{Review} Radiant Sin (Dark Olympus #4) by Katee Robert

 

Page count: 345

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Published on: February 7, 2023

Genres: adult romance, mythology retelling

Format: audiobook (borrowed from library), but I also have a paperback from her Patreon 

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 4.75/5 ✨

Spice: 4/5 🌶️

CW: Body shaming (referenced briefly, historical), murder, blood, guns, explicit sex

• T R O P E S •

✨ fake dating

✨ boss x employeee

✨ espionage

✨ I hate everyone but you

✨ pining and slow burn

Synopsis:

There's nowhere more dangerous than Olympus...and no one more captivating than its golden god: Apollo. Keeper of secrets, master of his shining realm...and the only man I am powerless to deny.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Apollo and Cassandra that's as sinful as it is sweet.*

As a disgraced member of a fallen house, Cassandra Gataki has seen firsthand what comes from trusting the venomous Thirteen. But when the maddeningly gorgeous and kind Apollo asks her to go undercover as his plus-one at a week-long party hosted by a dangerous new power player...Cassandra reluctantly agrees to have his back.

On one condition: when it's all over, and Apollo has the ammunition he needs to protect Olympus, she and her sister will be allowed to leave. For good.

Apollo may be the city's official spymaster, but it's his ability to inspire others that keeps him at the top. Despite what the rest of Olympus says, there's no one he trusts more than Cassandra. Yet even as their fake relationship takes a wicked turn for the scaldingly hot, a very real danger surfaces... threatening not only Cassandra and Apollo, but the very heart of Olympus itself.

Review:

KR has done it again. I have a hard time believing that her Dark Olympus books are going to get even better and then she exceeds my expectations again. I didn’t think I could love her books more and then I read Radiant Sin.

I’m always a sucker for fake dating and angst, but holy crap this book just did it for me. The way that KR crafts her characters is just so fabulous. She adds layers of depth to their characterization and their story and I am just so hooked. I loved Cassandra and Apollo’s relationship and the romance that built throughout the book. I really didn’t think I could love anyone more than Psyche and Eros, but I’m thoroughly in love with both Apollo and Cassandra. They’re both so soft for each other and they’re so stubborn about admitting their feelings. I loved them so much.

Ugh but let’s talk about how their 🌶️ tensionnnn! Someone please comment below with your thoughts because I have SO MANY! Too many for a spoiler free review. I LOVED Apollo. He was so hot; and ugh, Cassandra! She was also SO HOT! I loved the dynamic explored in this book. Probably too much, but I’m a sucker for Apollo. I couldn’t get over it. I’m still not over how hot he was.

Of all the Dark Olympus couples and groups, who is your favorite? I really think that Radiant Sin & Cassandra x Apollo is my favorite, but I really think Cruel Seduction may surpass it later this year.

Also who is going to the Cruel Seduction tour later this year? I was going to go to the RS tour, but promptly bought a ticket to the CS tour when it was cancelled. I’m so excited 🥰

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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{Review} The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood

 

Page count: 304

Publisher: Dutton

Published on: February 21, 2023

Genres: adult historical fiction, mythology, retelling

Format: eARC via NetGalley

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 4/5 ✨

CW: violence, rape, murder, sexual assault, death, kidnapping, confinement, sexism, sexual violence, grief, abandonment, child abuse, animal death, emotional abuse, physical abuse, domestic abuse, misogyny, slavery, blood, pregnancy

^^ Please consider that these elements are found throughout Greek history and mythology. These will always be found in books that retell the epics and Greek mythos and folklore. 'Twas a violent time to be alive.

 S Y N O P S I S :

Nationally bestselling author of Daughters of Sparta Claire Heywood returns with an imaginative and female-centered reinterpretation of the myth of the great hero Perseus, told through the voices of three women who are sidelined in the traditional version—his mother, Danae; his trophy, Medusa; and his wife, Andromeda—but whose viewpoints reveal a man who is not, in fact, a hero at all.

Danae: Banished from her homeland thanks to a prophecy foretelling that her unborn child will one day cause the death of her father, the king of Argos, Danae finds herself stranded, pregnant, and alone in a remote fishing village. It’s a harsh new world for a young woman who grew up as a coddled princess, and forging a new life for herself and for her young son Perseus will be the hardest thing she’s ever done.

Medusa: As a member of a reclusive band of women who live deep in the woods, known as the Gorgons, Medusa has eschewed all contact with the outside world. That is, until the day she finds an injured boy named Perseus in the forest.

Andromeda: When a harsh sandstorm threatens to destroy her nomadic desert tribe’s way of life, Andromeda knows that a sacrifice will be required to appease the gods and end the storm. But when a forceful young Perseus interferes, Andromeda’s life is set on an entirely new path.

As Perseus becomes increasingly obsessed with the promise of his own destiny, his heroic journey casts a shadow of violence and destruction across all three women’s lives. But even as he tries to silence them, the women may find that reclaiming their voices is their only hope for lifting themselves into a better future.

R E V I E W :

I really loved reading The Shadow of Perseus. Heywood has taken every fantasy element from the Greek stories and has constructed the myths that surround the hero, Perseus, and reestablished it as a story from history.

I've always been a sucker for feminist retellings. So often, women are just plain overlooked or overshadowed by their male counterparts. When they said "history is written by the victors," they weren't kidding.

This book follows the three main women from Perseus's origin story: Danae, his mother; Andromeda, his wife; and Medusa, the "monster" he slayed.

Each woman is incredibly well developed. Their voices and stories were so addicting and I just flew through this book. I also really loved the commentary throughout as they grappled with the terrible actions and decisions that were being made around them and affecting how their lives would turn out. When Heywood took out the fantasy elements that come with Greek mythology, it really just amplified how horribly women were treated in the ancient times. This book was incredible to read -- a really quick-paced novel with gripping narrators and focuses -- but it was in no way an easy book to read.

The one thing I had wished for was more page time with Perseus. The shifting perspective between the women was really enlightening to how each of them took in his behavior, his personality, etc., but I genuinely would have like to know, in his own words or thoughts, what he thought of himself. Obviously, it's pretty evident that he really thought highly of himself -- or that he wanted to be perceived to be so big and wonderful -- but I don't know. I think it would be really interesting to be inside his head as he slowly succumbs to his toxic masculinity.

I was really curious how Heywood would grapple with Perseus's paternity, but from the get-go, she subverts the truth of his birth. It really adds to the tension (and the irony) that surrounds his every action. Even early on, since he truly believed he was the son of Zeus, he had an air about him. But from the perspective of his mother, we see how delusional an fragile he is. He's incredibly traumatized -- which is really sad -- but also even if his mother were to reveal that he wasn't of godly birth; he doesn't respect her enough to actually believe her. It's incredibly wild to me to see his gradual downfall as he consistently treats everyone he meets like a lesser person -- especially the women of his life. He's just a demanding, irritable, delusional young man who refuses to take accountability. That is evident as well in his consistent lies and boastful stories he tells of his horrible escapades.

I really wish I could adequately share how much I loved Andromeda's parts of the book. Her defiance and resilience were not only inspiring, but also incredibly depressing. Because why do women have to be the one who have to endure? It makes me so angry.

I genuinely wish Medusa's portion of the book had been longer, but only because I needed more of Heywood's version of the Gorgons. I also wish her budding adoration for Perseus was better developed. I really didn't understand her almost instant interest in him. I understand that she was longing for a relationship she could never have, but she was blatantly ignoring the red flags she had pointed out herself.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved how she utilized ancient geography and expanded upon a more realistic version of what traveling and trading would mean to the Greeks. As ancient conqueror's it makes so much sense to see them venturing toward more areas of the world around them. I also love how human every single character was. The book was incredibly well done and I'm just thrilled that I could read it early.

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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{Review} Girls Weekend (Girls Weekend #1) by C.M. Nascosta

 

Page count: 180

Publisher: Meduas Editoriale

Published on: February 4, 2021

Genres: adult cozy monster fantasy romance

Format: eBook (personally purchased)

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 5/5 ✨

Spice: 4/5 🌶️

- shifts POVs between the 3 FMCs

- vacation romance to a nudist community

- short & spicy

- orcs & elves

Synopsis:

A weekend with friends, fun in the sun, and huge, naked orcs. What could be better?

That’s what three suburban elves think when they book a trip to an orc nudist resort, well known for its libidinous residents and hedonistic parties. Ris, Lurielle, and Silva arrive with plans to sample the DTF locals and work on their tans, not catch feelings.

When Lurielle meets a syrupy-voiced gentleman who seems interested in more than just a weekend fling, she finds sticking to the plan is easier said than done. From a public bathhouse to a back alley pub, the trip has unintended consequences on the lives of the three work friends and the orcs they meet.

Can a weekend of no-strings sex actually end in love?

Review:

[Check out my Instagram review here!]

This was just so much fun to read. I had the best time reading these elf girls’ stories and I can’t wait to dive into Parties once I get through my ARCs.

I really love how each girl had their part of the story and how their experiences throughout their vacations helped them become better versions of themselves. I also just really loved the MMCs too. They were so dreamy and I am so eager to get to know them better in Parties.

Nascosta’s writing style is so addicting and the romance storylines they create are just too fun. If you’re looking for spicy low-stakes fantasy, this is for you. Even if this wasn’t monster romance, I think Nascosta would be known for their excellent storytelling and style. The romances are the perfect blend of soft & sweet and spicy & hotttt.

I cannot wait to keep making my way through CM Nascosta’s work this year. I read Morning Glory & Mabon Fest last year and really had a good time, so I know I’m going to just have the best time this year.

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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{Review} Cruel Deception (Kozlov Empire #2) by Monica Kayne

Page count: 307

Publisher: Monica Kayne

Published on: February 9, 2023

Genres: adult mafia romance, dark romance

Format: ebook from The Smuthood and the author

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 1.75/5 ✨

Spice: 1/5 rating 2/5 🌶️

CW: bullying, harassment, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, gun violence, blood, murder, stalking, toxic masculinity and misogyny, and confinement

- T R O P E S -

• arranged marriage

• enemies to lovers

• mafia romance

Synopsis:

He won me in a game of poker. Now I'm betting everything on him.

Daniil Kozlov is the worst kind of monster. Sinfully gorgeous , wrapped in Hugo Boss and tattoos, underneath the surface he's a snake hiding behind a veneer of easy charm .

We come from the same underworld but couldn't be more different. He's second in line to the Kozlov Bratva, a powerful player in New York's Russian mafia . I'm the niece of a Colombian cartel boss, desperate for a way out.

But after a game of high-stakes poker , I become his property.

His to use in any way he pleases.

His wife.

He seduces my body with his filthy words and dark promises , but he'll never capture my heart.

What my new husband doesn't know is that the only thing I care about is getting revenge on my family's killer. And I'll take down anyone in my path. Even him.

The Kozlov Empire is a series of interconnected standalone books about the sexy, morally gray Kozlov brothers. The books don't need to be read in order, but it's way more fun if you do! This series has no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Review:

✨ Thank you @thesmuthood for the eARC & making me a part of the tour for the initial release. ✨

Unfortunately, I really don’t think dark mafia romance is for me. I really had a hard time pushing myself to finish this one. I honestly should have DNF’d, but I really wanted to give it an honest try.

I know that this book is beloved by its readers so far, so please just keep in mind that this concept was just not my cup of tea.

Unfortunately, this just fell flat for me. The writing style wasn’t my favorite —especially the dialogue. Overall, this felt really two dimensional and unrealistic. Now, I know that I’m supposed to suspend my disbelief when it comes to these kinds of books. That, I can do! But this was just not good for me. The characters had minimal chemistry, their relationship was really unrealistic and their sexual encounters were just really unrealistic. Their chemistry was just nonexistent and I just couldn’t get behind any of their loving encounters. It felt too forced.

When it comes to the plot, it had a decent premise, but it was just too over the top for me. I just didn’t have a great time reading this book.

I hate to be so negative because I know this book is someone’s total jam, but it wasn’t for me. I could definitely see how much the author loves to write and how in love with dark romance she is. I wish I had liked this more, but I was just a no from me.

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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{Review} How I Met Your Moth-er by Miranda Sapphire

 

Page count: 88

Publisher: Miranda Sapphire

Published on: February 23, 2023

Genres: adult paranormal romance, cozy fantasy, monster romance

Format: eARC (provided by author for an honest review) 

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 5/5 ✨

Spice: 3/5 🌶️

✨T R O P E S✨

- MM romance

- moth man x human

- trans MMC (FANTASTIC REP TOO!)

- found family

- one bed!

- both MCs are literal cinnamon rolls

- hurt/comfort

Synopsis:

Elliot is just trying to keep it all together when a creature of legend crash-lands in front of him one stormy night. Though he’s huge and intimidating, Elliot has to admit that his unexpected guest is also sweet and kind—but can he trust him?

Can Elliot let himself…want him?

Content Warnings: graphic sex scenes, mention of transphobia and homophobia (not shown), mention of drug abuse and minor confrontation with an intoxicated person, estranged birth family, death of a family member (not shown), some depictions of anxiety and depression (mild).

Review:

I had the joy of beta/sensitivity reading this lovely monster romance novella and I had an absolute blast. This is probably one of the best monster romances I’ve read in a while and I just need to push this into more peoples’ hands. Please read this!

This was one of the sweetest monster romances I’ve read yet. Not only is Elliot a total sweetie, but Bis! What a dream boat of a mothman! His genuine care for Elliot was just delightful. I love how the two communicated and I loved being in Bis’s head as his feelings for Elliot grew. His adoration for Elliot was absolutely adorable from the get-go, but the genuine care that he had to understand how he was feeling and processing everything? That was just A++. Bis is the blueprint for healthy novella length monster romance monster leads.

If you’re looking for a queer monster romance, you need to check this one out. I’m so obsessed and I’ll be gifting my friends copies and pushing them to read it ASAP. Consider yourself lovingly pushed. Just read it!

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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{Reading Wrap Up} February 2023

I managed to read 18 books in February 🥵 I’m not quite sure how I managed it, but the proof is in the list!

Take a look at my Instagram to have a more timely updates on what I'm reading and what's going with my life. Y'know if that is of any interest to you. 

- Girls Weekend by CM Nascosta - 5/5 ✨

- The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, & the Horse by Charles Mackesy - 5/5 ✨

- Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen - 5/5 stars

- Garlic and the Witch by Bree Paulsen - 4.5/5 ✨

- Daughters of Ys by MT Anderson - 3/5 ✨

- Tensei Shitsra Maou-Sama Ni Dekiai Saremashita vol 1 - 3/5 ✨

- Quiet Girl in a Noisy World by Debbie Tung - 3/5 ✨

- The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood - 4/5 ✨

- Fluffy Love Season 1 by PapaDamn - 3/5 ✨

- Cruel Deception by Monica Kayne - 2/5 ✨

- Radiant Sin by Katee Robert - 4.75/5 ✨

- How I Met Your Moth-er by Miranda Sapphire -  5/5 ✨

- The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan - 5/5 ✨

- Muscles and Monsters by Ashley Bennett 4/5 ✨

- Ariadne by Jennifer Saint - 4/5 ✨

- Stupid Cupid by Maeve Black - 3/5 stars

- Forbidden by Emilia Emerson 3/5 ✨

- Written by Kathryn Moon 3.75/5✨

I know I've managed to post this late, but I have a new job! Woot! I've been spending March getting used to a new schedule, juggling my classes, and attempting to stay healthy and mentally sane. 

What have you been reading?

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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{Review} Hot Button Issue (Roller Derby Witches #1) by Catrina Bell

 

Page count: 175

Publisher: Catrina Bell

Published on: March 20, 2023

Genres: adult paranormal romance, cozy fantasy

Format: eARC (provided by author for an honest review) 

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 4/5 ✨

Spice: 2/5 🌶️

• T R O P E S •

- shifter x witch

- MF romance

- found family

CW: pro-choice theme, microaggressions, parental pressure, allergy skin reaction, police violence, sexual content, swearing and vulgar language, pregnancy (epilogue)

Synopsis:

After a surprising, new law passes restricting reproductive rights, a roller derby witch and the shifter she has a crush on must work together to plan a last minute protest.

Good Blanca is a high-profile lawyer with a brilliant legal mind. She's everything her parents hoped she would be - impressive and successful. Bad Blanca is a beautiful mess. She dresses in fishnet tights, flirts with sexy werewolves, and just made the Hel Stars roller derby team. Oh, and she’s secretly a witch.

Thorin is her opposite in every way. The happy-go-lucky flirt struggles with supernatural aggression he can’t quite control. His attraction to Blanca makes things even more complicated.

When Blanca’s powerful client, a state senator, proposes new legislation restricting reproductive rights, the line separating the good and bad in her life becomes blurry. Derby is chaos, and soon everything goes off the rails. How far will she go to defend her values and the people she loves?

~ ~ ~

Review:

[ Check out my original review on Instagram here!]

Hot Button Issue is an adorably romantic and feel-good novella about a 30 year old lawyer (who is secretly a witch) who discovers all the research and work she's done to help pass progressive legislation was used to strip the rights of the women of her community.

This novella was an absolute treat to read. Thank you @catrinabell for accepting me onto your ARC team!

I absolutely adored Blanca and Thorin and their journeys to loving themselves and being the people they want to be.

I really loved the magical elements of Blanca's witchy identity and the passion she had for making her community the best place it could be. I also loved her passion for roller derby and her team. The way she thought about her friends was just lovely and I especially loved how she interacted with Thorin.

Thorin is just the sweetest shifter I've ever read about. His compassion and desire to do what is right for all is just lovely to read about. He honestly reminded me a lot of my husband in the ways he interacted with his friends. Well, he's not as flirty as Thorin, but he's flirty with me. 😉. Thorin is the kind of teddy bear/cinnamon roll character I always love. I love how the sweeter and spicier elements of his personality were executed. He's just SO LOVELY. (That's the word that sums up this book, I think.) I also really loved how Bell established how shifters come to be in this world. It was a really fresh take and I can’t wait to read more about this world.

If you love sweet paranormal stories with a progressive plot line, this one is for you. I'm so thankful I got to read this story to help promote it because it was just a delightful reading experience. I really cannot recommend it enough. 

To my left-leaning babes, this one is for you! ✨

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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Forbidden (Luna & Sol Omegaverse #1) by Emilia Emerson

Page count: 557

Publisher: Emilia Emerson

Published on: March 1, 2023

Genres: adult romance, paranormal, dark romance

Format: eARC in exchange for an honest review

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 3/5 ✨

Spice: 2/5 🌶️

• T R O P E S •

- omegaverse

- MMMF romance

- found family

- “touch her and you die”

- hurt/comfort

- fated mates

CW: mentions of past sexual abuse, emotional neglect, brief thoughts of suicide, parental abuse, fatphobia, depression, low self esteem, PTSD, disordered eating

Synopsis:

What if everything forbidden to me — freedom, love, pleasure — could be mine?

Would I be brave enough to take it?

Five years ago, Josie Porter’s life was about to begin: she was going to escape her abusive family, move in with her best friend, and start college. Now, scarred from years of government torture in the Designation Academy, her dreams are long gone. Her only goal now is survival.

With the Designation Government out to pair every omega with often brutal alpha packs, Josie has to turn to black-market suppressants to disguise her biology. But when the supply runs out, Josie can no longer run from her designation.

Cam, Ben, and Theo Ashwood had given up on their dream to find an omega, refusing to participate in the government’s oppressive policies. But when the underground anti-government Alliance asks them to help an omega in need, they can’t say no. They never expected to meet her — their fated mate.

Suddenly surrounded by alphas desperate to tend to her every need, Josie finds herself feeling things she only dreamed of as a child — love, trust…hope.

But even the protection of her fiercely loyal pack can’t stand against those determined to tear them apart.

Review:

This book had all of the potential, but I really wish a few things had been tweaked to make it the best it could be. Going into Forbidden, I really enjoyed Josie and her pack. However, as the story continued, the plot became repetitive and Josie’s constant negativity toward herself was lowkey exhausting.

When it came to the romance, I really enjoyed it! I loved how Cam, Ben, and Theo really nurtured Josie and her spirit. This book had a beautiful message about self love and growing and healing after traumatic events. I was a big big fan of those elements. They were really well done.

Overall, this book was a lovely read. I wish some of the more repetitive bits had been cut to make the book a bit shorter (Who am I asking for a book to be shorter? Sometimes it’s truly needed! Swear!).

I’m definitely intrigued enough to read the sequel, but I’m wary of it being just as long and repetitive… 🤔

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

Liv the Book Nerd

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{Review} The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

Page count: 128

Publisher: Ebury Press

Published on: October 10. 2019

Genres: Children's graphic novel, philosophy, fiction, art

Format: physically borrowed from library

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 5/5 ✨ 

Synopsis:

Enter the world of Charlie's four unlikely friends, discover their story and their most important life lessons. The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse have been shared millions of times online - perhaps you've seen them? They've also been recreated by children in schools and hung on hospital walls. They sometimes even appear on lamp posts and on cafe and bookshop windows. Perhaps you saw the boy and mole on the Comic Relief T-shirt, Love Wins?

Here, you will find them together in this book of Charlie's most-loved drawings, adventuring into the Wild and exploring the thoughts and feelings that unite us all.

Review:

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

“Kind.”

This was just excellent. Absolutely excellent. 

This book was so emotional. I'm filled with so much relief and hope and love for the people around me. This book is a book of friendship and unconditional love. It's about finding your family -- not those that are bound by blood to love you, but it's about the people you meet along the way -- the people that love you for who you are in that moment and love you as you grow and change into the person you want to be. 

I loved this little book. I don't think anyone should go a day of their life not knowing about the lonely little boy, the sweet little mole, the fox who is wary to trust, and the horse who is healing in his own way. 

Thank you Brenna (@bookish.brenna) for encouraging me to read this! 

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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