{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} 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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{Review} Blood Moon by Jillian Graves

Page count: 113

Publisher: Jillian Graves

Published on: October 18, 2022

Genres: Adult monster romance, paranormal romacne

Format: ebook personally purchased

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 4/5 ✨ 

Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️

Tropes:

✨ plus sized witch with tattoos

✨ mind reading vampire

✨ rivals to lovers

✨ novella 

✨ grump FMC x smart ass MMC

✨ one night stand 👉🏻 💗

✨ vampire x witch

Synopsis:

Hazel has one thing on her mind when she arrives at her coven's supernatural mixer: find a big and hairy creature to make her forget all about her bar's latest troubles. The hottest club in Los Angeles may be stealing her customers, but for one night she wants to ditch her responsibilities and indulge her fantasies.

When relief unexpectedly arrives fur-free and with fangs, the witch gets more than she bargained for. An anonymous one-night stand becomes a whole lot more complicated when it's with a mind-reading vampire... especially when Vlad might be the one responsible for her nightlife nightmares.

Blood Moon is a Strange Moon novella taking place in the same universe as Titan: A Gargoyle Daddy Dom, and takes place between Book 1 and Book 2 in the Romancing His Stone series. Don’t be surprised if a gargoyle or other familiar characters make an appearance.

***Please note the Strange Moon Novella series is lighter in tone and plot than the Romancing His Stone series, but packs the same spicy punch.***

Review:

I’m back at it with another spicy monster lover romance! This time it’s the addicting novella by Jillian Graves, Blood Moon. 

This was all that I needed. I loved JG’s writing style, the characters, the tropes, the spice — it was so much fun. I honestly wish this had been longer and spicier, but that’s what I get for reading a novella. I even knew it was short when I went into it!

The only reason I didn’t give this 5 stars is because I felt like the story could have been slightly longer to convince me of the character’s chemistry. They were definitely great for each other, but I wasn’t fully convinced by the end of the book of their compatibility to lead them into a long term relationship. I’m just crossing my fingers and toes for more Vlad x Hazel content. I really did love them so much. 

Other than than wanting it to be longer, this novella was so addicting and fun to read. I really didn't want to put it down once I started it. If you’re a Twilight girly searching for more vamps to love, this monster romance is for you -- especially if you're searching for something quick and spicy.

[Check out my post on Instagram!]

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

Liv the Book Nerd

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{Review} How Not To Date A Demon by Lana Kole

 

Page count: 163

Publisher: Lana Kole

Published on: January 7, 2023

Genres: Adult fantasy romance, monster romance

Format: ebook personally purchased

Rating: 4/5 ✨

Spice Level: 2.5-3/5 🌶️

- monster romance

- both MCs are switches in the bedroom

- MMC has a tail and horns

- very romcom-y with wonderful spice

Synopsis: 

Did I swipe right on the wrong guy?

This is a question Maeve has no choice but to ask herself as her boyfriend’s sins pile up.

Besides the usual dirty socks on the floor, the dishes left sitting beside the sink, and having to clean up after him like his damned mother, now he’s brought home three solid black puppies. At the request of his boss, who’s been holding a promotion over his head since the beginning of their relationship.

So fine. She’ll watch the puppies. They are pretty cute, after all.

…If she can ignore the way they guard the bedroom door with glowing red eyes.

What’s not cute? Galen’s shirts appearing in the hamper with the same two tears along the shoulder blades, the late-night walks, and the weird chanting in the middle of the living room.

Determined to get to the bottom of her boyfriend’s sudden weirdness, Maeve concocts a plan, a series of tests to figure out what the hell Galen is exactly.

Vampire? Werewolf? Something from Hell itself?

She’s damned well going to find out, even if she has to use all the salt in the pantry.

~

Is Maeve right to lead her own investigation into her boyfriend’s weird antics? Get in on this silly adventure and learn How Not to Date a Demon.

~ ~ ~

R E V I E W:

This book was just incredibly fun. I really loved how the characters communicated their needs for their relationship and in the bedroom.

For a demon, Galen is the sweetest cinnamon roll. I wouldn’t have known he was a demon either, so Maeve’s confusion was just so valid to me. I loved how they came to terms with his monster status.

I think the reason I gave it 4 stars is because I wanted more from the world building. I’m not sure if I missed it at the beginning, but I had no idea that monsters had been reintroduced to the world at large in general. Knowing that monsters were becoming more accepted in society would have been really good to know. However, I really don’t know if that’s just something I missed. Once the rest of the books come out, you bet your booty I’ll be snagging all of them. I’m so invested. The world that the book ended with was so fascinating and the concept of hell that Lana Kole ended with is incredible. I want more!

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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{Review} Games With the Orc by Kathryn Moon

Page count: 271

Publisher: Kathryn Moon

Published on: December 27, 2022

Genres: Adult fantasy romance, monster romance, paranormal, erotica

Format: ebook and paperback personally purchased

[Purchase Here] 

This book is only $3.99 for Kindle, so if you're interested, I cannot recommend it enough!

Rating: 5/5 ✨

Spice: 5/5 🌶

CW: [see author website]

[Synopsis]

I know I know. This isn't the typical read that you'd find on my blog. But since diving into Katee Robert's backlist and recent releases, I'm absolutely loving paranormal, fantasy, and monster romances. If KR recommends it, I read it. And this book was phenomenal. If you like monster romance or if you've been loving Katee Roberts' books like I have. I cannot recommend this enough.

This book was honestly some of the best monster romance I’ve ever read. It was the perfect mixture of softness and sexy good times. This was probably one of the spiciest books I’ve ever read, but it also had the best established consent and aftercare that I’ve ever read.

I’ve gone and and forth about whether I think this needs more plot or not, but I think I’m thoroughly content with all that I read. I honestly would have loved this if it was longer, but only because I didn’t want this story to end. I loved meeting Sunny and Khell’ar. I didn’t think that orc romances would be something I liked, but if they’re like this, I want more. This was everything I could have wanted. I cannot wait for more books that follow the shenanigans of The Monster Smash Agency. I cannot wait to read more from Moon's backlist too. Her writing is just phenomenal.

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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{Review} Dear Monster Claus by Maeve Black

 

Page count: 164

Publisher: Maeve Black

Published on: December 13, 2022

Genres: Adult monster romance, holiday

Format: ebook personally purchased

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 4/5 ✨

Spice: 3.75/5 🌶️

[OG Instagram review]

S Y N O P S I S

Her entire life, Xo has brought others happiness and love, complete with endings tied in pretty little bows.

This year, she wants that for herself.

Love.

Romance.

A happy ending.

And there's a grumpy Santa who's more than willing to grant her this wish in exchange for finding his love for Christmas again.

Where there are candy canes, there are happily ever afters... and they're both about to find theirs.

This is a standalone holiday 40k word novella.

~ ~ ~

✨Stand-alone monster romance novella

✨ Draegyn x Cupid romance

✨ Very spicy and spice forward

I honestly went into this because:

1) it was recommended by some monster lover bookstagrammers that I love 

2) after looking it up on Goodreads, I saw that the MMC had some wild monster anatomy that sounded to hilarious and fun to pass on.

Xòchitl is a Cupid. Cupids bring love to humans and other creatures, but they’re forbidden from finding love and having relationships with others. Arson is a draegyn and is a part of the Santana line that brings Christmas cheer to the human world. Santana.. Santa.. see the connection? Unfortunately, Arson is just not feeling the Christmas cheer this year. He’s bored and just isn’t finding any joy in his job. But when he starts receiving letters from the sweet, Christmas loving Xo, he’s intrigued. Xo just wants to experience love and she thinks Santa can help her find that love.

        This book was unhinged in the best way. While their chemistry is hot hot hot, their attraction is a little Insta-lovey for me, I still really loved it. Xo and Arson are the sweetest kinds of monsters and their growing love for each other was just so nice to read about. Not to mention, their chemistry in the bedroom is just 🔥⚡️🔥

        This was everything I needed between my heavier reads. I decided to read this around 11:30 at night and read until 1am. I had to pick it back up when I woke up this morning and promptly finished it as fast as I could. I’m not one for holiday romances, but I honestly could be persuaded to read even more if they’re this cute.

        If you’re looking for a spicy read with wild monster anatomy, spice that will make your face flush as pink as Xo, and sweet sweet epilogues to give you the warm and fuzzies, this is for you. I cannot wait to push this onto @aerindaniels, @kj.the.nerd, and @moony_manga. 

😈😈😈

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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{Review} Mr. October by Bethany Weaver

 

Page count: 65

Publisher: Bethany Weaver

Published on: October 13, 2022 

Genres: Adult romance

Format: eARC from Bethany

Preorder NOW on Amazon! Only $2.99!

Tropes: best friends to lovers, small-town romance, Halloween romance Spice: 🌶.5/5 Rating: 4/5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Halloween has come early in this steamy, friends to lovers, teacher/teacher romance filled with secret pining, fun hijinks, and quirky small-town feels. Sabrina is no stranger to the Halloween pranks played around Grimsby, Indiana in the month of October. In fact, she is the recipient of nearly all of them. Usually, she would laugh it off and spend the rest of month looking over her shoulder anxiously awaiting the next scare. But not this year. She’s ready to fight prank with prank…starting with her best friend and Grimsby High’s favorite history teacher: Mr. October.

~ ~ ~

Hey, guys!

I had the pleasure of reading my friend, Bethany's, Halloween romance novella while I was down with COVID -- and I have to say that it was one of the highlights from those two weeks! Bethany and I graduated together from Indiana University and I had the pleasure of taking classes with her throughout my four years of undergrad. When she told me she was releasing a novella, I was ecstatic! Her work is so much fun to read and she writes romance like no other. Any snippets of her work that I got to consume while at IU was just absolutely phenomenal. She's so talented.

Needless to say, I'm biased toward her work. But that isn't going to stop me from hyping her up to the gods. I can't recommend her work enough. When her full-length books come out, prepare to be sick of me because she is THAT. GOOD.

I'm absolutely a sucker for any kind of romance, but I love a holiday centered read. I'm a huge fan of Halloween romance novellas. It's always such a great time. A fantastic mixture of cozy, spooky, and hilarious. Bethany didn't disappoint!

Mr. October is sixty-five pages of fun and swoony romance. It follows Sabrina and Adam who are best friends and coworkers at a school. I won't explain because it's sixty five pages! They fall in love and things get spicy. It's so much fun!

There are two reasons why this only got four stars, but they're selfish reasons:

1) I really wanted just a bit more. Just maybe five thousand more words tacked onto the fifteen thousand. Some of the plot points were a smidge too rushed or glossed over, but overall, it worked so so well. I'm just always grooving for more from Bethany.

2) I've read snippets of Bethany's upcoming work. It's just SO GOOD. Compared to the stories she is preparing for 2023, this story was just four stars for me. Those that are reading this review are going to go absolutely feral for Bethany's upcoming work. Preorder them! You won't be disappointed!

If you love cozy, fall themed romances, this is one to pick up. You'll love Mr. October and the easily frightened Sabrina and swoony Adam October. You need this novella in your life. Also! It comes out on my birthday! It's fate! Read this novella!

Follow Bethany!

Instagram/ Amazon

Weaver Literary Agency

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

Liv the Book Nerd

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