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thedarklibraryofleah's reviews
70 reviews
Conjure by Harleigh Beck
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
5.0
My mind is still reeling from this book and how it messes with it. This is a Paranormal Horror story with a spicy Dark Romance, and it is so good!
The relationship that develops between Dominic and Camryn so well done, they have so much chemistry which keeps you hooked even when the horror is very strong and overwhelming, but in a good way as a great horror should be.
Speaking of the horror element, I really loved how it pushed the story forward, and there were so many twists that it really kept you on edge. The twist at the end will definitely stick with me. Let's just say it has a very bittersweet ending that feels fitting for the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Conjure. I will say it is a mature read (so 18+), and please check triggers first before reading it!
The relationship that develops between Dominic and Camryn so well done, they have so much chemistry which keeps you hooked even when the horror is very strong and overwhelming, but in a good way as a great horror should be.
Speaking of the horror element, I really loved how it pushed the story forward, and there were so many twists that it really kept you on edge. The twist at the end will definitely stick with me. Let's just say it has a very bittersweet ending that feels fitting for the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Conjure. I will say it is a mature read (so 18+), and please check triggers first before reading it!
Shadows in Bloom: A Dark Romance Anthology by Lola Malone
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- 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
5.0
Review for Nightshade by Harleigh Beck:
"Cruz wants me.
No, it’s more than that. More than simple lust. He wants to possess me.
Own me.
Feast on my ruin." (Marshall page 33)
I don't even know where to begin with Nightshade by Harleigh Beck. Nightshade is a part of the Shadows in Bloom anthology, which contains dark romance short stories so please check triggers before reading. This short story is just wow...it has definitely left an impression on me, in a good way!
It was so dark but also so thrilling and I wanted more, so much more especially with the ending being left open like that. I really hope Harleigh Beck carries on with this story because it is such a thrilling read.
This short story is a MM, age gap, teacher/student romance but with a dark, horror twist. Marshall the older man out of the two of them is a professior who has just came out of a divorce. Meanwhile Cruz who is his student and his best friends son is a man with an obsession, of which he is prepared to go to the extreme to get. The push and pull between them was what made Nightshade such a compelling read.
"My eyes fall down his chest to the tattoo on the inside of his arm.
A nightshade.
A poisonous plant.
One taste could be deadly." (Marshall page 23)
I will update my review when I have read the other short stories featured in this anthology.
"Cruz wants me.
No, it’s more than that. More than simple lust. He wants to possess me.
Own me.
Feast on my ruin." (Marshall page 33)
I don't even know where to begin with Nightshade by Harleigh Beck. Nightshade is a part of the Shadows in Bloom anthology, which contains dark romance short stories so please check triggers before reading. This short story is just wow...it has definitely left an impression on me, in a good way!
It was so dark but also so thrilling and I wanted more, so much more especially with the ending being left open like that. I really hope Harleigh Beck carries on with this story because it is such a thrilling read.
This short story is a MM, age gap, teacher/student romance but with a dark, horror twist. Marshall the older man out of the two of them is a professior who has just came out of a divorce. Meanwhile Cruz who is his student and his best friends son is a man with an obsession, of which he is prepared to go to the extreme to get. The push and pull between them was what made Nightshade such a compelling read.
"My eyes fall down his chest to the tattoo on the inside of his arm.
A nightshade.
A poisonous plant.
One taste could be deadly." (Marshall page 23)
I will update my review when I have read the other short stories featured in this anthology.
Chokehold by Harleigh Beck, Leigh Rivers
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book had me in a chokehold from start to finish!
Chokehold is a spicy, Stepbrother taboo Dark romance which is co-written by two amazing authors: Harleigh Beck (who writes Blaise) and Leigh Rivers (who writes Cole). This leads to both characters having very different, individual, and, striking personalities with Cole being a big softie at heart and Blaise being...er...a loveable psycho. Honestly I love them both but what I loved even more was how their relationship developed from start to finish.
We start the story with these two being more enemies rather than lovers with them attacking each other every moment they get (this is an enemies to lovers romance after all!). But as walls begin to crumble after a game of chase, with the Primal play trope being beautifully done here, their relationship develops in a very tender way. The contrast between these moments and the explosive reactions they have to each other makes Chokehold such an addicting read that you can't put down.
Chokehold is a spicy, Stepbrother taboo Dark romance which is co-written by two amazing authors: Harleigh Beck (who writes Blaise) and Leigh Rivers (who writes Cole). This leads to both characters having very different, individual, and, striking personalities with Cole being a big softie at heart and Blaise being...er...a loveable psycho. Honestly I love them both but what I loved even more was how their relationship developed from start to finish.
We start the story with these two being more enemies rather than lovers with them attacking each other every moment they get (this is an enemies to lovers romance after all!). But as walls begin to crumble after a game of chase, with the Primal play trope being beautifully done here, their relationship develops in a very tender way. The contrast between these moments and the explosive reactions they have to each other makes Chokehold such an addicting read that you can't put down.
The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The City of Stardust has left me feeling really conflicted about how I feel about it. There are elements of the story that I loved and other elements that I just did not like as much.
Let's start with the positives, I really loved the lore as I found it super interesting and it was quite complex. The world building was also super great and it was really fun exploring the world through Violet in the story. I also really loved the prose used to describe the world building and lore as it gave it a very whimsical feeling.
Now for the more negative aspects of the story which I felt brought the story down a bit. Firstly, thr character choices were really frustrating, except for Violet it felt none of the other characters (especially Aleksander) really evolved. They just kept making the same mistake again and again without learning anything. Speaking of Aleksander, i really disliked him which is strange for me as I tend to like darker, morally gray characters like Caspian but he came across not evil just naive and dumb. I really was not a fan of the romance between Aleksander and Violet, there just no chemistry between them and I much preferred her with Caspian. I also felt that there was too much going on with the plot, that it just lead to the characters making questionable decisions that actually damage their progress to what they were trying to achieve (looking at you Penelope).
Overall, it was a whimsical read which I enjoyed but also got frustrated at.
Let's start with the positives, I really loved the lore as I found it super interesting and it was quite complex. The world building was also super great and it was really fun exploring the world through Violet in the story. I also really loved the prose used to describe the world building and lore as it gave it a very whimsical feeling.
Now for the more negative aspects of the story which I felt brought the story down a bit. Firstly, thr character choices were really frustrating, except for Violet it felt none of the other characters (especially Aleksander) really evolved. They just kept making the same mistake again and again without learning anything. Speaking of Aleksander, i really disliked him which is strange for me as I tend to like darker, morally gray characters like Caspian but he came across not evil just naive and dumb. I really was not a fan of the romance between Aleksander and Violet, there just no chemistry between them and I much preferred her with Caspian. I also felt that there was too much going on with the plot, that it just lead to the characters making questionable decisions that actually damage their progress to what they were trying to achieve (looking at you Penelope).
Overall, it was a whimsical read which I enjoyed but also got frustrated at.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Suicide, Blood, and Abandonment
A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Forbidden Desire Woven through every stitch..."
I really enjoyed this Young Adult Regency Romance. I loved learning about Avaland and the issues it faced and seeing how a royal family in all of it struggling to make things better. The Bridgerton like twist to the story was really well done too. The only issue I had with it was the pacing which at times was a bit off as sometimes it would be too slow like in the middle of the story and then too quick at the end.
The romance was lovely and definitely fulfilled the grunpy x sunshine trope which was sweet, with Kit being grumpy but having a soft side and Niamh brought joy to everyone even to the point of it being detrimental to her. I loved the how the trope was explored through their romance.
I also really liked the side characters too especially the somewhat obvious but endearing lgbt relationship within the story. Kit's best friend Sinclair is a very complex character that is explored through the setting of the story really well.
Kit and Niamh magical abilities was also really interesting and something i would love to have been expolored more. I would have loved to have seen more magical abilities. But I do love that this story has a soft fantasy feel to it and so I think for people new to fantasy this is perfect read for them.
I really enjoyed this Young Adult Regency Romance. I loved learning about Avaland and the issues it faced and seeing how a royal family in all of it struggling to make things better. The Bridgerton like twist to the story was really well done too. The only issue I had with it was the pacing which at times was a bit off as sometimes it would be too slow like in the middle of the story and then too quick at the end.
The romance was lovely and definitely fulfilled the grunpy x sunshine trope which was sweet, with Kit being grumpy but having a soft side and Niamh brought joy to everyone even to the point of it being detrimental to her. I loved the how the trope was explored through their romance.
I also really liked the side characters too especially the somewhat obvious but endearing lgbt relationship within the story. Kit's best friend Sinclair is a very complex character that is explored through the setting of the story really well.
Kit and Niamh magical abilities was also really interesting and something i would love to have been expolored more. I would have loved to have seen more magical abilities. But I do love that this story has a soft fantasy feel to it and so I think for people new to fantasy this is perfect read for them.
Into the Sunken City by Dinesh Thiru
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I love the premise of the story, the fact that it's set in a post-apocalyptic world where most of the world is flooded I just wished this was explored more from a suspense/horror perspective as i feel it would have added some much needed urgency and atmosphere to the story. However, that could have been my fault for going into this story with the wrong idea of what the story is about. This story is very much a treasure island/Heist story at the heart of it and I think if you go into the story with that mindset of what the story is about you will enjoy this story so much more.
I really loved the underwater aspect of this story though and I loved the premise of diving under water for treasure I think that is really cool which is why halfway through the story I got a bit more interested in it as that pulled me it. But I struggled at the beginning mostly during the planning of the heist as I felt it was a bit too much info dumping regarding the world and the characters.
Overall its a good story if you love heist stories especially if you love Treasure Island.
I really loved the underwater aspect of this story though and I loved the premise of diving under water for treasure I think that is really cool which is why halfway through the story I got a bit more interested in it as that pulled me it. But I struggled at the beginning mostly during the planning of the heist as I felt it was a bit too much info dumping regarding the world and the characters.
Overall its a good story if you love heist stories especially if you love Treasure Island.
The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
At the core of the story, it is about a girl called Atlas (also known as Maps) who is grieving the loss of her father after watching him battle against cancer. Now feeling broken and alone, she begins to act out and eventually gets put onto a program to help her. This program basically puts troubled teens together where they have to go on a long hike to try to help them overcome the issues they are facing. On this hike, she ends up finding a family with other kids who are also struggling and in doing so, helps her heal a little. She also ends up meeting King who she begins to have feelings for.
I really enjoyed their romance and how it is explored throughout this story without it taking away from the grief Atlas was dealing with. I loved the balance between her dealing with her grief and whilst also her finding love which helps her heal in some ways but the grief is always there which is realistic. I also love the way that the story builds connections between the characters and the way they see each other as family is so wholesome.
This story moved me in so many ways and I think it sends out a real powerful message of family, love and dealing with grief.
I really enjoyed their romance and how it is explored throughout this story without it taking away from the grief Atlas was dealing with. I loved the balance between her dealing with her grief and whilst also her finding love which helps her heal in some ways but the grief is always there which is realistic. I also love the way that the story builds connections between the characters and the way they see each other as family is so wholesome.
This story moved me in so many ways and I think it sends out a real powerful message of family, love and dealing with grief.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death of parent, and Alcohol
My Fair Brady by Brian D. Kennedy
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really loved the relationship that developed between Elijah (Brady) and Wade. I thought they were very sweet together and it was so nice seeing their character development grow together. Their interactions was really wholesome and for their romance alone leads to me recommending this story.
There was one element of the story that I wasn't keen on and that was the relationship (or lack of) between Reece and Elijah as they did not have chemistry, a lot of their interactions felt very forced and awkward and their relationship itself lead to some really uncomfortable situations.
But overall, I really loved Elijah and Wades relationship and I thought this story was pretty wholesome.
There was one element of the story that I wasn't keen on and that was the relationship (or lack of) between Reece and Elijah as they did not have chemistry, a lot of their interactions felt very forced and awkward and their relationship itself lead to some really uncomfortable situations.
But overall, I really loved Elijah and Wades relationship and I thought this story was pretty wholesome.
Corrupt by Penelope Douglas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really loved Erika and Michael relationship and how it developed throughout the story. Their chemistry was so steamy and the spicy scenes were just perfect for them!
The plot was so interesting and kept me hooked throughout the story and I love how Penelope Douglas can interweave plot, character and relationship development into one amazing story. These characters will always have a special place in my heart and I'm so happy I gave this series a try and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books within the series!
The plot was so interesting and kept me hooked throughout the story and I love how Penelope Douglas can interweave plot, character and relationship development into one amazing story. These characters will always have a special place in my heart and I'm so happy I gave this series a try and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books within the series!
The Crown of Oaths and Curses by J. Bree
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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? No
5.0
This has just become my favourite read of 2024 so far and I don't say that likely!
Rooke is such a fantastic female character, one that is understanding and kind even when the characters around her don't deserve it. She is also fearless, a proper warrior in her own right who is extremely powerful and very talented with a sword.
Soren on the other hand is challenging at times I must admit. He has that typical arrogance that the fae has, however he does have a good heart and cares for his people. I'm looking forward to his what i hope will be his redemption arc in the second book as he really needs it after how he has treated Rooke in this book. Its very much an enemies to lovers story with his story being just about developing the enemies aspect of the trope as it is a very slow burn but I do 100% believe that it will be worth it!
I love the friendships Rooke has began to within the circle. I'm interested in seeing how these are going to play a part in the next book and I really hope we get to meet Rooke friends from the southern lands along with her brother too!
Overall, Rooke is a Queen and now we need Soren to become the King that he needs to be.
Rooke is such a fantastic female character, one that is understanding and kind even when the characters around her don't deserve it. She is also fearless, a proper warrior in her own right who is extremely powerful and very talented with a sword.
Soren on the other hand is challenging at times I must admit. He has that typical arrogance that the fae has, however he does have a good heart and cares for his people. I'm looking forward to his what i hope will be his redemption arc in the second book as he really needs it after how he has treated Rooke in this book. Its very much an enemies to lovers story with his story being just about developing the enemies aspect of the trope as it is a very slow burn but I do 100% believe that it will be worth it!
I love the friendships Rooke has began to within the circle. I'm interested in seeing how these are going to play a part in the next book and I really hope we get to meet Rooke friends from the southern lands along with her brother too!
Overall, Rooke is a Queen and now we need Soren to become the King that he needs to be.