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vrstal's reviews
537 reviews
Light Me Up: A M/M Lamp Romance by Sabrina Cross
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4/5. <i>Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.</i>
<b>Content Warnings for book:</b> Unsafe substance use
<b>Kink:</b> Electricity play
I mean. It is what it says. This was really funny and I could do with small shots of humor for days like these.
The Projector by Larkin Bryne
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content warning: Gore
I can’t even say that I get it but what an interesting approach to prose, to a building dread, and to the idea of meeting the self.
I can’t even say that I get it but what an interesting approach to prose, to a building dread, and to the idea of meeting the self.
Currency in Flesh: a dark paranormal romance by Heather Nix
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
DNF on 1/22/2025.
Not the book, it's me. I think the dynamics plus the humiliation kink when the MC has gone through such tremendous abuse is a framing (?) that doesn't work for me.
Not the book, it's me. I think the dynamics plus the humiliation kink when the MC has gone through such tremendous abuse is a framing (?) that doesn't work for me.
sWitch: a dark sapphic rom-com by Kat Blackthorne
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
5/5.
Content Warnings for book: Dubious consent, cheating, image-based SA (revenge porn), bullying and cyber bullying, family dysfunction, partying, coercion, non-consensual filming by antagonist,
home break in/stealing, alcohol use
Kink: D/s vibes, JOI, virtual sex, public sex, daddy kink
Remy and Fauna — such a cute couple! Opposites attract, size difference, so utterly in love. A little drama and angst, and a happy ending. What else could you want in a book?
Honestly, I won’t pretend I didn’t have like a good five minute cry of relating to Fauna so much. While it’s not necessarily the focus of the narrative, her neurodivergence was so relatable. It’s the small things that authors capture that are so important in representation and being seen — my room is practically a shrine to all my abandoned hobbies I still love but haven’t returned to. The importance of comfort items and the fear most of all of showing sides to yourself others might view as too childish (or in my case, ‘incorrectly’ performing my gender) to someone who you want to trust and to love. Maybe it was because it was 1am when I was reading this book but genuinely it hit me right in the feelings.
I also really liked the casual openness around sex and Remy being a stone top. Queerness and queer desire can look different in many ways, and seeing that sort of representation is a good thing. Also, while I can see people might complain scissoring isn’t “realistic”, just as it’s written here — it’s not about the focus of it even in a fetish way. It’s a form of intimacy for these two characters, and just one way they achieve it within the book.
It’s funny, it’s dark, it’s sexy and I love Remy and Fauna both. I loved the casualness of queer characters around them and their own personal experiences, such as Lennon who is non-verbal.
Blackthorne is also a very good writer, in my opinion! The POVs were distinct from one another, the explicit scenes well written, and I could feel the chemistry between the two characters. I don’t usually like “rom-coms” because it’s not my type of humor, but this one was genuinely funny.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a fun, spicy sapphic read with some edge!
The Harper Of Bedlam by Wren V. Lothaire
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4/5. This book was provided as an ARC.
Content Warnings for book: Dubcon (due to heat)
Kink: light breeding kink, biting
A short and hot erotica with a trans man orc and a nonbinary satyr, Talon and Mavros. One heat causes them to come together (hah!)
Since Talon is aware of “classes”, I’m not sure if this touches a little into LitRPG? Or maybe the world-building intends to explore a class adventurer system. Regardless — that may not be the main point but I find the world building fun!
I am curious to see how Talon’s adventures expand, and that he gains some self-confidence and recognizing him being an omega isn’t a flaw. The little touch of angst was well done. And can we talk about Lothaire’s writing? Seriously, so good.
Gambler's Conceit by Raissa Phoenix, Adara Wolf
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
5/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Content Warnings for book: Child abuse and CSA (not on page), noncon, dubcon, self-harm, suicidal ideation, mentions of domestic violence, unprotected sex, survival sex work, anxiety, panic attacks, power imbalance, guns, violence, death, attempted cheating, slut shaming, unsafe breath play
Kink: Unnegotiated D/s, daddy kink, pain play, impact play, voyeurism, breathplay, dacryphilia, Master/sir, group sex
I loved this!
So I haven’t read a lot of dark romance lately — horror, yes, but there’s a difference. Anyway, it’s been awhile since I’ve been able to dig into one and thoroughly enjoy it. Gambler’s Conceit is a great first of the year read!
We have polyamory, platonic connections between Caleb, Havoc, and Vortex along with Seven getting all the protectors he could handle.
Phoenix and Wolf are adept at making it so we are able to tell who’s POV it is, being unique from each other despite the fact they are men who share some similar traits (a desire for Seven and generally strong and domineering). If I had to pick a favorite, I am a sucker for Havoc — he is like a guard dog for Seven. Very cute (don’t tell him I said that!)
Vortex the Daddy has the most “soft” energy, and then Caleb is the head of this group with his domineering sadism, sharp wit and most of all wanting everyone to get their enjoyment. While it’s still building up slowly in this book, I can easily see how all four of these men slot together even if they’re not all equally romantically in love with one another. Seven is the hinge that connect their lives.
The last 30% had a lot of tension but it came out okay — I was almost sure it’d be a cliffhanger lol. It is a HFN with the story going to continue soon, and I’m excited to see how it goes with the problems this group will be facing!
Also, yeah, the sex scenes are pretty hot.
Content Warnings for book: Child abuse and CSA (not on page), noncon, dubcon, self-harm, suicidal ideation, mentions of domestic violence, unprotected sex, survival sex work, anxiety, panic attacks, power imbalance, guns, violence, death, attempted cheating, slut shaming, unsafe breath play
Kink: Unnegotiated D/s, daddy kink, pain play, impact play, voyeurism, breathplay, dacryphilia, Master/sir, group sex
I loved this!
So I haven’t read a lot of dark romance lately — horror, yes, but there’s a difference. Anyway, it’s been awhile since I’ve been able to dig into one and thoroughly enjoy it. Gambler’s Conceit is a great first of the year read!
We have polyamory, platonic connections between Caleb, Havoc, and Vortex along with Seven getting all the protectors he could handle.
Phoenix and Wolf are adept at making it so we are able to tell who’s POV it is, being unique from each other despite the fact they are men who share some similar traits (a desire for Seven and generally strong and domineering). If I had to pick a favorite, I am a sucker for Havoc — he is like a guard dog for Seven. Very cute (don’t tell him I said that!)
Vortex the Daddy has the most “soft” energy, and then Caleb is the head of this group with his domineering sadism, sharp wit and most of all wanting everyone to get their enjoyment. While it’s still building up slowly in this book, I can easily see how all four of these men slot together even if they’re not all equally romantically in love with one another. Seven is the hinge that connect their lives.
The last 30% had a lot of tension but it came out okay — I was almost sure it’d be a cliffhanger lol. It is a HFN with the story going to continue soon, and I’m excited to see how it goes with the problems this group will be facing!
Also, yeah, the sex scenes are pretty hot.
The Thyline's Mate: A Dark Sci-Fi Alien Romance by E.K. Datura
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4/5.
<b>Content Warnings for book:</b> Noncon, dubcon, violence and death (not between MCs)
<b>Kink:</b> Unnegotiated D/s, free use, primal play, knotting, praise kink, CNC, spanking
A hot and enjoyable romantic erotica. It’s dark in theme - mind the CW - but it’s a nice morsel for someone wanting a quick dark read with lots of “you’re mine”. The Thylines were a cool alien race conception, and I liked Nova. I appreciated this didn’t immediately result n a pregnancy ending too.
No critiques here, just fun!
<b>Content Warnings for book:</b> Noncon, dubcon, violence and death (not between MCs)
<b>Kink:</b> Unnegotiated D/s, free use, primal play, knotting, praise kink, CNC, spanking
A hot and enjoyable romantic erotica. It’s dark in theme - mind the CW - but it’s a nice morsel for someone wanting a quick dark read with lots of “you’re mine”. The Thylines were a cool alien race conception, and I liked Nova. I appreciated this didn’t immediately result n a pregnancy ending too.
No critiques here, just fun!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, and Violence
Returning to You by Rochelle Wolf
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
slow-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
4/5. <i>Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.</i>
<b>Content Warnings for book:</b> N/A
<b>Kink:</b> N/A
Short, cute little sapphic Hanukkah romance. I enjoyed Dana and Miri’s character both. I think what I loved best besides the cuteness was the author’s strength in writing, where I really felt the pang of hurt Dana was feeling initially, the anxieties, and then the hope. When it’s this short a novella without much time for characterization, that’s skill!
<b>Content Warnings for book:</b> N/A
<b>Kink:</b> N/A
Short, cute little sapphic Hanukkah romance. I enjoyed Dana and Miri’s character both. I think what I loved best besides the cuteness was the author’s strength in writing, where I really felt the pang of hurt Dana was feeling initially, the anxieties, and then the hope. When it’s this short a novella without much time for characterization, that’s skill!
Listeriosis: An MM Horror by Free Mints
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
5.0
5/5.
<b>Content Warnings for book:</b> Blood, gore, cannibalism and flesh-eating, Christianity, religious trauma, disordered eating and starvation, self-harm, stalking, ero-guro, necrophilia, torture, sexual assault and rape, implied incest, dubious consent, love triangle, unhealthy power dynamics, death, snuff, infected wounds, misogyny, vomit, gaslighting, emotional abuse, panic attacks, flaying, skull-fucking (literally), poor hygiene, drug use
<b>Kink:</b> D/s, extreme sadism, praise kink, phone sex, tentacles, degradation, dacryphilia, implied daddy kink, blood play, consensual mutilation, footjobs, cock & ball torture,
“Lust and hunger were two sides of the same coin.”
I find it hard to recommend to anyone who is a romance reader. Not because there aren’t romantic elements but if you can’t get past snuff and gore porn, like… it may not be worth it to delve into all that for the relationship. I’d very much say you need to <i>really</i> like horror to enjoy this. However, we do get more romantic moments where things are advancing. So not all hope is lost!
There was one time I almost DNF’d because I found my line in this book — but I’m glad I persevered. Now I’ve read some horror and even dabbled in extreme horror, watched some disturbing films, the like. Doesn’t mean there aren’t still lines you find within yourself, and I think that’s a compliment to Free Mints being able to make me feel that true unease and visceral disgust with provocative and descriptive writing.
Hide grew on me, especially if we sit with his POV some. I came to realize he really is just like Loukas, torn up and broken on the inside. His suffering from Loukas is also his own fault to a degree — he keeps going back for more and then confused when it hurts him. He especially is scared of that emotionally vulnerability, clearly.
Meanwhile, Alexander is a truly awful monster, egging on Loukas’s spiraling behavior and indulging in the suffering of others himself. Yet I can’t deny the dynamic of Loukas as his “puppy” had some appeal. I wanted Loukas to escape him and even eat him, but I also found some intrigue of how he caused Loukas to “blossom” in his monstrous ways.
Loukas is all torn up as he’s both a monster yet still soft and pathetic. As Hide continues to point out, Loukas is both someone who indulges too far into his fantasies but as this innate nature of gentleness — which is why Hide lives. That Hide survives him even though he really doesn’t have to, easily Loukas could just devour him. The scene at the end in the apartment… so good!
I can’t wait to read the next book. Highly recommend this series.
<b>Content Warnings for book:</b> Blood, gore, cannibalism and flesh-eating, Christianity, religious trauma, disordered eating and starvation, self-harm, stalking, ero-guro, necrophilia, torture, sexual assault and rape, implied incest, dubious consent, love triangle, unhealthy power dynamics, death, snuff, infected wounds, misogyny, vomit, gaslighting, emotional abuse, panic attacks, flaying, skull-fucking (literally), poor hygiene, drug use
<b>Kink:</b> D/s, extreme sadism, praise kink, phone sex, tentacles, degradation, dacryphilia, implied daddy kink, blood play, consensual mutilation, footjobs, cock & ball torture,
“Lust and hunger were two sides of the same coin.”
I find it hard to recommend to anyone who is a romance reader. Not because there aren’t romantic elements but if you can’t get past snuff and gore porn, like… it may not be worth it to delve into all that for the relationship. I’d very much say you need to <i>really</i> like horror to enjoy this. However, we do get more romantic moments where things are advancing. So not all hope is lost!
There was one time I almost DNF’d because I found my line in this book — but I’m glad I persevered. Now I’ve read some horror and even dabbled in extreme horror, watched some disturbing films, the like. Doesn’t mean there aren’t still lines you find within yourself, and I think that’s a compliment to Free Mints being able to make me feel that true unease and visceral disgust with provocative and descriptive writing.
Hide grew on me, especially if we sit with his POV some. I came to realize he really is just like Loukas, torn up and broken on the inside. His suffering from Loukas is also his own fault to a degree — he keeps going back for more and then confused when it hurts him. He especially is scared of that emotionally vulnerability, clearly.
Meanwhile, Alexander is a truly awful monster, egging on Loukas’s spiraling behavior and indulging in the suffering of others himself. Yet I can’t deny the dynamic of Loukas as his “puppy” had some appeal. I wanted Loukas to escape him and even eat him, but I also found some intrigue of how he caused Loukas to “blossom” in his monstrous ways.
Loukas is all torn up as he’s both a monster yet still soft and pathetic. As Hide continues to point out, Loukas is both someone who indulges too far into his fantasies but as this innate nature of gentleness — which is why Hide lives. That Hide survives him even though he really doesn’t have to, easily Loukas could just devour him. The scene at the end in the apartment… so good!
I can’t wait to read the next book. Highly recommend this series.
Be Mine, Vicious Valentine by April Jade
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
3/5.
<b>Content Warnings for book:</b> Murder, parental abuse, stalking, violence and gore
<b>Kink:</b> Daddy kink
The writing, especially in Sebastian’s point of view, is very dramatic and overwrought. I believe it definitely fit his perspective and his teenage angst, but it sometimes made the environment feel too surreal and obscured by the flowery descriptions that I couldn’t get a concrete sense of what was happening. It’s a bit easier to understand in Roman’s point of view, but kudos to the author to clearly defining their voices.
I really wanted to like this book more but I think the author went a little too heavy with the metaphors and poetic writing. I’ve read and loved <i>Mad Love</i> and while it’s amazingly OTT and fun, this didn’t have as much of that. I believe when it’s said these characters are devoted to each other but I just wish there was a little more to it? Maybe it was just the length and not getting so much time to feel the ins and outs of the relationship as much as I’d like. Don’t get me wrong, the entirety of this book is about them.
I just don’t know how to put my finger on what didn’t work for me exactly, but I certainly enjoyed the concept and tropes behind it. I’ll definitely be reading more from April Jade, because she writes my favorite sorts of stuff and has a ton of potential to continually improve.
I think the epilogue was honestly kind of cute. Realistic? No, but I loved how hopeful and healing it was.
<b>Content Warnings for book:</b> Murder, parental abuse, stalking, violence and gore
<b>Kink:</b> Daddy kink
The writing, especially in Sebastian’s point of view, is very dramatic and overwrought. I believe it definitely fit his perspective and his teenage angst, but it sometimes made the environment feel too surreal and obscured by the flowery descriptions that I couldn’t get a concrete sense of what was happening. It’s a bit easier to understand in Roman’s point of view, but kudos to the author to clearly defining their voices.
I really wanted to like this book more but I think the author went a little too heavy with the metaphors and poetic writing. I’ve read and loved <i>Mad Love</i> and while it’s amazingly OTT and fun, this didn’t have as much of that. I believe when it’s said these characters are devoted to each other but I just wish there was a little more to it? Maybe it was just the length and not getting so much time to feel the ins and outs of the relationship as much as I’d like. Don’t get me wrong, the entirety of this book is about them.
I just don’t know how to put my finger on what didn’t work for me exactly, but I certainly enjoyed the concept and tropes behind it. I’ll definitely be reading more from April Jade, because she writes my favorite sorts of stuff and has a ton of potential to continually improve.
I think the epilogue was honestly kind of cute. Realistic? No, but I loved how hopeful and healing it was.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, and Murder
Moderate: Stalking
Counselor/client relationship in a school setting