Pre-release thoughts: sooo excited to read bonus scenes of some of my favorite characters! Love books for a good cause and so proud of these authors for contributing their time, characters, stories, and art to this anthology!

Danielle L. Jensen has been one of my favorite authors, and one I recommend regularly, since I read Dark Shores many years ago. Having fallen in love with her characters, their arcs and chemistry, and the plots inspired by fantastical worlds, I couldn’t wait to see what new world Jensen had weaved for us this time. 

This story sucked me into its depths so quickly I ended up reading 246 pages in one sitting before taking my first break. Truth be told I only stopped because the words blurred on the page and my eyes were closing of their own accord. If my body had possessed the strength I would have gladly devoured this book in one sitting.

From the moment we meet our main character we are swept up in ever changing and perilous situations. What I loved most about the pacing of this novel was that I never once felt bored, or like the characters were being unceremoniously beaten down at every turn. There was a satisfying mix of peril, recovery, witty banter, yearning, self reflection, and exploration of the world.

It was relatively easy early on to decipher the lies characters told from the truth. However I did struggle to discover exactly what some of those truths were up until the last few pages. I was really pleased to see that my instincts had been correct, but even I had missed some of the hints that might have been breadcrumbed throughout the story. As soon as I read the last line I was dying to go back and reread this story to see just how much I had missed in my anxious fervor to inhale every sentence.

To me this story reads like a slow burn, especially now that I’ve been indoctrinated into the world of dark romance. I loved all the lingering touches, stolen glances, innuendos, and constantly questioning what the other character felt. The build up and tension between these two characters was equally hot and sweet, while they struggled to keep their attraction a secret. The lurking sense that their love was forbidden made their stolen moments together even more magical.

There were a lot of wonderful uses of magical, mythical elements that I’m not entirely familiar with. I believe the story is Norse inspired, and loved getting a glimpse into Jensen’s interpretation of those gods, goddesses, and the influence they held over their people. The viking spirit was strong within these characters as they bravely battled their way chapter by chapter to their fate.

While our main male character was protective and [redacted for spoilers], our female main character is undergoing some major changes. It seems now that she’s awoken her magic the more she uses it the less autonomy and control she wields over herself. I cannot wait to see how her story plays out in the rest of the series, as we the readers try to suss out new lies from new truths while we are introduced to a new cast of characters. Once again Jensen has left me wanting more, and I can’t wait to read whatever comes next.

This might be the best book I read all year. There is no way for me to write an unbiased review at this point. I loved everything about this book: the story, the characters, the pacing, the romance, the writing. Prepare for this book to become my personality for the foreseeable future.

Our story begins with two sisters, and about fifty pages of world building. The world building wasn’t info dumpy, or frustrating to get through, but I did really struggle to remember names of people, places, things, and figure out who was on the good side or bad side politically. As I kept reading my understanding of my surroundings solidified and I was quickly able to let the story consume me.

In this world the elite have learned, and hidden the information on, how to cage gods (aka dragons) inside their human flesh bags. I honestly couldn’t think of a nicer way to phrase that, and I’m sure the dragons would agree with the sentiment. We learn early on that our two main characters are commoners who also happen to secretly have gods caged inside of them as well.

The book begins with POV’s for each sister, but as more characters are introduced our POV chapters begin to expand. By the middle of the novel our POV’s include about five different characters. We’re first introduced to these characters from the viewpoint of the two sisters, with enough introductions and time spent with these characters that when they are given their own chapters, we the reader are comfortable identifying them.

Each character felt so distinct. Their voice, purpose, and personality soaked through the pages. Even the villain, who was easy to hate, was humanized with reminders of their innocence before they began committing atrocities and murdering innocent citizens in droves.

Both love stories, including a sapphic pairing, were taut with forbidden longing. Each sister held back their true feelings to protect one another, knowing these secrets would unravel their tenuous relationships with their would-be partners. These torturous meetings full of flirtations and angst left me weeping towards the end of the novel. The declarations of devotion and love were breathtaking to read, and had me rooting for our characters' infinite happiness.

If you thought everything so far was great, the final selling point for this novel was how deftly it handled chronic illness and disability. It took me until the last 25% of the book to even realize what I was reading, because the character’s daily struggles were a mirror to my own. I didn’t realize they were chronically ill or disabled because it felt like I was simply reading about myself. They were just another character in the mix going about their daily life. Their story fit so seamlessly that it shocked me when I finally made the connection that oh, this is representation. This is what it feels like to see yourself on the page for the first time. Cue the waterworks.

I’m not sure if this is the first in a series. The ending could imply a standalone, but it was left open just enough that I could see a potential additional story in this world and with these characters. As it stands now it is a happily ever after with a minor cliff hanger. I’m not sure what else I have to do or say to convince you to read this. Here are some keywords to help you decide: sapphic, forbidden romance, political uprising, dragons, powerful magic, survival, cruel childhood, medicinal greenhouse, portals, overthrowing the corrupt governing class, disability rep.

I went into this novel knowing there were many mixed opinions from reviewers and readers alike. This book seems to have gone viral, judging by the fact that I had to wait almost a month on hold and when I did finally get a copy my library gave me a very strict two-week-only check out period. Not that I needed it considering I finished the book in two days, but I digress. I was excited to find out which side of the fence I’d be on: the side who loved this paranormal romance, or the side who loathed it.

This story takes place in a relatively urban setting, which is pretty par for the course with paranormal, vampire or wolf shifter, romances. We learn that this world is separated into three factions: humans, werewolves, and vampires. Tensions are high, and casualties from skirmishes seem to be relatively stable for the time being (thanks to a system put in place where one person from each faction is sent into enemy territory in an effort to keep the peace).

That’s how we meet our FMC. As a child she was sent into human territory, and now as an adult she’s being married off to a Were, while she herself is a vampire. Due to her upbringing she’s never really fit in with her kind. She didn’t grow up as a vampire, but she was simultaneously outcast by humans. Now she’s being sent to live among Were’s, and her newly wedded Were husband.

I’ve heard other reviewers talk about Ali Hazelwood’s writing and characterizations, alluding to their quirkier qualities that have about a fifty fifty chance of working for the reader. I thought our FMC’s quirks, banter, and inner monologues were fun and easy to follow along in this book. This kind of light, quick, back and forth between characters had me smiling through most of the story, and helped me settle into our main character’s overall vibe.

There are many aspects to this romance that make it feel forbidden. The biggest and most obvious being that he’s a were and she’s a vampire (“he was a boy, she was a girl, can I make it any more obvious” - Avril Lavigne), and the runner up being the selective discussions about mates. I won’t go into too much detail on the latter for the risk of spoilers, but overall the sense of we-shouldn’t-be-doing-this was a strong selling point for their romantic suspense.

If you’ve been a patron of my reviews for any number of years you might have noticed that I tend to review a handful of shifter romances every year. It’s one of my favorite genres, and I use them as palate cleansers when I need something that feels like home. Shifter romances have held my heart since I was a teenager watching Teen Wolf and writing word salad fanfiction for the show. Bride reads like baby’s first shifter romance, and I honestly love that a new generation of readers (no matter their age - although hopefully age appropriate for the level of smut in this book) will get a glimpse into paranormal/shifter romances and want to explore the genre further.

I can see why this aspect would be a turn off to many readers and reviewers who are more experienced in this genre if they were expecting a more developed shifter romance. This novel holds your hand as it walks you through what it means to be a werewolf, what it means to have a mate, and what it means to experience knotting. It’s truly an introductory course that sets the stage for what’s to come when you advance deeper into the lexicon.

If you’re a seasoned paranormal romance reader this book might feel too juvenile for you. Aside from the few spicy scenes this reads like a Young Adult novel most of the time. As a seasoned paranormal romance reader myself I did enjoy the experience of stepping back into the foundations of shifter romances. I genuinely enjoyed watching these characters orbit one another, and solving a mystery together, through the course of this novel. My hope is that this book will be a gateway drug for more readers to explore paranormal/shifter romances, and to discover a genre that has held my own heart captive for well over two decades. Buckle up though, because this is just the beginning.

Y’all. I have no idea how to rate this book or start this review. I ranted a bit on Tiktok in a video I haven’t posted yet, in the hopes that someone will come into the comments and help me understand how I’m feeling.

Another creator on TikTok made a video recommending this series. She sold me by saying the MMC cooks food for the FMC because she doesn’t take care of herself or know how to cook. That is so freaking adorable and an absolute dream come true for me personally. I’ve also been reading so many strictly fantasy novels for the past two months that I needed to get some romance back in the mix. I checked my library and they had an audiobook available, so I checked it out and listened to the entire thing in one day.

Beyond this point there will be spoilers, because I just need to voice complaints, and confusion, about what I read. Read on with caution.

In the very first chapter our MMC saves our FMC and in return he demands a sexual favor. To be totally honest at this point I had no idea if this was a fantasy dark romance or not, so I was waiting to see if he had special powers or something.

So. Yeah. He won’t let her leave, and he threatens to kill her if she doesn’t follow his commands. Are we all on the same page? That’s assault right? Obviously when it comes to dark romance there are a lot of things we the reader let slide, but even in other dark romances I’ve read consent (or even consensual non consent) has been a topic between the characters, and something understood by those reading.

This did not give CNC vibes. Maybe it did as the story progressed…but that initial meeting was assault. Our FMC let’s our MMC know she feels that way too as he begins to pursue her in the next few chapters. She fights him verbally and physically every step of the way, until she begins to fall for him. She questions her positive reactions to him, noting how messed up it is to be having these feelings after what happened, which I guess is a redeeming quality for the book but the bar is in hell (that's a tad dramatic, but I didn't know where else to place the bar).

The novel is written in multi POV, focusing on our MMC and FMC, but including additional characters towards the end. We learn from the MMC POV chapters that he knows he’s messed up (and that’s putting it lightly). He admits to being a serial killer in the making, with all the telltale signs from early childhood that his parents and brother have had to deal with. Again, I found this to be a redeeming quality that although he is an absolute psychopath (possibly sociopath or some other personality disorder; I’m not a psychologist so I don’t know the best term) he acknowledges his violent tendencies and his threat to society.

Readers come to the genre of dark romance for plenty of reasons. Taboo fantasies are a cornerstone to this genre. I understand the desire to be with a guy who on paper is dangerous. A guy who pushes you past your boundaries and limits in a way that you crave deep down. I think the sticking point for me in this novel was the initial meeting that resulted in blatant SA.

It also bothered me that our MMC was contradictory in how he reacted. He tells our FMC in the beginning that there is no ‘no’, that he can take what he wants when he wants it. But towards the end of the book he changes his tune and says he knew she actually wanted him that first night, and that’s the only reason he pushed her. Um? Pick a lane. Either there is no ‘no’, or you already had her consent (including consent for CNC).

Without that aspect I could see myself really, thoroughly enjoying this story. An artist falling in love with a potential mafia serial killer? Her seeing him for the killer he is and not shying away but staying by his side? I loved the psychological side of the story, but there was a lot that got in the way of this being a win overall. There was a lot of repetition with words or phrases. There was little to no plot, and almost no stakes, which was bizarre when one character literally wants to kill people for fun. I don’t know how I feel about this book. I don’t know if I should give another one from this author a shot. I just don’t know, and my head hurts, so I’m not going to put any more effort into this review. I’m just going to post it and try to move on to the next.

I was minding my business, scrolling the Instagram explore page (as one does) when I came across art of a woman and three men sleeping peacefully in a cozy bed. There were piles of pillows, an assortment of plants along the edges of the image, and my interest was instantly piqued. I realized the person who posted the art was an author, and that these must be her characters. I had unknowingly stumbled upon a new-to-me omegaverse, the very thing I’d been craving since finishing Bride by Ali Hazelwood.

The first book in this series is part of a duology, where we meet a female Omega who was sold by her family as a teenager into a dangerous pack of Alphas. These alphas were part of an illegal crime ring, and were extremely abusive to our FMC. Through the first few chapters we get a glimpse into her daily life and the abuse she had to endure at the hands (and rope, and teeth) of these dangerous men. We also witnessed her many failed attempts to escape, as well as her final successful attempt.

While this is not a shifter romance, meaning our characters do not at any point become wolves, it still has all your favorite omegaverse tropes. Pheromones, bonds, bites, knots, and other pack dynamics are littered throughout this novel and satiated my need for stories that feel like home. Our characters are also POC who share many aspects of their different cultures throughout scenes in the kitchen and in sharing stories about their upbringings.

As our FMC finds and builds her new pack we get to meet so many new characters. Some relationships blossom immediately. The mutual attraction and trust is indescribable, while others linger and cultivate into a slower burn. The will-they-won’t-they carries through the first novel into the second, leaving readers (aka me) chasing the high of this pack and their ever changing dynamics.

If you’re a fan of reverse harem, mild bdsm elements, or poly dynamics you’re going to have a great time with this one. There were so many different partner units within this pack, and we got a special peek inside each one. Learning more and more about personalities, hierarchy, and what makes each character tick was definitely a highlight of this story.

This novel is cozy, healing, and spicy once our FMC escaped her original alpha pack. Page after page of lust, need, and love was the foundation for a slice of life setting. Our FMC is back in college, an artist, and determined to make her own way in the world. She never wants to be dependent on men again, and wants to have resources to stand on her own feet should the need ever arise again.

Her new packmates are obscenely wealthy, and also completely respectful of her ambitions. They all challenge her in different ways, while supporting her goals and desires for herself. For each one of them, her needs always come first, and they use their own personal strengths to help her overcome (and come to terms with) her past.

If you’re new to omegaverse this might feel like diving into the deep end. This book is probably 60-70% smut and spice, while the rest is a mixture of cozy and healing. If you’re an avid omegaverse reader, and looking for something that isn’t too dark or heavy, I think this book could provide space for a peaceful reading experience. I was able to sit with these characters and get lost in their story. I could leave all my anxious, depressed thoughts about the real world behind and immerse myself into the safety and security of their nest.

I’m officially an Eliana Lee stan, and cannot wait for the day I can get not just physical copies of these books, but all the artwork she has available on her website. I’m her reader for life.

I enjoyed the first one more, but this had some interesting alien technology. Another quick, lunch break alien romance read.

Official Review From Blog

This is the second novella in this series, following another sister and her alien counterpart.

This book delved deeper into alien technologies, culture, and way of life. While I did like the banter and chemistry between characters (and some of the side characters) I just couldn’t get invested into this story.

I do think alien romances will be a fun subcategory to explore further, but I might not continue with this specific author. I’m glad I gave their work a try.

Merged review:

I enjoyed the first one more, but this had some interesting alien technology. Another quick, lunch break alien romance read.

Official Review From Blog

This is the second novella in this series, following another sister and her alien counterpart.

This book delved deeper into alien technologies, culture, and way of life. While I did like the banter and chemistry between characters (and some of the side characters) I just couldn’t get invested into this story.

I do think alien romances will be a fun subcategory to explore further, but I might not continue with this specific author. I’m glad I gave their work a try.

I couldn’t resist diving into Eliana Lee’s third omegaverse novel aftering finishing The Scent of Us Part One & Part Two. This third novel featured a brand new pack with characters who carried over from the original duology.

Both the omega and one of her alphas were two prominent characters in the duology, meaning we had some familiarity with them as this third standalone novel began. This novel shifts from different POVs from all the pack mates giving us great insights into their personal lives, and struggles, outside of the pack.

This story deals with the death of a partner, religious trauma, sick/aging family members, and abusive relationships. That sentence alone feels overwhelming and oppressive, but the characters banter and the story itself is one of comfort and hope. While there are many tough themes throughout this story it never felt dark or constricting. We watch each character come to terms with their individual struggles, and learn to lean on one another so that they no longer face those tough challenges alone.

Another thing I loved about this book was how sex positive it was. While most omegaverse novels in my experience are inherently sex positive, this novel featured two characters who were sex workers. We got a peak into their routine and the reality of being a sex worker. I thought this shed a very realistic and positive light on their jobs, and appreciated how the other characters responded to this information once it was brought to light.

Similarly to the duology that pack dynamics were once again incredible to read. There was spice, smut, but also tender, healing, and comforting moments. Everything a healthy dynamic should display and cultivate was included in this pack. I’m so happy I discovered this author and her characters, and through them was able to reignite my love for omegaverse. This genre is just what I need when I’ve been dealing with a lot personally, physically, and mentally. I need the comfort of these packs just as much as the characters do, and it truly has been a cathartic reading experience.

I’m now two for two on enjoying omegaverse standalones over duologies, a thing I never thought I’d say. There’s something about getting the full story out in one book that keeps me flipping page after page with anticipation, enjoying all the highs and lows with the characters as they meet one another and begin their forever together.

In this story our omega is chronically ill. Her illness has been getting worse year after year, with medical professionals, and the alphas who were forced into guardianship after her aunt’s death, not believing her symptoms. After the death of her aunt and her only surviving family member, our omega begins to slowly open up to her friends about her symptoms, and one by one we meet her future pack.

Unlike some previous omegaverse stories I’ve read, this omega doesn’t find herself a pack of already bonded alphas and betas. Instead she meets these guys one at a time through various different circumstances. The tension and excitement of when she would bump into these men and wondering how their paths might cross was exhilarating. Getting to see so many firsts like their first time meeting her, their first time meeting each other, and leading up to their first spicy encounters together left me giggling and kicking my feet.

These guys come from very different walks of life, which is another element of the story I absolutely loved. Each alpha or beta has a unique quality that makes them a perfect match for our omega, who is truly a combination of all these men in her own right. I loved seeing her slowly open up and allow herself to be cared for.

So much of this novel is learning to trust, including our omega allowing herself the care she has been deprived of for her entire life. As someone with a chronic illness this was incredibly relatable and impactful, and something I hope I can find one day with a future partner.

There is a lot regarding the medical aspect of this book that readers could find triggering. I found myself getting antsy, unable to sit still, and short of breath when our omega had to go in for her first MRI. Despite having had over ten MRI’s myself I still felt the visceral sheer panic as our omega was loaded into the claustrophobic-EDM-clankity-clank machine.

This novel is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful. The added element of the tarot reading, with tarot cards separating sections of the book, was such a fun surprise that held a sense of rightness and reassurance I found incredibly unexpected as I was reading. I would love to have a physical copy of this novel to reread whenever I’m struggling with my own chronic issues (like right now, five months after a surgery that I’m still experiencing daily complications from). I just want to live in a world where I can find comfort and peace in another person, and share my deepest worries and fears with someone who will not judge me for them, but feel them as harshly and thoroughly as I do. Thank you to Emilia Emerson/Rossi for writing such a deeply personal story.