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bandherbooks's Reviews (3.65k)
So, I think I've personally come to the end with the Shadowhunters. I made it through this massive, 880 page brick and while I did read the whole thing and enjoyed some things, I general felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of characters and plot lines. The narrative was very choppy with only about a page to two pages spent in one spot before jumping to a different character POV in a different point in the story.
I applaud the inclusion of diverse characters, including a polyamorous relationship, but wished we could have spent more time with some of the characters and far less with others. Basically every character Clare has every created was present in this book at some point or another.
So, I read it and I'm sure the 'stans of this series will love it. I didn't and that is okay.
I applaud the inclusion of diverse characters, including a polyamorous relationship, but wished we could have spent more time with some of the characters and far less with others. Basically every character Clare has every created was present in this book at some point or another.
So, I read it and I'm sure the 'stans of this series will love it. I didn't and that is okay.
Let's get the fact I DETEST and HATE the title of this book out of the way, because I do. It is definitely shocking and made me look closer, so I get the intent, but I still hate it. And I definitely didn't expect the D in DILF to stand for "Doctor" but okay.
With that said, this was a fun, quick, and fun erotic romance with plenty of bangin', masturbation (mutual and solo), use of toys (mutual and solo), and a heroine who is ten years older than her love interest. All things I really like seeing in romance novels!
The story is engaging, I liked the banter, and overall it was a fun one-handed read *wink*
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC!
With that said, this was a fun, quick, and fun erotic romance with plenty of bangin', masturbation (mutual and solo), use of toys (mutual and solo), and a heroine who is ten years older than her love interest. All things I really like seeing in romance novels!
The story is engaging, I liked the banter, and overall it was a fun one-handed read *wink*
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC!
Alas, this is the only print copy of any of Sierra Simone's work in my library system (trying to remedy that) and it isn't my favorite trope, but I needed more after Sinner so I gave it a whirl.
Definitely hot, with a crotchety Professor who likes to play "Professor Spanky" but has been shamed by his last partner into thinking that it is bad. He has a wonderful one night stand with an American woman he stumbles upon in the London rain, not knowing she is his new research assistant until she shows up at his cottage the next day. She's totally into his kink, but he's not having it, until he does again. And again.
Nicely done to make the Professor/student thing hot and not gross (I was a teaching assistant at a University and this trope isn't usually for me), and consent is king in this story, with the Professor always reminding his love of her safeword and checking in throughout play.
That said, after Sinner this was just not emotionally what I wanted, but still a fun read.
Spoiler alert.
There is also a secret baby at the end, which also is not my favorite trope.
Definitely hot, with a crotchety Professor who likes to play "Professor Spanky" but has been shamed by his last partner into thinking that it is bad. He has a wonderful one night stand with an American woman he stumbles upon in the London rain, not knowing she is his new research assistant until she shows up at his cottage the next day. She's totally into his kink, but he's not having it, until he does again. And again.
Nicely done to make the Professor/student thing hot and not gross (I was a teaching assistant at a University and this trope isn't usually for me), and consent is king in this story, with the Professor always reminding his love of her safeword and checking in throughout play.
That said, after Sinner this was just not emotionally what I wanted, but still a fun read.
Spoiler alert.
There is also a secret baby at the end, which also is not my favorite trope.
Definitely don't pick up Deep Kiss of Winter unless you've already taken a deep dive into the Immortals After Dark series (like I have). This story focuses on the vampire warrior Murdoch Wroth of the Wroth brothers, and the timeline intersects with the other Wroth books in the series.
Murdoch is just fine without ever finding his bride, his fated mate. But of course, as soon as he's admitted this to himself, boom. He finds his mate. And oh what a mate she is.
Daniela is part Valkyrie and part Ice Fey, meaning she cannot be touched by any one BUT an Ice Fey, lest she be burned. She's beautiful, ancient, and longing for a man to fulfill the desires she's only read about in her erotic romance novels. Murdoch fits her every specification, minus the fact he's hungry for her blood and a mere touch of his lips can bring agonizing pain.
As they try to to live as lovers without actually touching they also have to contend with the fact Danii might also be the Queen of all the Ice Fey, and Vampires need not apply.
I enjoyed reading this, and found it very sexy, but also just didn't quite buy it when Murdoch actually "fell" in love but oh well. Still liked the edging, sexual tension with the "we can't touch." OH and there was definitely some fun times with an icicle. o.O
Murdoch is just fine without ever finding his bride, his fated mate. But of course, as soon as he's admitted this to himself, boom. He finds his mate. And oh what a mate she is.
Daniela is part Valkyrie and part Ice Fey, meaning she cannot be touched by any one BUT an Ice Fey, lest she be burned. She's beautiful, ancient, and longing for a man to fulfill the desires she's only read about in her erotic romance novels. Murdoch fits her every specification, minus the fact he's hungry for her blood and a mere touch of his lips can bring agonizing pain.
As they try to to live as lovers without actually touching they also have to contend with the fact Danii might also be the Queen of all the Ice Fey, and Vampires need not apply.
I enjoyed reading this, and found it very sexy, but also just didn't quite buy it when Murdoch actually "fell" in love but oh well. Still liked the edging, sexual tension with the "we can't touch." OH and there was definitely some fun times with an icicle. o.O
I read this! Why didn't I review it?! Love that the story features a male librarian who is as obsessed with romance novels as I am. That is hot.
Patrick, oldest of the Walshes, is hopelessly attracted to his new intern, the enchanting Andi Asani. Andi struggles to reconcile her desires of wanting Patrick's mentor-ship, a position at the Walsh architectural firm, and Patrick himself.
I adore this Walsh series, but so far this is probably my least favorite. The audio-narration is amazing and compelling and I loved the heat between Andi and Patrick, just I am struggling with workplace romances right now, especially ones that include the boss/employee power dynamic. Andi has everything to lose by sleeping with her boss so I understood her hesitation. And yet.
So, while this isn't my yum, I still enjoyed this story and this clan of siblings. The titles of these books are also so clever. Kate Canterbary is the real deal for me.
I adore this Walsh series, but so far this is probably my least favorite. The audio-narration is amazing and compelling and I loved the heat between Andi and Patrick, just I am struggling with workplace romances right now, especially ones that include the boss/employee power dynamic. Andi has everything to lose by sleeping with her boss so I understood her hesitation. And yet.
So, while this isn't my yum, I still enjoyed this story and this clan of siblings. The titles of these books are also so clever. Kate Canterbary is the real deal for me.
Lily, twice-widowed and only in her mid-twenties, longs to understand her desires and why she yearns for carnal pleasure. It is sinful and not becoming a lady, as her last husband informed her before freezing her out of the marriage bed. She records her fantasies in a diary, pondering her passions as she serves as a Lady's companion.
Her desires become reality after encountering a mysterious stranger in a hidden passageway during a ball and what she thinks will only be one night of passion, turns into so much more.
With delightfully naughty scenes including voyeurism, this is a fantastically smutty historical that also explores what it means to love someone not of your class.
My only quibble is hidden behind the spoiler:
Free copy received in exchange for a fair review.
Her desires become reality after encountering a mysterious stranger in a hidden passageway during a ball and what she thinks will only be one night of passion, turns into so much more.
With delightfully naughty scenes including voyeurism, this is a fantastically smutty historical that also explores what it means to love someone not of your class.
My only quibble is hidden behind the spoiler:
Spoiler
Lily is convinced she's barren as she's had two husbands and no children. Of course she and her Marquis end up pregnant with twins. I understand the importance of having the aristocracy having heirs, but I thought it would make for a bit more interesting of a twist if these two could have just lived HEA without children. But, still a great, fun story!Free copy received in exchange for a fair review.
Content warning for struggles with infertility, miscarriage.
I'm not a huge Sam and Tiel fan, and if any of the couples would have received an extended post-HEA novella I'd want it to be Will and Shannon (because they're my favs) or Nick and Erin (as second favs), but definitely still worth a listen.
Sam and Tiel get engaged and get married, then try to navigate their newly wed status while trying to get Tiel pregnant. Tiel isn't really happy as a professor and Sam is waiting for her to realize it for herself. Sam is worried he will be the reason why they won't have a baby. Tiel still struggles with her abandonment issues, and often accuses Sam of infidelity, which grew tiresome.
As alluded to in the content warning, Tiel eventually does get pregnant and heartbreakingly loses the baby before the first trimester is over.
Eventually all works out, and Sam and Tiel get their second HEA.
What worked best for me in this novella was FINALLY getting Sam and Shannon in a room together to discuss why they are mad at each other, and coming to terms with the fact they were best friends who are now in different places in their lives and not codependent on each other. They are emotionally and mentally healthier and love each other and no longer will hold onto the hurt they both had over feeling left out.
I also adored the scene where Riley, Will, Sam, Matt, and Patrick go to rescue Magnolia's dog Gronk. Will is so hot.
I'm not a huge Sam and Tiel fan, and if any of the couples would have received an extended post-HEA novella I'd want it to be Will and Shannon (because they're my favs) or Nick and Erin (as second favs), but definitely still worth a listen.
Sam and Tiel get engaged and get married, then try to navigate their newly wed status while trying to get Tiel pregnant. Tiel isn't really happy as a professor and Sam is waiting for her to realize it for herself. Sam is worried he will be the reason why they won't have a baby. Tiel still struggles with her abandonment issues, and often accuses Sam of infidelity, which grew tiresome.
As alluded to in the content warning, Tiel eventually does get pregnant and heartbreakingly loses the baby before the first trimester is over.
Eventually all works out, and Sam and Tiel get their second HEA.
What worked best for me in this novella was FINALLY getting Sam and Shannon in a room together to discuss why they are mad at each other, and coming to terms with the fact they were best friends who are now in different places in their lives and not codependent on each other. They are emotionally and mentally healthier and love each other and no longer will hold onto the hurt they both had over feeling left out.
I also adored the scene where Riley, Will, Sam, Matt, and Patrick go to rescue Magnolia's dog Gronk. Will is so hot.
Move over Naomi and Conrad, I have a new favorite IAD book! Sabine, immortal Sorceress of Illusions and Rydstrom, dethroned King of the Rage Demons are hot as hell and I loved every minute of this angsty, bananas, and fun romance.
Taking place concurrently with Rydstrom's brother Cadeon and Holly's story in [b:Dark Desires After Dusk|2003625|Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, #6)|Kresley Cole|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327887013s/2003625.jpg|2007518], we pick up a bit before Sabine kidnaps Rydstrom and see the aftermath.
Sabine is so badass. She's a technical "virgin" but by choice and by troth because if she remains virgin no one can rape her or use her sexually without her permission, which keeps her safe from her perverted and evil half-brother, the sorcerer Omort and current ruler of Rothkalina. She wants to finally give it up to Rydstrom as she wants to be in control of his heir, the true heir to the throne of Rothkalina. She's a temptress, but a bit of an experienced one.
This book reminded me of a historical I found hidden under my mother's bed back in the day. Has anyone else read Johanna Lindsay's [b:Prisoner of My Desire|774060|Prisoner of My Desire|Johanna Lindsey|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348501614s/774060.jpg|1299871]? It has a similar plot line where the female heroine traps a "stud" male in her room to force him to impregnate her, but then is flipped when he is able to do the same to her in revenge. Felt reminiscent in a fun way of a totally bananas book I read way too young.
I'm loving reading these stories along with the Immortals After Dark podcast, Fated Mates!
Taking place concurrently with Rydstrom's brother Cadeon and Holly's story in [b:Dark Desires After Dusk|2003625|Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, #6)|Kresley Cole|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327887013s/2003625.jpg|2007518], we pick up a bit before Sabine kidnaps Rydstrom and see the aftermath.
Sabine is so badass. She's a technical "virgin" but by choice and by troth because if she remains virgin no one can rape her or use her sexually without her permission, which keeps her safe from her perverted and evil half-brother, the sorcerer Omort and current ruler of Rothkalina. She wants to finally give it up to Rydstrom as she wants to be in control of his heir, the true heir to the throne of Rothkalina. She's a temptress, but a bit of an experienced one.
This book reminded me of a historical I found hidden under my mother's bed back in the day. Has anyone else read Johanna Lindsay's [b:Prisoner of My Desire|774060|Prisoner of My Desire|Johanna Lindsey|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348501614s/774060.jpg|1299871]? It has a similar plot line where the female heroine traps a "stud" male in her room to force him to impregnate her, but then is flipped when he is able to do the same to her in revenge. Felt reminiscent in a fun way of a totally bananas book I read way too young.
I'm loving reading these stories along with the Immortals After Dark podcast, Fated Mates!