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444 reviews
A Whisper in the Woods by Elise Nelson
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I love the haunting, woodsy vibes of this monster shifter romance! Leena not only fears the Leshy, but she is certain that he is responsible for the disappearance of women and children from her village. Thrust into his world as a sacrifice, she can’t help but melt into his seduction. But not everything is as it appears, and their chemistry is exquisite. I really didn’t want this enemies-to-lovers romance to end!
Shadow & Ash: Bloodbound by Timoteu Montroig
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
"Our eyes met, and the room descended into silence. It was as if time had come to a standstill, with neither of us able, or wanting, to break the intense connection we were feeling." (p. 80)
Spice Level:
🌶🌶
Tropes:
historical fantasy, MM romance, paranormal romance, vampires, Ancient Greece, Spartans, mentor/mentee romance, forbidden love, slow burn, LGBTQIA+
An impossible romance between a Spartan soldier and a vampire in ancient Greece
Set in ancient Greece in the 5th century BCE, Shadow & Ash: Bloodbound melds paranormal romance with historical fantasy. Amidst the growing threat of a Persian invasion, Kallian, a Spartan soldier, and his mentor, Aristion, must discreetly gather intel. When a kiss awakens a shared passion, Aristion pulls back. Despite their proximity, Kallian has not yet realized that Aristion is a century-old vrykolakas–an immortal Greek vampire. Aristion is hesitant to love a mortal, and while he could attempt to change Kallian, only one in fifty survive the transition from human to vrykolakas. With war looming and a forbidden and impossible romance growing, Aristion’s and Kallian’s lives and hearts hang in the balance.
Timoteu Montroig’s debut novel, Shadow & Ash: Bloodbound reimagines history with vampires living and working alongside mortals. Instead of being an ominous entity living in the shadows and enslaved to bloodlust, the vrykolakas are neutral, only striking against those who seek to destroy them. Focusing more on their superhuman abilities, the narrative casts vampires in a positive light. I appreciate that the fantasy aspect was understated, making the world-building feel more realistic. Everyone is familiar with the valor of Sparta, and the addition of vampiric fantasy to Spartan history is captivating. The historical setting and magical realism set this novel apart. I would love to see this book become a series! Shadow & Ash: Bloodbound is perfect for adult MM romance readers who savor a slow-burn, forbidden romance between a mentor and a mentee with a dash of the paranormal for flair.
"Our eyes met, and the room descended into silence. It was as if time had come to a standstill, with neither of us able, or wanting, to break the intense connection we were feeling." (p. 80)
Spice Level:
🌶🌶
Tropes:
historical fantasy, MM romance, paranormal romance, vampires, Ancient Greece, Spartans, mentor/mentee romance, forbidden love, slow burn, LGBTQIA+
An impossible romance between a Spartan soldier and a vampire in ancient Greece
Set in ancient Greece in the 5th century BCE, Shadow & Ash: Bloodbound melds paranormal romance with historical fantasy. Amidst the growing threat of a Persian invasion, Kallian, a Spartan soldier, and his mentor, Aristion, must discreetly gather intel. When a kiss awakens a shared passion, Aristion pulls back. Despite their proximity, Kallian has not yet realized that Aristion is a century-old vrykolakas–an immortal Greek vampire. Aristion is hesitant to love a mortal, and while he could attempt to change Kallian, only one in fifty survive the transition from human to vrykolakas. With war looming and a forbidden and impossible romance growing, Aristion’s and Kallian’s lives and hearts hang in the balance.
Timoteu Montroig’s debut novel, Shadow & Ash: Bloodbound reimagines history with vampires living and working alongside mortals. Instead of being an ominous entity living in the shadows and enslaved to bloodlust, the vrykolakas are neutral, only striking against those who seek to destroy them. Focusing more on their superhuman abilities, the narrative casts vampires in a positive light. I appreciate that the fantasy aspect was understated, making the world-building feel more realistic. Everyone is familiar with the valor of Sparta, and the addition of vampiric fantasy to Spartan history is captivating. The historical setting and magical realism set this novel apart. I would love to see this book become a series! Shadow & Ash: Bloodbound is perfect for adult MM romance readers who savor a slow-burn, forbidden romance between a mentor and a mentee with a dash of the paranormal for flair.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Death, Violence, and War
The Last Gods by Adam Brownlie
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
“What if…Markus or Elexus brought me back only to find that I was no longer the same person as before? It wouldn’t matter if it was something subtle or obvious. I still wouldn’t be me anymore, not really.” (p. 56)
A captivating, cerebral experience
Elodie’s husband, Markus, has a brilliant revelation following his wife’s car accident. Knowing he could have lost her that day, what if he could prevent that from happening? What if breaking-edge technology could facilitate immortality? Deeply religious, Elodie struggles to accept the implications of his research until tragedy strikes and she faces her own mortality. The Last Gods by Adam Brownlie follows Elodie’s journey through her groundbreaking entry into a science that will change humanity forever and explores the philosophical query of whether the soul continues when dying becomes a choice.
From the depths of grief, Elodie transforms not only emotionally, but physically–to the extent that one might argue that her humanity has been sacrificed in order to preserve her mind. Her flaws drive her actions, and even when the people she holds dear choose a different path, she struggles to let go. Although so much time passes in the course of the book, the logical progression keeps it from feeling too rushed. The Last Gods is an excellent fast-paced science fiction novel that will also appeal to fans of dystopian fiction. It is difficult to describe the book without giving spoilers–it really should be read knowing as little as possible about the plot for the best experience!
“What if…Markus or Elexus brought me back only to find that I was no longer the same person as before? It wouldn’t matter if it was something subtle or obvious. I still wouldn’t be me anymore, not really.” (p. 56)
A captivating, cerebral experience
Elodie’s husband, Markus, has a brilliant revelation following his wife’s car accident. Knowing he could have lost her that day, what if he could prevent that from happening? What if breaking-edge technology could facilitate immortality? Deeply religious, Elodie struggles to accept the implications of his research until tragedy strikes and she faces her own mortality. The Last Gods by Adam Brownlie follows Elodie’s journey through her groundbreaking entry into a science that will change humanity forever and explores the philosophical query of whether the soul continues when dying becomes a choice.
From the depths of grief, Elodie transforms not only emotionally, but physically–to the extent that one might argue that her humanity has been sacrificed in order to preserve her mind. Her flaws drive her actions, and even when the people she holds dear choose a different path, she struggles to let go. Although so much time passes in the course of the book, the logical progression keeps it from feeling too rushed. The Last Gods is an excellent fast-paced science fiction novel that will also appeal to fans of dystopian fiction. It is difficult to describe the book without giving spoilers–it really should be read knowing as little as possible about the plot for the best experience!
Sleeping Daddy by Nicholas Westerfer
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
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
4.0
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Torch Lit Ink for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Love. I love this little monster more than life itself. More than the sea of words in the dictionary could ever define. The reason for my life...is her. As peculiar as it sounds, I feel like Sleeping Beauty. Like, true love's kiss just woke me up. I'm Sleeping Daddy." (p. 117)
Spice Level:
🌶
Tropes:
literary fiction, psychological fiction, suspense, family, single dad, romance
An emotional story about a father’s love and healing the child within
Keith left home when it became clear that his mother would never leave his abusive father. Haunted by his past, he finally feels like life has turned for the better thanks to his wife Ella and the twin babies she carries. After a traumatic and devastating labor and delivery, Ella vanishes, leaving Keith a single parent. In order to heal, Keith must confront his tortured past and track down his mother, even if it means the demons of his childhood will be brought into the light.
This highly emotional story is a raw, intimate exploration of Keith’s thoughts and feelings. The reader experiences traumatic scenes in real time through the lens of anxiety, PTSD, and grief. Nicholas Westerfer’s debut novel, Sleeping Daddy is an intense rollercoaster of suspense and emotional turmoil, but at its heart, it is a story of a father’s enduring love. With a nod to Sleeping Beauty, a child’s love awakens her father from an eternal haze of depression, allowing him to embark on a journey to heal his heart and mind.
Please note: With many triggering subjects described in detail, the content warnings should be consulted before reading.
First, I would like to thank the author and Torch Lit Ink for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Love. I love this little monster more than life itself. More than the sea of words in the dictionary could ever define. The reason for my life...is her. As peculiar as it sounds, I feel like Sleeping Beauty. Like, true love's kiss just woke me up. I'm Sleeping Daddy." (p. 117)
Spice Level:
🌶
Tropes:
literary fiction, psychological fiction, suspense, family, single dad, romance
An emotional story about a father’s love and healing the child within
Keith left home when it became clear that his mother would never leave his abusive father. Haunted by his past, he finally feels like life has turned for the better thanks to his wife Ella and the twin babies she carries. After a traumatic and devastating labor and delivery, Ella vanishes, leaving Keith a single parent. In order to heal, Keith must confront his tortured past and track down his mother, even if it means the demons of his childhood will be brought into the light.
This highly emotional story is a raw, intimate exploration of Keith’s thoughts and feelings. The reader experiences traumatic scenes in real time through the lens of anxiety, PTSD, and grief. Nicholas Westerfer’s debut novel, Sleeping Daddy is an intense rollercoaster of suspense and emotional turmoil, but at its heart, it is a story of a father’s enduring love. With a nod to Sleeping Beauty, a child’s love awakens her father from an eternal haze of depression, allowing him to embark on a journey to heal his heart and mind.
Please note: With many triggering subjects described in detail, the content warnings should be consulted before reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Rape
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death, Mental illness, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Minor: Death and Murder
The Breakdown by Robert W. Kirby
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Hidden Gems for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“I’m only going to kill one of them.” (p.127)
Lost in the wilderness–an entirely hopeless setting for this suspenseful thriller
What was supposed to be a refreshing backpacking trip in the wilderness of Montana turns into a nightmare. Under the threat of wild animals and rumors of a serial killer who preys on campers, little does Beth know that the real threat is in her own hiking group. When the GPS fails, the group realizes they are lost, and then her son and two other teenagers go missing. The brewing tensions boil over, and Beth’s secrets will take center stage in this suspenseful psychological thriller.
The sprawling Montana wilderness is the perfect backdrop for Robert W. Kirby’s The Breakdown. The absolute hopelessness of being lost and having no means of contacting outside help, compounded with teenagers who vanish and the fracturing peace among the hikers, makes for a desperately page-turning thriller. Beth’s anxiety attacks and the insertion of clips from a haunting interview with a depraved criminal add an additional layer of unsettling suspense, verging on horror. I read this novel in a single sitting. It is fast-paced, cleverly plotted, and nail-bitingly tense.
First, I would like to thank the author and Hidden Gems for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“I’m only going to kill one of them.” (p.127)
Lost in the wilderness–an entirely hopeless setting for this suspenseful thriller
What was supposed to be a refreshing backpacking trip in the wilderness of Montana turns into a nightmare. Under the threat of wild animals and rumors of a serial killer who preys on campers, little does Beth know that the real threat is in her own hiking group. When the GPS fails, the group realizes they are lost, and then her son and two other teenagers go missing. The brewing tensions boil over, and Beth’s secrets will take center stage in this suspenseful psychological thriller.
The sprawling Montana wilderness is the perfect backdrop for Robert W. Kirby’s The Breakdown. The absolute hopelessness of being lost and having no means of contacting outside help, compounded with teenagers who vanish and the fracturing peace among the hikers, makes for a desperately page-turning thriller. Beth’s anxiety attacks and the insertion of clips from a haunting interview with a depraved criminal add an additional layer of unsettling suspense, verging on horror. I read this novel in a single sitting. It is fast-paced, cleverly plotted, and nail-bitingly tense.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Sexual assault and Grief
My Darling Jane by Ilsa Madden-Mills
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author, Grey's Promotions, Montlake, and NetGalley for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“I’m intoxicated by him. Drunk. With every breath, I’m falling deeper into the spell he weaves.” (p. 184)
Spice Level:
🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
romantic comedy, enemies-to-lovers, protective MMC, he falls first, slow burn, reverse grumpy sunshine, single mom, surprise pregnancy
He’s all in. He just needs to convince the matchmaker she’s met her match.
When Jane found out she was pregnant, the father left. She has raised her daughter, Londyn, alone, and hasn’t dated since. To get clients for her new venture, matchmaking, she goes out in a cupid costume, catching the attention of a playboy quarterback named Jasper. He proposes something she can’t refuse, even though she cannot stand him: he will try out her matchmaking service. The publicity her business would gain from his participation is too good to pass up. Jasper only has one match in mind, though, but Jane has Londyn–and her heart–to consider.
My Darling Jane by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a standalone within an interconnected series. It is a sweet romantic comedy, but unlike most rom-coms, this story is full of emotion. Both Jane and Jasper have severe abandonment issues, but Jane’s prevent her from considering a relationship. With Jasper’s estranged biological mother and Jane’s ex both trying to re-enter their lives, there is a lot of emotional turmoil. While Jasper is a star quarterback, I wouldn’t classify this as a sports romance; the book doesn’t explore his career. Instead, we meet the side of Jasper that the public doesn’t get to see: the man who stepped in to raise his twin teenage nieces. If the rest of this series has this much heart, I’d love to read them all!
Because the Audible audiobook of My Darling Jane is included with Kindle Unlimited, I was thrilled to listen to the book! I think it would have been better if it were performed as a duet, but the narrators did a good job varying their voices to reflect different genders when necessary.
First, I would like to thank the author, Grey's Promotions, Montlake, and NetGalley for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“I’m intoxicated by him. Drunk. With every breath, I’m falling deeper into the spell he weaves.” (p. 184)
Spice Level:
🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
romantic comedy, enemies-to-lovers, protective MMC, he falls first, slow burn, reverse grumpy sunshine, single mom, surprise pregnancy
He’s all in. He just needs to convince the matchmaker she’s met her match.
When Jane found out she was pregnant, the father left. She has raised her daughter, Londyn, alone, and hasn’t dated since. To get clients for her new venture, matchmaking, she goes out in a cupid costume, catching the attention of a playboy quarterback named Jasper. He proposes something she can’t refuse, even though she cannot stand him: he will try out her matchmaking service. The publicity her business would gain from his participation is too good to pass up. Jasper only has one match in mind, though, but Jane has Londyn–and her heart–to consider.
My Darling Jane by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a standalone within an interconnected series. It is a sweet romantic comedy, but unlike most rom-coms, this story is full of emotion. Both Jane and Jasper have severe abandonment issues, but Jane’s prevent her from considering a relationship. With Jasper’s estranged biological mother and Jane’s ex both trying to re-enter their lives, there is a lot of emotional turmoil. While Jasper is a star quarterback, I wouldn’t classify this as a sports romance; the book doesn’t explore his career. Instead, we meet the side of Jasper that the public doesn’t get to see: the man who stepped in to raise his twin teenage nieces. If the rest of this series has this much heart, I’d love to read them all!
Because the Audible audiobook of My Darling Jane is included with Kindle Unlimited, I was thrilled to listen to the book! I think it would have been better if it were performed as a duet, but the narrators did a good job varying their voices to reflect different genders when necessary.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Grief
Trigger: child in hospital - allergic reaction
Christmas Alibi by Dani Elias
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“His kisses are deep and tender but also full of fire, each one burns itself on my soul and I know I’ll always remember them.” (p.81)
Spice Level:
🌶🌶
Tropes:
holiday romance, holiday novella, Christmas, fake dating, widow, single dad, curvy FMC, later-in-life romance
Nothing like a dash of Christmas magic to help you see what your heart has always known
Jonathan’s white lie has landed him in quite a predicament. When he told his daughter that he is seeing someone new to get her off his back, he didn’t expect his family to surprise him by showing up unannounced on Christmas Eve. Now he has no choice but to act out a fake dating arrangement with his colleague Maddy until his family leaves. Then they can part ways after Boxing Day, and things will go back to normal…right?
Christmas Alibi is a sweet, steamy, and uplifting novella. I always enjoy reading love stories with older main characters. Jonathan and Maddy are in their forties, and neither plans to settle down with anyone, regardless of their chemistry as friends. Dani Elias writes great characters! Maddy’s bubbly personality is infectious, and she fits in perfectly with Jonathan’s quirky family. The length of the novella is perfect, giving the main characters just enough time to realize that putting their fake dating plot into action has revealed some feelings hidden deep within them. This is a great, snack-sized read to get yourself ready for the holiday spirit.
First, I would like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“His kisses are deep and tender but also full of fire, each one burns itself on my soul and I know I’ll always remember them.” (p.81)
Spice Level:
🌶🌶
Tropes:
holiday romance, holiday novella, Christmas, fake dating, widow, single dad, curvy FMC, later-in-life romance
Nothing like a dash of Christmas magic to help you see what your heart has always known
Jonathan’s white lie has landed him in quite a predicament. When he told his daughter that he is seeing someone new to get her off his back, he didn’t expect his family to surprise him by showing up unannounced on Christmas Eve. Now he has no choice but to act out a fake dating arrangement with his colleague Maddy until his family leaves. Then they can part ways after Boxing Day, and things will go back to normal…right?
Christmas Alibi is a sweet, steamy, and uplifting novella. I always enjoy reading love stories with older main characters. Jonathan and Maddy are in their forties, and neither plans to settle down with anyone, regardless of their chemistry as friends. Dani Elias writes great characters! Maddy’s bubbly personality is infectious, and she fits in perfectly with Jonathan’s quirky family. The length of the novella is perfect, giving the main characters just enough time to realize that putting their fake dating plot into action has revealed some feelings hidden deep within them. This is a great, snack-sized read to get yourself ready for the holiday spirit.
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief and Medical trauma
The Renter by Serena Pier
medium-paced
4.0
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Grey's Promotions for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“I want to cherish you, and I want to know you. The whole you…I’m starting to fall for you, and I barely know anything about you.” (p. 60)
Tropes:
age gap, alpha hero, billionaire, small-town, unequal social status, coming-of-age, instalust, he falls first, meet cute, love triangle
Will Adam be the Mr. Big to Dani’s Carrie?
One impulsive decision after another brings Dani and Adam together in a whirlwind summer romance. Adam is immediately smitten, spoiling Dani and helping her build her clientele. However, discovering their many mutual connections is proving to be more of a curse than a blessing, especially since one of them happens to be her ex’s attractive half-brother.
The Renter is the first primary work in Serena Pier's SAGA series, wherein Dani’s love interests’ first initials compose the letters S-A-G-A. (The preceding prequel for Sorin's story is a dark romance, so it is an optional read.) After the “saga” of Dani’s love life, in the final novel, she will end up with the love of her life–and we readers will not find out who that is until the last book is written!
When I first heard about this series, I immediately thought of Sex and the City. While the storyline isn’t like SATC at all, the fact that each novel in the series is based on a different love interest reminds me of the chapters in Carrie’s love life about Mr. Big, Aiden, and others. I was invested in this storyline before I even got my hands on a copy. I can’t wait to experience each love story leading up to the final novel in which Dani will choose “the one.”
Adam is a love-bomber, lavishing Dani with gifts and expressing strong feelings right away. At first, she is caught up in the excitement of it, but she starts to become hesitant and draw back the more he tries to merge their lives into one. Although a jealous man, he doesn’t come off as toxic like most love-bombers, so even though I knew there wouldn’t be a happily-ever-after in this book, I was rooting for them as a couple. Dani deserved to be treated like a queen after how abusive her relationship with Sorin was in the prequel to this series.
I loved this first novel and plan to go back and read the prequel, The Townie. While a lot of Dani’s relationship with Sorin is recounted in The Renter, I really want to experience their relationship while I await the next installment.
First, I would like to thank the author and Grey's Promotions for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“I want to cherish you, and I want to know you. The whole you…I’m starting to fall for you, and I barely know anything about you.” (p. 60)
Tropes:
age gap, alpha hero, billionaire, small-town, unequal social status, coming-of-age, instalust, he falls first, meet cute, love triangle
Will Adam be the Mr. Big to Dani’s Carrie?
One impulsive decision after another brings Dani and Adam together in a whirlwind summer romance. Adam is immediately smitten, spoiling Dani and helping her build her clientele. However, discovering their many mutual connections is proving to be more of a curse than a blessing, especially since one of them happens to be her ex’s attractive half-brother.
The Renter is the first primary work in Serena Pier's SAGA series, wherein Dani’s love interests’ first initials compose the letters S-A-G-A. (The preceding prequel for Sorin's story is a dark romance, so it is an optional read.) After the “saga” of Dani’s love life, in the final novel, she will end up with the love of her life–and we readers will not find out who that is until the last book is written!
When I first heard about this series, I immediately thought of Sex and the City. While the storyline isn’t like SATC at all, the fact that each novel in the series is based on a different love interest reminds me of the chapters in Carrie’s love life about Mr. Big, Aiden, and others. I was invested in this storyline before I even got my hands on a copy. I can’t wait to experience each love story leading up to the final novel in which Dani will choose “the one.”
Adam is a love-bomber, lavishing Dani with gifts and expressing strong feelings right away. At first, she is caught up in the excitement of it, but she starts to become hesitant and draw back the more he tries to merge their lives into one. Although a jealous man, he doesn’t come off as toxic like most love-bombers, so even though I knew there wouldn’t be a happily-ever-after in this book, I was rooting for them as a couple. Dani deserved to be treated like a queen after how abusive her relationship with Sorin was in the prequel to this series.
I loved this first novel and plan to go back and read the prequel, The Townie. While a lot of Dani’s relationship with Sorin is recounted in The Renter, I really want to experience their relationship while I await the next installment.
House of Secrets by M.E. Evans
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Booksprout for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Are you…dramatizing your own brand of evil?...You don’t have to bloody exaggerate it. You are actually a fucking demon from hell, you narcissistic shitbag.” (p.237)
Tropes:
paranormal romance, urban fantasy, forbidden love, chosen one, vampires, womens' empowerment, LGBT rep, BIPOC characters
No wonder Andras is drawn to Danny–She is brilliant
Danny’s marriage is failing, and she is struggling with feeling as though she’s lost her identity in motherhood. Her new neighbor is a welcome distraction, always escorting someone beautiful when Danny sees him. Something about him is different, and the intense way he looks at her is all-consuming, But there is danger lurking, and Danny will have to fight to protect herself and her children.
Danny is every woman who wants to be the best mom but mourns the woman she used to be. She is the most relatable character I have ever read. I was immediately drawn into the story because of her–she’s fantastic. I absolutely love how as she begins to reclaim her identity, she doesn’t take shit from anybody! Andras’s fervent intensity is alluring, and I am excited to see where the trilogy takes them.
House of Secrets is M.E. Evans’ first fiction novel, but you’d never know it. She writes like she was born for it. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
First, I would like to thank the author and Booksprout for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Are you…dramatizing your own brand of evil?...You don’t have to bloody exaggerate it. You are actually a fucking demon from hell, you narcissistic shitbag.” (p.237)
Tropes:
paranormal romance, urban fantasy, forbidden love, chosen one, vampires, womens' empowerment, LGBT rep, BIPOC characters
No wonder Andras is drawn to Danny–She is brilliant
Danny’s marriage is failing, and she is struggling with feeling as though she’s lost her identity in motherhood. Her new neighbor is a welcome distraction, always escorting someone beautiful when Danny sees him. Something about him is different, and the intense way he looks at her is all-consuming, But there is danger lurking, and Danny will have to fight to protect herself and her children.
Danny is every woman who wants to be the best mom but mourns the woman she used to be. She is the most relatable character I have ever read. I was immediately drawn into the story because of her–she’s fantastic. I absolutely love how as she begins to reclaim her identity, she doesn’t take shit from anybody! Andras’s fervent intensity is alluring, and I am excited to see where the trilogy takes them.
House of Secrets is M.E. Evans’ first fiction novel, but you’d never know it. She writes like she was born for it. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Violence
Another trigger warning: home invasion
You From My World by Nicole C. W.
This book does not end on a HEA
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Hidden Gems for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Electricity sparked between them, the invisible current strong as a raging river. And their bodies hummed in harmony like a symphony of pure bliss.” (p.193)
Tropes:
portal fantasy, magical realism, isekai, sibling rivalry, impossible love, sweet romance (kisses only), tragic romance
Taking “book boyfriend” to the next level
Ha Neul abandoned the marketing industry to pursue her passion: being a writer. But when the boundaries between reality and fiction collide, she is violently attacked by a character she created. Shin is furious. He has realized that he is at the mercy of Ha Neul’s imagination, and he is determined to reclaim his autonomy. Ha Neul, feeling guilty, wants to help Shin, but when the portal pulls her into Shin’s world, she begins to realize that even if she wants to change Shin’s fate, it might be out of her hands.
You From My World is a tragic, sweet love story. Two people who never should have met–one who didn’t even exist before he was created for Ha Neul’s book–become entwined in an impossible relationship. The story is captivating and well-paced. However, I would have liked to see Shin deal with the realization that he isn’t a real person. His frustration is almost entirely over his lack of control over his destiny, but he doesn’t really face any kind of existential crisis. It would have added depth to his character. I enjoyed how the roles of the antagonist and the protagonist are not clear-cut, but is this due to the characters having their own free will or an outside force controlling the narrative? With more character development and a deeper dive into how Shin became sentient among a crowd of faceless NPCs, this would be a great read.
First, I would like to thank the author and Hidden Gems for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Electricity sparked between them, the invisible current strong as a raging river. And their bodies hummed in harmony like a symphony of pure bliss.” (p.193)
Tropes:
portal fantasy, magical realism, isekai, sibling rivalry, impossible love, sweet romance (kisses only), tragic romance
Taking “book boyfriend” to the next level
Ha Neul abandoned the marketing industry to pursue her passion: being a writer. But when the boundaries between reality and fiction collide, she is violently attacked by a character she created. Shin is furious. He has realized that he is at the mercy of Ha Neul’s imagination, and he is determined to reclaim his autonomy. Ha Neul, feeling guilty, wants to help Shin, but when the portal pulls her into Shin’s world, she begins to realize that even if she wants to change Shin’s fate, it might be out of her hands.
You From My World is a tragic, sweet love story. Two people who never should have met–one who didn’t even exist before he was created for Ha Neul’s book–become entwined in an impossible relationship. The story is captivating and well-paced. However, I would have liked to see Shin deal with the realization that he isn’t a real person. His frustration is almost entirely over his lack of control over his destiny, but he doesn’t really face any kind of existential crisis. It would have added depth to his character. I enjoyed how the roles of the antagonist and the protagonist are not clear-cut, but is this due to the characters having their own free will or an outside force controlling the narrative? With more character development and a deeper dive into how Shin became sentient among a crowd of faceless NPCs, this would be a great read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Violence, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury