spicy

Review of Angel’s Fall by Jessica Mason

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Synopsis:
There are too many secrets in the Paris Opera House and Christine Daaé knows them all, for her lover, Erik, the infamous Phantom of the Opera, is at their center. To protect Erik from the cruel world above, Christine must deceive her childhood friend and first love, Raoul, a man committed to destroying Erik. But will the lies and darkness claim Christine’s soul before she can save anyone?

Faced with the ghosts of the past and the demons of doubt, Erik and Christine must navigate a world intent on tearing them apart. Will their love be enough to overcome their pain? Will those seeking revenge against Erik rip the lovers asunder? Who will live and who will die when all the consequences come crashing down?

The third installment in The Phantom Saga brings this classic tale to a heartbreaking conclusion that turns the story beloved by generations on its head. Filled with lush romance, shocking twists, and haunting prose, Angel’s Fall gives the iconic story of The Phantom of the Opera a new ending that is both satisfying and shattering.

Review:
Unconditional Love meets horrible tragedy in this novel. Raoul has fallen under a despicable spell, and one can only hope that he will snap out of it before all is lost. There were some serious moments of worry that there was no happy ending, and that being forced to live a façade was the only future that Christine could look forward to. This trilogy was gripping, striking, and I found it difficult to put down.

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

Review of Angel’s Kiss by Jessica Mason

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Synopsis:
The Phantom Saga continues…

Christine Daaé ventures into the underground world of The Phantom of the Opera, a mysterious man named Erik who brought her fame and ecstasy as The Angel of Music. Now she must learn to trust her teacher as a man if she is to survive the cutthroat intrigues of the opera above. Despite the horror of Erik’s face and the darkness of his past, Christine is drawn to the man who awakens her soul with his music…as well as her desire.

As Christine discovers the truth beneath the Opera, danger grows above as her first love, Raoul, remains intent on winning Christine for himself. Can he save Christine from the darkness that seeks to consume her? Or will he find that Christine has already given in to the temptations of her strange angel? For it is Erik that knows Christine’s heart and will do anything to keep her.

The second novel in The Phantom Saga continues the journey that began with Angel’s Mask in a story full of darkness, lust, and hope. Erik’s past is revealed as Christine fights for her career along with her soul. Brimming with romance and twists, Angel’s Kiss tells the iconic love story of Erik and Christine with passion that leaves the reader no choice but surrender.

Review:
“We all take whatever advantage we can to get where we want to be.” (Page 223)

While continuing in the lush and inviting descriptive world from the first book, Raoul has much more presence with Christine in this novel. Raoul is, plain and simply, in this reiteration, a hypocrite. As someone who was always a Phantom fan in the Phantom versus Raoul debate, this novel gave even more depth to my dislike of the Vicounte. Furthermore, there is more understanding of Raoul’s family that make it clear that appearances matter more than almost anything else. I absolutely adore the depth and characterization as well as storylines of the “side characters” Mason seamlessly weaved throughout the novel.

Every book in this series leaves you begging for more, and buying the next book to continue, no matter how late you stayed up reading to finish the one before.

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

Review of Angel’s Mask by Jessica Mason

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Synopsis:
The timeless tale of The Phantom of the Opera brought to life as never before…

Christine Daaé arrives penniless and hopeless at the steps of the great Paris Opera House, in search of an angel. What finds her instead is a man in a mask named Erik, a tortured soul masquerading as a ghost. Fascinated by Christine, Erik dons a new mask to be close to her: that of the Angel of Music. This strange patron awakens Christine’s voice and soul…as well as desires she cannot understand. Their adoration growing, Erik and Christine remain separated by deception and darkness, tangled in a web of lust and lies. How far will Erik go to be close to his eager student? And will Christine be able to forgive her angel when she finally sees past his mask to the monster beneath?

The first novel in The Phantom Saga takes readers on a lush, erotic journey from the depths of Paris’s catacombs to the glittering, ruthless world of the Opera’s stage. Full of diverse characters, rich detail, and intoxicating romance, Angel’s Mask reinvents the legend of the Phantom and Christine with passion and twists that will leave readers breathless.

For content/trigger warnings, please visit the author’s website.

Review:
“Singing is breathing. And breathing is life, the conscious act of living. Somewhere deep within when you choose to breath, you choose to live. Some un-surrendering part of you chooses to continue.” (Page 73)

Firstly, this book gives more depth to the characters in Phantom of the Opera than I’ve seen in any other retelling. There were always some questions in the Andrew Lloyd Webber version of why someone who had only ever trained vocally was a ballet dancer (especially on pointe!). I loved that Mason’s Christine’s only dream was to sing on the stage of the opera, and that she knew she would have to work her way up to having any sort of job at all since she had missed the opportunity to audition for the chorus. I was truly enamoured with the depth of understanding and knowledge imbued in the vocal training, and was graced enough to hear from Jessica Mason herself that she has a degree in opera. This knowledge can be seen in such easy descriptions as, “Christine’s voice sparkled, pure and dark at the same time, like moonlight on a mountain stream, sweeping away any remaining doubt that she was an artist of the highest caliber.” (Page 184) For a real life reference to someone who has a pure and dark vocal tone at the same time, you can listen to Floor Jansen singing Élan.

Something I quite enjoyed about Mason’s version was the rich descriptions of the behind the scenes of the opera–the twists and turns, the tunnels, the roof. Everything was so well thought out and given intricate details so that the rooms can be thoroughly rendered in the mind, without the overwriting that leads to lack of interest/mind wandering. Other locations were also explained so well that it made layouts and wealth/lack thereof easy to see in the mind’s eye, such as Adele’s apartment, making this read a visual treat.

The romance within these books is so unbelievably well written that I cannot recommend this trilogy enough. There are definitely some trigger warnings, but overall, this book is a masterpiece and I am so glad I found out about it on Jessica Mason’s TikTok, and would highly recommend it to all who love Phantom of the Opera, and specifically Erik.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️

Review of Dreadful by Greer Rivers

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Synopsis:
A dark, modern, romantic retelling of Sweeney Todd with a Medusa twist and a happy ever after.

Their revenge is sweet… their love is unhinged.

Fifteen years ago, a girl sacrificed her life for mine. I’ve wanted only justice ever since.

Then Talia entered the stage.

I’m the barber’s son. The Boss’ nephew. A prince without a throne and only revenge to fuel me.

She’s the bakers’ granddaughter. Sweet Tallie. Their dolce nipotina. My vipera.

My desires have always stopped at vengeance. She’s made me want more. But my vendetta will destroy everything in my path, and I won’t risk bringing her into my world.

I never suspected she’d snake her way in on her own.

I craved a bite of her sugar and spice, but my little vipera is fangs and venom.

Now all I want is to be bitten.


DREADFUL is a dark, revenge mafia retelling of Sweeney Todd, Hamlet, and Medusa, set in modern-day Boston and a complete STANDALONE in the Tattered Curtain Series. Guaranteed HEA. This story has triggers so please check the author’s website for trigger warnings.

Review:
I absolutely adored this book, as I have the other Tattered Curtain tales. This book is HEAVY. I highly recommend anyone interested read the trigger warnings before getting into it. I absolutely loved how well paced and set up the story is, and how it shifted between present and past. I thought that the connection between Sweeney Todd and Medusa was absolutely brilliantly done and well executed. I loved the depth of this story and how entwined the past and present were, but how age and circumstance can keep one from seeing the whole picture. The characters were relatable and well written with great depth. I loved how the characters grow and develop together. I wasn’t particularly keen on the knife play used at one particular scene, but as it was only one, it didn’t really pull me from the immersion of the novel. Do read the trigger warnings, as I definitely was close to tears at the end, but it was still just right. The only thing I am bummed about is not being able to get the bonus epilogue as the link doesn’t work. I cannot wait to see what comes out next in this series, as they are all so unique, immersive, and touching.

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

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 Bride to the Fiend Prince: A Dark Rulers Romance by Rebecca F. Kenney

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Bride to the Fiend Prince: A Dark Rulers Romance (Standalone) by [Rebecca F. Kenney]

Synopsis:
When her father surrenders to an invading kingdom, Amarylla doesn’t realize she’s part of the treaty until it’s too late. Drugged to prevent resistance, she’s swept away to the dark, tortured kingdom of Terelaus, where she is forced to marry the Fiend Prince. When Amarylla holds a dagger to his throat on their wedding night, she and the Prince come to a tenuous arrangement of their own. But he may not be the greatest danger lurking in the Cursed Palace.

Review:
This book. I grabbed it because I saw a Tiktok about Captive of the Pirate King and it wasn’t available for a few days! This book looked equally interesting and honestly I am so glad I read this first! I absolutely loved this book, finding Amarylla to be a damsel, who isn’t in distress, and can definitely handle herself. While she might have been betrayed previously, she didn’t let her previous preconceived notions about people and why they did things stop her from becoming compassionate and working for what is right. She’s a great heroine and I loved all of the tension (especially the dancing!!) and the spice between her and her Fiend Prince.

Update: I forgot to add that I also loved how this book made the heroine face mortality.

“He’s going to die.”
“As we all are,” said Onwe, “And those closer to the grave deserve love just as much as those with years of life left ahead of them.”

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯