Take a photo of a barcode or cover
vrstal's reviews
554 reviews
Celestial Bodies: The Black Arts of Vexora by Blane Bellamy
adventurous
hopeful
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
3.5
3.5/5.
Content Warnings for book: Parental abuse, homophobia, torture, sexual assault, body horror
Kink: N/A
This is an ARC review.
Celestial Bodies — an interesting and heartfelt romance between these two Romeo and Juliet-esque lovers. Julen and Dacian both are sweethearts and just caring people, so it was nice to see them come together. The characters are young and appropriately read that way, both in their strengths and flaws as people.
The writing is choppy, and the pacing is a bit rushed. I can tell it’s Bellamy’s first book because there’s some parts of it that need to be smoothed out and get into a better flow. Otherwise, it’s not that bad. This is where the stars are subtracted from for me.
Story wise, the world building isn’t overwhelming and there was interesting aspects and explained throughout versus lore dumps in the beginning. The “grand plan” however, I struggled with. I don’t want to get into spoilers but I’ll say this: while not intentional, the parallels between “Morab” and real-life freedom fighters/resistances painted as terrorists feels a little raw. Using them as a possible ‘solution’ in the way this book suggested — even when the characters should realize the immense danger it puts those people in who were still living there, including Souzie — well, quite frankly it was very irresponsible. I get they’re young, but good lord.
The last 40% is stressful (not in a bad way — it’s lots of action and high stakes!) that I admit I was peeking through my fingers at times and unsure how they’d ever make it out. I loved the new side characters we get to know during the time too, and see lots of fun potential for future books in this series.
Content Warnings for book: Parental abuse, homophobia, torture, sexual assault, body horror
Kink: N/A
This is an ARC review.
Celestial Bodies — an interesting and heartfelt romance between these two Romeo and Juliet-esque lovers. Julen and Dacian both are sweethearts and just caring people, so it was nice to see them come together. The characters are young and appropriately read that way, both in their strengths and flaws as people.
The writing is choppy, and the pacing is a bit rushed. I can tell it’s Bellamy’s first book because there’s some parts of it that need to be smoothed out and get into a better flow. Otherwise, it’s not that bad. This is where the stars are subtracted from for me.
Story wise, the world building isn’t overwhelming and there was interesting aspects and explained throughout versus lore dumps in the beginning. The “grand plan” however, I struggled with. I don’t want to get into spoilers but I’ll say this: while not intentional, the parallels between “Morab” and real-life freedom fighters/resistances painted as terrorists feels a little raw. Using them as a possible ‘solution’ in the way this book suggested — even when the characters should realize the immense danger it puts those people in who were still living there, including Souzie — well, quite frankly it was very irresponsible. I get they’re young, but good lord.
The last 40% is stressful (not in a bad way — it’s lots of action and high stakes!) that I admit I was peeking through my fingers at times and unsure how they’d ever make it out. I loved the new side characters we get to know during the time too, and see lots of fun potential for future books in this series.
Possession: An MM Captivity Romance by Rina Saint
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5/5.
Content Warnings for book: Dubious consent, violence, human trafficking, torture, murder, captivity
Kink: Choking, cockwarming, rough sex, intercrural, exhibitionism, erotic shaving
I don’t know why the author wants to avoid calling this a dark romance; subgenres are there for you to market, after all. Possession certainly fits, though not in the typical “villain MC” way. It’s gritty and has some harshness, and both MCs are horribly mistreated.
That aside — I am converted to a Rina Saint truther. This was SO GOOD. Usually I read books where the prose itself needs some work, but I love the meat of the story enough I can ignore it. I have no problem doing that. Here though? Not only is the story good, but the prose is great! I loved the way she wrote, it just felt so tangible and real. I felt so connected to everything happening in the scenes and empathizing with the characters.
The romance, the MCs? Oh man. I loved this so much! Lucas and Roman have my heart. I loved how the author brought us through the steps do this fast-paced, codependent bond forged in a place of isolation and intensity and showed us how it survives outside of that context. I loved how we got to see some genuine issues pop up with both Roman and Lucas’s traumas and how they navigated that. I loved the power of their deep bond where words were useful but not the only way they communicated. Ugh, it’s just so good.
There is a lot of sex in this book but I feel it made sense for the characters. Especially in the beginning, I feel like it emulates what life is like for these two — there’s not much else for them to do! Eat, sleep, fuck. That edge if repetition is putting you there with them. Sex was also a way they communicated and I felt almost every scene had a furthering purpose. I especially loved those soft moments of vulnerability and intimacy on both ends.
Reaaaaad it. Go. I’m going to now read everything this author has written ASAP.
I was given an ARC, and this is my honest review.
Content Warnings for book: Dubious consent, violence, human trafficking, torture, murder, captivity
Kink: Choking, cockwarming, rough sex, intercrural, exhibitionism, erotic shaving
I don’t know why the author wants to avoid calling this a dark romance; subgenres are there for you to market, after all. Possession certainly fits, though not in the typical “villain MC” way. It’s gritty and has some harshness, and both MCs are horribly mistreated.
That aside — I am converted to a Rina Saint truther. This was SO GOOD. Usually I read books where the prose itself needs some work, but I love the meat of the story enough I can ignore it. I have no problem doing that. Here though? Not only is the story good, but the prose is great! I loved the way she wrote, it just felt so tangible and real. I felt so connected to everything happening in the scenes and empathizing with the characters.
The romance, the MCs? Oh man. I loved this so much! Lucas and Roman have my heart. I loved how the author brought us through the steps do this fast-paced, codependent bond forged in a place of isolation and intensity and showed us how it survives outside of that context. I loved how we got to see some genuine issues pop up with both Roman and Lucas’s traumas and how they navigated that. I loved the power of their deep bond where words were useful but not the only way they communicated. Ugh, it’s just so good.
There is a lot of sex in this book but I feel it made sense for the characters. Especially in the beginning, I feel like it emulates what life is like for these two — there’s not much else for them to do! Eat, sleep, fuck. That edge if repetition is putting you there with them. Sex was also a way they communicated and I felt almost every scene had a furthering purpose. I especially loved those soft moments of vulnerability and intimacy on both ends.
Reaaaaad it. Go. I’m going to now read everything this author has written ASAP.
I was given an ARC, and this is my honest review.
Play Pretend by Emily Alter
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.5
Content Warnings for book: Past IPV and abuse, anxiety, panic attacks
Kink: Age play, D/s dynamics, orgies, group sex, toys, fisting
Emily Alter creates real people. By that I mean — they weave together narratives and characters who are multifaceted, flawed, and lovable. I could tell from the first chapter when Kara reflects on the past with Cam and her ex. There is angst in this, of how to slowly heal from wounds of the past but recognize nothing will magically go away from it. However, they’re well-earned moments and ends that give hope things will continue on happily between the couple.
There is sex with others on page (group scenes, kink abound) if that bothers someone.
Mònica and Kara’s relationship is very sweet. It was a slow burn which I don’t usually read, but it makes a lot of sense. Their sex scenes were well-written and I love how their dynamic plays out when navigating their differences in kinks. It may not be the perfect “little finds her mommy”, but it doesn’t need to be. People are fluid and flexible.
I also loved the sweet found family! I can’t wait for Sergio to find his person, and learn about everyone else. I also hope Tony gets kicked out because ew behavior. The angst in this is usually more than I read too, lol, but this was a book where I trusted the author and am glad for the journey. Even if I cried.
Overall if you want a sweet, kinky sapphic read I highly suggest picking this up!
Kink: Age play, D/s dynamics, orgies, group sex, toys, fisting
Emily Alter creates real people. By that I mean — they weave together narratives and characters who are multifaceted, flawed, and lovable. I could tell from the first chapter when Kara reflects on the past with Cam and her ex. There is angst in this, of how to slowly heal from wounds of the past but recognize nothing will magically go away from it. However, they’re well-earned moments and ends that give hope things will continue on happily between the couple.
There is sex with others on page (group scenes, kink abound) if that bothers someone.
Mònica and Kara’s relationship is very sweet. It was a slow burn which I don’t usually read, but it makes a lot of sense. Their sex scenes were well-written and I love how their dynamic plays out when navigating their differences in kinks. It may not be the perfect “little finds her mommy”, but it doesn’t need to be. People are fluid and flexible.
I also loved the sweet found family! I can’t wait for Sergio to find his person, and learn about everyone else. I also hope Tony gets kicked out because ew behavior. The angst in this is usually more than I read too, lol, but this was a book where I trusted the author and am glad for the journey. Even if I cried.
Overall if you want a sweet, kinky sapphic read I highly suggest picking this up!
Under Your Care by E. Baileu
dark
funny
fast-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
4.0
Content Warnings for book: Explicit detail of CSA and incest, sexual assault, mental health struggles, physical assault, rape, dubious consent, unsafe BDSM, nonconsensual drugging, kidnapping, unethical power dynamics (therapist/client), violence, murder, death, stalking, suicidal ideation, f-slur, torture, gun violence, human trafficking, vomit
Kink: Feminization, lingerie, somnophilia, sex toys, overstimulation, bondage, daddy kink, public sex, praise kink, spanking, suckling, choking, fisting
This was a fun dark romance romp. We’ve got an obsessive killer daddy Greyson and the sweet boy Lane. Is it ethical? Hell no! He’s a stalker and using therapy language to manipulate someone. It’s obviously very fucked up, but I knew it going in because the author’s content warnings are very clear so you can turn back if you don’t wanna read it.
These are the sort of dark romances I enjoy. The obsessive and codependent MCs where it is very “us versus the world” instead of hatred between them. Lots of hurt/comfort with the reality the situation is fucked, too. The sex was enjoyable, with a lot of fun kinks I liked reading. I also related to Lane being like “well … it could be worse. He did get me a gift card and stuff I liked.” Honestly, some days, I feel like I’d accept that deal too. Obviously in real life this is all very fucked up and not acceptable though.
In terms of criticisms, “dark empath” had me cringing in my soul, but it is unfortunately a very real term so that’s just the life of it. I feel the author’s writing was enjoyable but could be cleaned up in places with some better formatting concerning when they split paragraphs. Either way, I did feel connected to the characters. I think the writer’s actual writing can do with some brush up on skill — sometimes it was a bit juvenile in places, a touch repetitive. All of which can be improved with time!
I am so hype for Oliver’s book. More dark trans romance, let’s fucking go!!! Super excited for that, though I do hope there’s some love shared too and not all hatred.
Kink: Feminization, lingerie, somnophilia, sex toys, overstimulation, bondage, daddy kink, public sex, praise kink, spanking, suckling, choking, fisting
This was a fun dark romance romp. We’ve got an obsessive killer daddy Greyson and the sweet boy Lane. Is it ethical? Hell no! He’s a stalker and using therapy language to manipulate someone. It’s obviously very fucked up, but I knew it going in because the author’s content warnings are very clear so you can turn back if you don’t wanna read it.
These are the sort of dark romances I enjoy. The obsessive and codependent MCs where it is very “us versus the world” instead of hatred between them. Lots of hurt/comfort with the reality the situation is fucked, too. The sex was enjoyable, with a lot of fun kinks I liked reading. I also related to Lane being like “well … it could be worse. He did get me a gift card and stuff I liked.” Honestly, some days, I feel like I’d accept that deal too. Obviously in real life this is all very fucked up and not acceptable though.
In terms of criticisms, “dark empath” had me cringing in my soul, but it is unfortunately a very real term so that’s just the life of it. I feel the author’s writing was enjoyable but could be cleaned up in places with some better formatting concerning when they split paragraphs. Either way, I did feel connected to the characters. I think the writer’s actual writing can do with some brush up on skill — sometimes it was a bit juvenile in places, a touch repetitive. All of which can be improved with time!
I am so hype for Oliver’s book. More dark trans romance, let’s fucking go!!! Super excited for that, though I do hope there’s some love shared too and not all hatred.
Vile Heart by Lola Malone
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings for book: Noncon, dubcon, violence
Kink: Public sex
The rambling below will make it seem like I disliked this book. It’s not that, honestly. I just have to get this out though.
I’ll be real. Every time I take a crack at Feener’s sci-fi world I’m lost as hell. I don’t think it’s because I’m stupid - it’s convoluted, throws a wild amount of elements together that doesn’t work well together, and the exposition dumping is a nightmare. Multiple planets and monarchies, worlds that have modern day mafia for whatever reason, but also special powers but don’t worry aliens look exactly human, cyberpunk-esque tech ???
I don’t know if all those things should work together, but even if they should, surely you can think deeply about these world building decisions and make it make some sense besides just throwing a world bible at someone and hoping they’ll figure it out. Will I eventually find the answers in her books? Is that the secret to keep people reading? Maybe. Clearly it’s working because I’ve got plans to try and go back into the ringer to figure out WTF is happening.
Also… “questions and commands”. Come on now. We can call it truth or dare, I promise we will get it as an audience.
Anyway…
Malone’s novella is set in said world, hence the relevance. I could tell Malone wanted to dump the information ASAP to get to the actual plot because it came in big paragraphs in the beginning. Some which weren’t properly formatted, which is a shame. There’s some inconsistencies as well, like how a taser turned into a gun and then back into a taser in the span of a few paragraphs.
I want to like the writing, however the POV was an issue for me. It went from a dual POV then head hopping very quickly, with poor indicators of when this change was happening — as is the nature of head hopping. It was honestly a little discombobulating. Because it was just blips of Davian’s POV on occasion before going back to Camren?
As for the characters…
They were pretty enjoyable, though I think the decisions the MCs made on both sides are pretty immature, lmao. They’re college kids though, so it’s really not a surprise. Davian and Camren both are awful people in the end — Camren violently and truly, while Davian was pathetically doing bad things for his own selfish needs. Alls well that ends well, I suppose.
Kink: Public sex
The rambling below will make it seem like I disliked this book. It’s not that, honestly. I just have to get this out though.
I’ll be real. Every time I take a crack at Feener’s sci-fi world I’m lost as hell. I don’t think it’s because I’m stupid - it’s convoluted, throws a wild amount of elements together that doesn’t work well together, and the exposition dumping is a nightmare. Multiple planets and monarchies, worlds that have modern day mafia for whatever reason, but also special powers but don’t worry aliens look exactly human, cyberpunk-esque tech ???
I don’t know if all those things should work together, but even if they should, surely you can think deeply about these world building decisions and make it make some sense besides just throwing a world bible at someone and hoping they’ll figure it out. Will I eventually find the answers in her books? Is that the secret to keep people reading? Maybe. Clearly it’s working because I’ve got plans to try and go back into the ringer to figure out WTF is happening.
Also… “questions and commands”. Come on now. We can call it truth or dare, I promise we will get it as an audience.
Anyway…
Malone’s novella is set in said world, hence the relevance. I could tell Malone wanted to dump the information ASAP to get to the actual plot because it came in big paragraphs in the beginning. Some which weren’t properly formatted, which is a shame. There’s some inconsistencies as well, like how a taser turned into a gun and then back into a taser in the span of a few paragraphs.
I want to like the writing, however the POV was an issue for me. It went from a dual POV then head hopping very quickly, with poor indicators of when this change was happening — as is the nature of head hopping. It was honestly a little discombobulating. Because it was just blips of Davian’s POV on occasion before going back to Camren?
As for the characters…
They were pretty enjoyable, though I think the decisions the MCs made on both sides are pretty immature, lmao. They’re college kids though, so it’s really not a surprise. Davian and Camren both are awful people in the end — Camren violently and truly, while Davian was pathetically doing bad things for his own selfish needs. Alls well that ends well, I suppose.
Date With Dad by Odessa Hywell
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
5/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Content Warnings for book: Cheating (not between MCs), incest, reference to underage sex with an adult (not between MCs)
Kink: Lace and lingerie, docking, light breeding kink
As usual, Odessa knocks it out of the park. She brings a little kink, lots of sweetness for Valentine's Day, and the incesty goodness she is known for. Check it out!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings for book: Cheating (not between MCs), incest, reference to underage sex with an adult (not between MCs)
Kink: Lace and lingerie, docking, light breeding kink
As usual, Odessa knocks it out of the park. She brings a little kink, lots of sweetness for Valentine's Day, and the incesty goodness she is known for. Check it out!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Peep by Rianne Elizabeth
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Content Warnings for book: Stalking, violence, forced drug use, nonconsensual medical surgeries, kidnapping, strangulation, discussion of rape, incest, and sexual assault, detailed flashback to sexual assault of an MC, vomiting
Kink: Voyeurism, sex toys, D/s vibes, JOI, phone sex, dimple kink, med-kink
I was given an ARC, and this is my honest review.
I was a bit of a clown and didn’t realize beforehand this had my one thing I usually avoid as a CW but 🤡 that was on me. I persevered and perhaps just like when I made myself like horror movies I can learn to get past this too.
Anyway, let’s talk about Peep!
Femi (a side character) as they state in their content note, was written using Jamaican Patois. The author’s father is Jamaican (and speaks this language), and I’m going to assume that the author also identified as Jamaican even if they don’t speak that language (?). Anyway, so that’s that as far as the context of representation being written. I’m not Jamaican or black, so I can’t attest to what is “authentic”.
Femi, Sage, and Cameron are all great side characters. They felt like they had unique personalities and of course, general representation across the board. Sage’s non-binary identity was handled well. I really want to read a novella of Sage/Cameron tbh. Love me a himbo.
Anders and Jahmar were interesting. I enjoyed that Anders was a little off, a little obsessive, a little too interested. Throwing him in with Jahmar who already decided Anders was his, we have that “I can make him worse” energy even if it was never intended on his end. I don’t want to spoil much, but I think some things were a little too easy — like if Anders is an accomplished stalker and such, he got caught pretty fast. Jahmar’s own secret is interesting, a little twisted but ultimately appeals to a moral fantasy for some people. This isn’t the place to discuss the ethics or philosophy around the idea, though, so I’ll leave it at that.
The biggeat reveal? Good lord. I won’t say anything, just good lord. I felt awful for everyone involved.
In terms of their actual relationship once things settle - it’s sweet. We have some hot scenes, cute cuddling, and the snark between the two that is nice. I was rooting for their issues to be smoothed out.
Writing wise, I love me some metaphors using horror tones and vibes. Yes, cannibalism as a metaphor for love is my fave. The writing was well done, I didn’t notice any glaring errors.
Overall, I think this is a good read! It’s a dark romance but it’s not that intensely “dark” between the MCs. They’re morally grey but have some depth to them.
Content Warnings for book: Stalking, violence, forced drug use, nonconsensual medical surgeries, kidnapping, strangulation, discussion of rape, incest, and sexual assault, detailed flashback to sexual assault of an MC, vomiting
Kink: Voyeurism, sex toys, D/s vibes, JOI, phone sex, dimple kink, med-kink
I was given an ARC, and this is my honest review.
I was a bit of a clown and didn’t realize beforehand this had my one thing I usually avoid as a CW but 🤡 that was on me. I persevered and perhaps just like when I made myself like horror movies I can learn to get past this too.
Anyway, let’s talk about Peep!
Femi (a side character) as they state in their content note, was written using Jamaican Patois. The author’s father is Jamaican (and speaks this language), and I’m going to assume that the author also identified as Jamaican even if they don’t speak that language (?). Anyway, so that’s that as far as the context of representation being written. I’m not Jamaican or black, so I can’t attest to what is “authentic”.
Femi, Sage, and Cameron are all great side characters. They felt like they had unique personalities and of course, general representation across the board. Sage’s non-binary identity was handled well. I really want to read a novella of Sage/Cameron tbh. Love me a himbo.
Anders and Jahmar were interesting. I enjoyed that Anders was a little off, a little obsessive, a little too interested. Throwing him in with Jahmar who already decided Anders was his, we have that “I can make him worse” energy even if it was never intended on his end. I don’t want to spoil much, but I think some things were a little too easy — like if Anders is an accomplished stalker and such, he got caught pretty fast. Jahmar’s own secret is interesting, a little twisted but ultimately appeals to a moral fantasy for some people. This isn’t the place to discuss the ethics or philosophy around the idea, though, so I’ll leave it at that.
The biggeat reveal? Good lord. I won’t say anything, just good lord. I felt awful for everyone involved.
In terms of their actual relationship once things settle - it’s sweet. We have some hot scenes, cute cuddling, and the snark between the two that is nice. I was rooting for their issues to be smoothed out.
Writing wise, I love me some metaphors using horror tones and vibes. Yes, cannibalism as a metaphor for love is my fave. The writing was well done, I didn’t notice any glaring errors.
Overall, I think this is a good read! It’s a dark romance but it’s not that intensely “dark” between the MCs. They’re morally grey but have some depth to them.
Savage Lust of the Orc Gladiator by Jay Aury, Amanda Clover
3.0
Breasted boobily, she did. Idk don’t ask me why I am reading MF erotica.
Pleasure Hive of the Breeders by Jay Aury, Amanda Clover
3.0
Eggs happened. And lore? This was kinda sad too. If you don’t like bugs I wouldn’t read it.