
✨ she's anti-relationship
✨ he falls first and hard
✨ 3/5 spice (open door, explicit)
✨ found family
✨ little bit of mystery
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
FYI, I just finished alpha reading this, and these are my honest to goodness thoughts.
I've actually never read a rom-com with a cop MMC, but this was such a delight! Garrett is a total cinnamon roll with a heart of gold. I adore him and how he treats his friends, family, and Cory. But ladies, get ready for this gentleman in the streets to also be a freak in the sheets.
Cory was such a badass. I'm obsessed with black cat energy FMCs, and I love how she's also a tattoo artist and business woman opening up her own shop. It’s always nice seeing a strong female lead follow her dreams against all the odds!
The banter between Garrett and Cory is so fun, and suggestive at times. No matter how much Cory tries to push him away or pretends she doesn't want him, Garrett's always able to flip the script on Cory to make her blush. I love these two.
And the spice. It's definitely hot!
4.5 ⭐️ This story felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket. Has a good combination of soft/quiet and heart pounding moments.
"Even if she would never be his, he knew . . . that he was irrevocably, forever hers. However she wanted him, however she needed him - just hers. And that was enough."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ cozy fantasy romance
✨ he’s a half human/half orc cinnamon roll who’s never been loved
✨ she’s a human who was sold to an orc clan
✨ rescuer to friend to lover
✨ forced proximity
✨ slow burn
✨ hiding feelings because afraid of rejection
✨ yearning / longing
✨ virgin MMC
✨ one bed at the inn
✨ 4/5
"Even if she would never be his, he knew . . . that he was irrevocably, forever hers. However she wanted him, however she needed him - just hers. And that was enough."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ cozy fantasy romance
✨ he’s a half human/half orc cinnamon roll who’s never been loved
✨ she’s a human who was sold to an orc clan
✨ rescuer to friend to lover
✨ forced proximity
✨ slow burn
✨ hiding feelings because afraid of rejection
✨ yearning / longing
✨ virgin MMC
✨ one bed at the inn
✨ 4/5
3 ⭐️ The ending . . . I cried. I had a heart attack. And now I’m staring into space like life has no meaning. I am unwell.
"The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity."
Prepare to join the revolution.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ adult romantasy
✨ book 2 of the Empyrean Series
✨ established romance (but they're stubborn idiots)
✨ war college setting
✨ dragon riders
✨ magic
✨ unique world building
✨ complex politics
✨ found family
✨ chronic illness rep
✨ action-packed
✨ high stakes
✨ 2.5/5
"The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity."
Prepare to join the revolution.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ adult romantasy
✨ book 2 of the Empyrean Series
✨ established romance (but they're stubborn idiots)
✨ war college setting
✨ dragon riders
✨ magic
✨ unique world building
✨ complex politics
✨ found family
✨ chronic illness rep
✨ action-packed
✨ high stakes
✨ 2.5/5