Smut

Review of Forged by Malice by Elizabeth Helen

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Synopsis:
I’ve found a new home and fallen in love with four cursed fae princes. But everything could be taken from me in an instant. If I’m to save the Enchanted Vale and the High Princes, this rose is going to need to grow thorns.

Being a part of the fae is wonderful. Except that the enchanted castle I live in is falling apart, one of my mates wants to give up his magic for good, the other one seems to be hiding something from me, and the two cursed fae princes I’m in love with still need to find their actual mates. Oh, and the villainous Prince of Thorns keeps trying to kiss me. And I kind of want him to.

When whispers of war spread from the Spring Realm, we find ourselves on a knife’s edge, trying to prevent a betrayal that could tear the realms—and my princes—apart. A vicious enemy from the Below will stop at nothing to kill me and claim Spring for herself. And Ezryn’s own brother has turned against him, claiming the Spring throne for himself. Allies become enemies, and enemies become allies.

Now, more than ever, I’ll need to light a way for my princes and help Ezryn, the High Prince of Spring, take back his throne. I won’t let him lose himself to the darkness… unless I lose myself first.

FORGED BY MALICE is the third book in a steamy adult Beauty and the Beast retelling seven-book series set in a fantasy fae realm. In this version, our beautiful bookworm doesn’t have to choose between the four sexy fae princes. It is a full-length novel that ends on a cliffhanger. It includes MF, MM, and MMFM content. It is intended for mature readers only

Review:
The cliffhanger ending on this is absolutely horrible! There were so many things revealed just at the last possible second and ugh!!!! I cannot wait for this series to finish up!

This book has so many layers of what it means to be a good friend, what it means to forgive yourself, and accept goodness in your life. The characterization and depth is amazing. I do have some assumptions on how redemption works in the Vale, which I will reveal whether or not they were spot on after the next book is out. There were so many twists and turns and some I had some inkling on (here’s looking at you, Wrenley) and some I hated (here’s looking at you AGAIN, Wrenley!) There was a series of expectations about Rosalina and her princes and while some may say you cannot always have your cake and eat it too that is what was advertised so I am sure many of us are left mouth gaping.

The spice was, as always, spot on and awesome, but oh how I want everyone to have a happy ending; together! With Rosalina!

P.S. The true villain is never who you think it will be…

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Wreckless Heart by Brighton Walsh

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Synopsis:
Turns out the gorgeous stranger I had a one-night stand with is not only my sister’s best friend but also my new employee.

Worse? I shared a whole lot more with Avery than one mind-blowing night.

I told her my deepest, darkest secret.

Despite my constant worry that she’ll let the truth slip to my family, I can’t stay away from her. And when we’re tossed together for an out of town trip and forced to share a room with only one bed, the chemistry between us finally explodes…again.

I have no problem making her see stars—or breaking the bed. The trouble is, the longer our secret relationship goes on, the more I want to keep her.

But she’s eight years my junior, the sunshine to my grump, and I know her free spirit wants more than the small town of Starlight Cove can offer.

I have no doubt no one will ever give her more pleasure than I will, but I refuse to hold her back.

Even if that means letting her go when her three month contract is up.

Review:
This book is amazing and gripping from the very first page. Both main characters have excellent back stories with reasons for how they are how they are. Aiden is incredibly considerate and as Avery would say “the best book boyfriend”. The relationship developed well and there was never a point where I skimmed or just wanted to be done with part of the book. I absolutely loved how open and outgoing and out there Avery is (can relate!). I also quite enjoyed how detailed but not overly minutely so experiences were explained, specifically about a trip Addison pushes. One of the best parts of this book is the reoccurring suggestion that you should accept people as they are and while you may want something more, know that people do not often change their nature. “Begrudging her for what she wasn’t took so much more energy than just loving her for what she was.” (Page 225, Chapter 22)

Let’s talk spice. Holy. Crap. I considered adding a spice meter when I have been rating/reviewing romance/smut before and let me tell you- this book is the best to start that scale with a resounding 5/5. Well written, detailed but not too detailed, so perfectly steamy. I immediately signed up to Walsh’s mailing list in order to get those sweet sweet four additional bonus chapters and I was not disappointed!

Do you like best friend’s brother romances, opposites attract romances, hot and incredibly steamy scenes, and book loving MCs? This book is definitely made for you!

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of A Ship of Bones and Teeth by Karina Halle

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Synopsis:
A standalone adult dark fantasy pirate romance re-telling of The Little Mermaid from the New York Times Bestselling Author of River of Shadows and Blood Orange.

Princess Maren is a woman with a secret.

Ten years ago she sold her soul to the sea witch Edonia, giving up a life underwater in exchange for the love of Prince Aerik on land. But after a decade of abuse and misery inflicted by the cruel prince, Maren wants nothing more than to leave him and her royal role behind and find Edonia to reverse the spell.

An opportunity for escape presents itself when the prince and princess are traveling overseas and are taken hostage by a band of notorious pirates, led by the fearsome Captain Ramsay “Bones” Battista. Maren has heard the sordid stories about the infamous pirate–not only is his ship supposedly haunted and crewed by the damned, but that no prisoners ever survive.

Fortunately for Maren, she learns that the captain also has a score to settle with the sea witch. With any luck, Maren may be able to get her old life back, even if it’s being held in the captain’s wicked hands.

But Ramsay gets more than he bargained for when he learns who–and what–Maren is, and that her appetite for revenge, freedom, and bloodlust rivals his.

Meanwhile Maren finds herself falling for the pirate’s dark nature, even as she discovers that Ramsay has a secret more deadly than her own.

When it comes to the high seas, not all monsters lurk beneath the surface.

Content Warning: Though this is a fantasy, it is also a dark romance with potential triggers. A full list can be found inside the book or on the pinned cover reveal post on IG (authorhalle)

Review:
Firstly, spot on for having warnings before the book starts. I love that. Secondly, holy hell was this book awesome. Immediately the reader is drawn into the night where Princess Maren’s life changed forever. I loved that there was a darkness and definite consequences to actions. The spice in this is absolutely phenomenal, however, I was not a fan of a particular undersea scene.

There is a point where it is mentioned that, “…We don’t make mistakes but choices that lead us on another path.” (Page 386, Chapter 38) While there is definitely good versus evil at play, the way in which it is described is done so in an artful way that resonates where anyone can be a monster, and it’s all up to you and how you harness your reactions.

This is a great retelling of The Little Mermaid. I love how mermaid and siren mythology was merged together to create Halle’s syrens. I also absolutely adored the way she pulled in pirates and why they would be different than regular pirate crews. I thought she did an amazing job of explaining the sailing terminology and crew positions, as well as cleanliness. Absolutely loved this book and am looking forward to reading more from her in the future. It’s one that really sinks its teeth into you…

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen

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Synopsis:
I’ve always loved fairytales. I never imagined I’d actually be in one.

When my father wanders into the enchanted realm of the fae, I know I have to go after him. And when he gets imprisoned, I’ll do anything to save him… Even trade my freedom for his. I had no idea I’d end up imprisoned by four sexy fae who turn into beasts at night.

I have to win my freedom, and that means making a bargain with them. They must find their mates in order to break the curse. If I can help them do that, they’ll set me free. Sounds simple, right?

It’s not. Because against my better judgment, I’m starting to fall for these beastly princes. One is smart and sweet, the other mysterious and deadly, another flirty and confident, and the last prince… He’s handsome, strong, has a wicked temper, and is dead-set against breaking the curse. Why does he want to keep me here forever?

But it’s not just my freedom on the line. If I don’t break the princes’ curse soon, all the magic in the Enchanted Vale will be stolen by the evil—and stupidly hot—Prince of Thorns. And I’m not letting my princes stay cursed.

Not after I’ve fallen in love with them.

BONDED BY THORNS is a steamy adult Beauty and the Beast retelling set in a fantasy fae realm. In this version, our beautiful bookworm doesn’t have to choose between the four sexy fae princes. It is a full-length novel that ends on a cliffhanger. It includes MF and MM content. It is intended for mature readers only.

Review:
This book had me enraptured from the beginning. Given how “romance” driven it seemed set up for, there was a lot of lead in and backstory that really had me gripped from the first page. I never once was considering looking to see just how much time I had left chapter to chapter or until the end, unless I was falling asleep while reading and wanted to get to an end point. I loved how Rosalina’s life was shown before and after being with the princes, and how she grows as a character. I cannot wait to be able to read the next book, and oh my gosh, waiting until June is going to be TORTURE!!!

I feel that Rosalina and her previous relationship is very much how many women find themselves dating when they don’t know any better; it’s good enough, okay enough, he’s nice to me etc. I absolutely adored how we saw her relationships with the various characters blossom during the story, so that it’s more than just attraction between her and any of the others. I love she finds herself reevaluating her place in life and in this story, and finding that, just like the real world, sometimes your desires and feelings and future change before you even realize.

There is a hint of spice between Rosalina and one of the princes (not naming names!) however the main spice is MM, and I’d put the dirty talk at about a 5/5 spice and the rest maybe 3/5.

I did absolutely love the subtle nods to the Disney version with “Far off places, daring sword fights, a prince in disguise…” but this could absolutely stand on its own. The flower twist was gorgeous, the thorns and her connection perfect. I have a few suspicions on who some of the main characters so far unseen will turn out to be (fae queen, enchantress) but overall I quite love this book and cannot wait to continue on!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Desperate Measures by Katee Robert

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Synopsis:
Once upon a time, I was a sheltered princess.

On the night Jafar takes everything from my father, he offers me a devil’s bargain—walk with my freedom and nothing else, or attempt to best him and regain my inheritance. In my arrogance, I play right into his hands. I foolishly assume I have a chance to come out on top. I’m wrong.

Now Jafar owns me, body and soul.

We fight during the day, but when night comes, we play out every fantasy I’ve never allowed myself to admit to having. I can’t hide them from Jafar, though. We know each other—and the dark desires we share—far too well. He sees to my every need, no matter how carnal or extravagant. It’s almost enough for me to be happy…

But a gilded cage is still a prison, and I’ll do anything to obtain my freedom—even betray the man I’m falling for.

Review:
This book was a great romance novel with some properly described BDSM elements. The heat between Jafar and Jasmine is tangible, and it is easy to believe she wanted to trust him and let him give her what she was never allowed to have: a man who actually supported her and her ambitions to move forward in life. While the intertwined fairy tale/myth elements were interesting, especially the use of Rajah, I feel as if this story was quite brilliant and very much could have stood on its own without trying to draw people in with the fairy tale element; that being said, I’m almost certain that’s why I was originally drawn in to purchase said novel.

The one issue I did have was how rushed the ending/climax felt. It seems unrealistic that Jasmine would have changed so quickly to become a much more assertive and self assured person willing to force her position on others, especially given the multiple instances where she’s mentioned/felt/shown that she isn’t that type of person and didn’t have enough life experience/knowledge to be able to do such a thing. That being said, I did very much like the ending, it could have just happened in a more convincing manner.

If you like fairy tales, like the morally grey villain, and like well written smut (romance) then I’d highly recommend you read this.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯