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celenesewingwildoats's reviews
59 reviews
Knowing the Ogre's Heart by Lyonne Riley
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Murphy’s law: anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Not sure why Riley decided to make these two characters’ lives 10x more difficult than they needed to be, but here we are!… 90% of this book is pretty miserable for the MCs. Great storytelling, though! This book reminds me of all of the adventurous, hero’s journey-type of YA I use to read when I was younger. This is ABSOLUTELY NOT a YA novel!! lol But it has a similar feel to those types of stories. Specifically, it reminds me of On Fortune’s Wheel by Cynthia Voigt, one of my absolute favorite books as a kid. They have similar vibes, but totally different in terms of plot/content btw. If you like stories about characters that are very suddenly taken far from home, having to do what is necessary to survive, and managing to find love on the way through a harrowing journey, I highly recommend this book (and Voigt’s book if you’re into YA).
The relationship between Mia and Cragnorr is so sweet and adorable. Of course, I would have been happy to read a story about these two just living peacefully in a cave, doing chores and stuff, but I understand that that’s a different story altogether lol! However, the author did a great job creating an intense and exciting adventure story. It ends in a HEA and we do get a lot of spicy scenes. The resolution does feel a bit rushed, but it is a shorter book, so it’s understandable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Violence, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
This is story does have its moments of serious content. Although, it is a short, spicy monster romance, it does delve into some slightly intense stuff. I suggest looking over the content warnings if easily scandalized. Here are some quick ones for ya: murder of parents (mentioned briefly), the MCs are held captive by rough and vulgar people, there’s drinking, fighting, torture, etc. Also, pregnancy and birth are mentioned briefly at the end.
Blood Moon by Jillian Graves
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Short, sweet, spicy monster smut. Low-angst with a HEA. Hazel and Vlad are HOT. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Blood, and Alcohol
Minor: Violence
It’s a short one, but check trigger warnings if easily scandalized. Some quick ones for you: blood play, light degradation kink, light voyeurism, some exhibitionism etc.
Seduced by the Werewolves by Lyonne Riley
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I absolutely adore this book! I fear that Lyonne Riley has completely ruined me for mere human men. I simply must have a werewolf boyfriend (or four!?). This is a fun, spicy, adorable, monster romance. Although, it does have a bit of a mob-related storyline that helps to move the monster/human romance forward. First person point of view, we only get the FMC side of the story. I really wish we could get the guys’ perspectives, but I understand that that is difficult to do with a Reverse Harem containing five partners. Some little knit-picky things that I noticed: when the FMC is on the date with Leon, Tiff is described as wearing a dress, but is all of a sudden wearing jeans?? This happened maybe twice, so it wasn’t too bad. All in all, the characters were lovable, the FMC was very relatable,and the conflict kept the pages turning. And of course, it was a super spicy good time! Be prepared for the monster smut, emphasis on the smut! Also, just FYI the FMC’s mother was insufferable, I wanted to reach through space and time and smack her!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing and Fatphobia
Minor: Pregnancy
Please check trigger warnings if easily scandalized! This is first and foremost monster smut. Lots of sexual content. Also, it does contain mentions of fatphobia experienced by the FMC (not from the MMCs), and a troubled relationship with a parent.
Escaping the Friendzone by Emily Antoinette
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Short and sweet monster and human romance. Low angst, dom/sub, 9 year age gap, brother’s minotaur best friend, spicy fantasy. Plus sized, anxiety riddled FMC rep. What more could you ask for!? I absolutely loved this couple! Wes is a dream boat, and Ari is goals. Highly recommend. Plus, we get to see a little bit of other characters from other books set in this world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Fatphobia
Read content notes if easily scandalized. This is mostly lighthearted and wholesome (well.. as wholesome as monster smut can get), but it does contain mature themes. Warning for some internalized fatphobia and mentions of body shaming from past experiences.
Kiss From a Monster Series Volume One by Charlotte Swan
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
The stories in this collection are marvelous! Each story follows a similar formula, but you can definitely tell that they were each lovingly crafted to showcase each monster and human relationship in a unique way. Expect lots of monster smut. Lots of stretching, stuffing, will-it-fit, possessive, OTT obsessed, insta-lust/love, touch-her-and-die next-level spice. Highly recommend. Only reason it’s not a 5 star is that it did have some editing errors, and it did get a bit repetitive in some parts, but that is typical with a lot of collections of interwoven novellas. These issues were not too bad, but novellas are difficult to rate in general. We have so little time with each couple so things have to move pretty fast. However, I did appreciate having all of these stories in one book because they flowed perfectly together and wrapped things up very nicely. Plus, this edition had bonus scenes! It’s a fun, lighthearted, spicy good time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Death and Violence
Prey For Me: A Sapphic Demon Dark Romance (The Demon Court) by Chloe Slate
dark
mysterious
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
3.5
Fight Club meets Jennifer’s Body. A wild ride that contains quite a bit of violence, gore, and mental illness. Technically, this is a sapphic forbidden office romance with dark fantasy elements. However, it does get pretty intense and miserable in some parts. The main narrator does some pretty messed up stuff… more so than the actual demon they’re trying to seduce, imo. It is a very interesting read and a unique concept. Definitely leaves you wondering what the future holds for April and Rosalia. Check trigger warnings for this one as it does contain dark subject matter. This ends in a semi-HEA cliffhanger. Third act break up. Inexperienced FMC and dangerous sapphic demon pairing. Lots of dark spice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Gore, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Fatphobia, Violence, and Religious bigotry
Please check trigger warnings if you’re in a bad place. Lots of mentions of suicide and suicidal thoughts. Mocking of religion, some brief fat-shaming, gore, violence, murder, vampirism etc.
Her Orc Blacksmiths by Zoe Ashwood
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is a spicy orcs and human fantasy romance with a HEA, MMF relationship, why choose, enemies to lovers between two of the MCs, and high heat! I LOVE Jasmine, Morg, and Torren’s relationship! They are so sweet together. This throuple relationship was handled with such compassion, kindness, and patience. This is a shorter novel at just under 200 pages, so everything moves fast, but it is still a fantastic story. It’s an insta-love, fated mates story where the MCs quickly come together. The world building is great, it’s very well written, and it is genuinely a fun, cozy, lighthearted read. Very low angst with not too much tension. The bulk of the plot deals with convincing the orcs to be together. All in all, a lovely fantasy romance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Cursing
This book is mostly a lighthearted fantasy romance with descriptive spicy scenes. There is a brief mention of historical violence and murder, but nothing too severe. Please check content warnings if easily scandalized.
Bride of the Beast by P. Jameson
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m obsessed with this Beauty and the Beast re-telling. It’s adorable, a bit sad and emotional in some parts, and frustrating as all heck. I would categorize it as a miscommunication-heavy monster and human romance. The two MCs are so sweet together, but they are both insecure and deeply hurt by their past. Be prepared for plenty of yearning and pining for one another. Both MCs are virgins so the spice is waaay later in the story as they get to know each other better. I would give it 2.5 peppers in spice level, but it does get hot. Also, *slight spoiler* the evil empress does not get what she deserves (which imo should be a firing squad!), but this is a short read so we don’t get a lot of plot. The world building is really good, and I could totally see this having a second part where Rolan and Abauna defeat the cruel empress, but I did like their cozy and quiet little life that they built together.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Torture
This is a shorter read, mostly lighthearted, but it is rather tense in the beginning. There are mentions of torturing for both MCs, but they are historical and off page. There is sexual content, but nothing too dark. Some mentions of injuries, but nothing graphic.
Behold Her by Emily Antoinette
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
3.75
Love the monster world building with this author. I read the prequel to this one (which was a damn good time, so hopes were high), and I absolutely loved getting to read a little bit more from Shane and Elle. The relationship between Max and Mona was so sweet. They were absolutely adorable and made for each other. I will admit that, at times, Mona was a bit annoying to me. Specifically, at one point, that I won’t spoil for anybody, but basically she has grace and forgiveness for herself, her lying mother, her flaky friends and Max’s exes (complete strangers), but treats him horribly when she hears something she doesn’t like??? It rubbed me the wrong way. And a third act breakup?? Not for me, thanks. Also, I’m a plus size woman, and it can be difficult for me to read about plus size women whining about being bigger as if it’s their entire personality. I understand that shitty fatphobia happens, but there was quite a bit of it in this book! And most of it internal! To be fair, the author does give a trigger warning at the beginning, and maybe my annoyance is because I’ve done the whole realizing-I’m-fat-and-still-worthy-of-good-things discovery, so I might just be tired of revisiting old wounds. Honestly though, it was just too much for me.
Other than these very brief moments, I did enjoy most of the book. The spice was very well written. We get one chapter describing how to handle a dom/sub dub-con role play situation. Expect mentions of BDSM, primal play, perceived stalking, role play, kink exploration etc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Body shaming, Violence, and Stalking
This author does a phenomenal job of balancing darker subject matter with lovable characters, great care, and compassion. But please check trigger warnings! Here are some quick ones for ya: BDSM, primal play, non-con/dub-con role play, perceived stalking, perceived sexual manipulation, third act break up, internal fatphobia, kink exploration etc.
Hunted: A Dark Romance by Selena Winters, Selena Winters
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I was super excited about the premise of this novella. Winters is a great dark romance writer, and I really enjoy their approach to the subject matter. I understand that this type of book is not for everyone. However, I think it’s fun, and I was looking forward to this one in particular because of the setting in the Norwegian wilderness. Unfortunately, for some reason, this one dragged on for me and I couldn’t connect to the characters. It might be because of the isolated setting, limited side characters, or the very fast pace of the story. All of this was anticipated though, so not sure what my problem was. Like many other dark romance books, there has to be some suspension of disbelief. Especially with these insta lust, insta obsession, OTT touch-her-and-d!e possessive MMCs. I just couldn’t seem to get into this one. Also, the FMC was not my favorite. She wasn’t the worst FMC I’ve ever read, but she wasn’t very note worthy either. I did think it was great that even though the FMC was a virgin, she wasn’t a weak wallflower. She came off as very fearless, if a bit confused by the grumpy and dangerous wilderness guy. Because it’s a shorter novel, we do get a quick jump from confused innocent scientist to a fully-on-board-with-the-scary-hunter sex goddess. It might have been that jarring transition that left me feeling disappointed??
Also also, there were quite a number of grammatical errors and repetitive phrases. I noticed several instances where quotation marks are off and you have to re-read a sentence to see what was being said rather than thought. It’s not too bad, but it does take you out of the story a bit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Incest
This is a short novella, so it does not go into too much detail with the darker subject matters, but definitely read the triggers for this one if easily scandalized. Some quick ones for ya: very brief mentions of abuse/incest in the past from a parent (the incest is not with either of the MCs); blood play, knife play, primal play, murder, general violence etc.