Tag: Book Review

Posted in Romance

Yule Know It When You See It

Posted on by Little Bee

By Carly Spade

Rating 4 out of 5 Stars

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Theodora is a romance writer with a monthly column in a magazine. She is teamed up with the new sports writer, Axel Nord, for a co-piece. Theo is rude to him when they first meet and from there they are kind of “frenemies.” As the story goes on, they have small moments where they start liking each other. Eventually, they both fully let themselves dive off the deep end, ultimately ending in a happily ever after.

This story is a holiday rom-com, standalone. While this story a lot of tension, of all kinds, between the two MCs, there is little to no spice until the last 15-20% of the book. It is listed as a slow burn, but it is almost nonexistent. The spicy scenes involved are not fade to black.

I did enjoy reading this book but only give it 4 stars. I liked how when Axel used a word in his language, the author also quickly gave the meaning as well. I enjoyed the Yule/Jul information. I had a hard time connecting with Theodora, but I am not really sure why. The story is well written, I will definitely explore more books by Carly Spade. The story was evenly paced. I loved all the holiday things occurring, from going to hockey games, ice skating, office party, etc. Overall, it is a cute, feel good story, and a perfect year end, holiday read!

Posted in Book Reviews

Cakewalk

Posted on by Little Bee

By Douglas Bell

Narrated by Orlando Alvarez

Book Rating: 4 stars

Narrator Rating: 3.5/4 stars

I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

As an incredibly quick summary, because depending on where you are reading this review, you may not be able to see what this story is about, I will give you a quick recap. This book follows Bryan, an African American who is divorced, has two children, VP of a large, multinational oil/gas company in Texas, and is also secretly dating a transgender woman. Bryan’s mother is very proud of her son and boasts about his accomplishments.

First of all, let me say, as a social worker in Texas, this book being offered to me was incredibly exciting. Just the content information alone had me saying yes please. This book contains many themes throughout it that is highly relevant across cultures and various experiences and having books like this out in the universe is incredibly important to those going through Bryan’s experiences.

This book carries many themes throughout it which people often face, sometimes with no real solution in it. I do want to point out a few things. I want to preface this by saying, I truly believe the interpretation of this story is going to be different for every reader. Bryan’s mother is incredibly homophobic. When you hear things growing up like “I don’t mind gay people as long as its not my children” (this is actually something I heard growing up), any kind of feelings that would be considered “gay” can make the person feel guilty and react more harshly to their actions/thoughts/feelings. All people go through phases where they are defining their sexual identity. Our experiences around sexual identity as children greatly impact our experiences and our reactions as adults. Bryan’s relationship with his son, and the double standards there, really show the perpetuation of generational traumas.

As I said, I had the narrated copy of this book. The narrator has a nice sound to him and he delivers well, however, I found I had to really really really focus on the book to get through it. I like when I can listen to a narrator and do other things and still be able to focus on what is being said. Alvarez’s narration style is very smooth, and he kind of faded into the background and I would find myself disassociating and focusing on the task I was doing. I like background noise like the television and music (especially lofi) when I am trying to focus on tasks, and his voice just did the same thing to me. Other people will like it, but for me and my ADHD, that really takes away the book experience overall and I may be missing some key things from the story because of it.

Overall, I did like the story and am happy I got the opportunity for this book. I may have to give the physical copy a read, maybe my thoughts would be different or my overall interpretation might be different. Who knows.

Also, for the record, I went about this with more of my social work brain and not a casual reader. So my review may be incredibly different than others, sorry 😦

Posted in Spicy Romance

Audited by the Anubis

Posted on by Little Bee

By Wendi Gogh

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I want to say, that as far as monster romances go, I am a fan of any that include Anubis. So I was already excited going into this story. This is my first book by this author. I like how the writing is very smooth and everything just kind of blends together. What I mean is, other than the two “villains” of the story, no one really bats an eye about monsters. There is one scene where everyone stares at the Anubis and then goes about their business.

I liked Fern’s character overall. Without giving a spoiler, I figured out the exciting tidbit she learns at the end of the book early on in the book. This story is a very sweet romance. There is some angst, Fern has gone through emotional abuse her entire life at the hands of her mother, and then at the hands of her Ex Husband. I like that Ahnou really helped her see how amazing she actually is. The side characters are equally awesome. Sera is such an awesome BFF, I need her in my life.

The book does have a good amount of spice in it. Spicy scenes start within a couple chapters, after you meet the two main characters. Both characters are “switches”, though it does not go into a lot of detail or BDSM play. I will say the only thing I had a difficult time with is Ahnou’s “member” because I have never heard of a khenen before and I can’t really find a suggestion on google. Because yes, I google these things LOL. While the author uses a lot of descriptions for his “member” I had a hard time following along with it. Other than that, I enjoyed the story overall. It is a quick read. No third act break up, but definitely third act action. Story is HEA.

Posted in Spicy Romance

The Sugarplum Fairy

Posted on by Little Bee

by Piper Collins

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

First, let me say, I love a holiday romcom, and when it is spicy, it is really up my alley. Just briefly, The Sugarplum Fairy centers around the budding romance between Ava and Zac. Ava ups and moves her whole life to a small, picturesque, Christmas type village in Alaska. She meets Zac, literally the only male in the village around her age and available. Obviously the two hit it off. Ava realizes she moved to Alaska during winter incredibly unprepared. Zac is oh so willing to help her out. They get to know each other and they tend to fall fast. Zac took over his grandmother’s bakery, so much of the story follows along this. There is an attempt of a third act breakup, but Ava is stubborn and does not allow it to happen. This story is standalone and HEA.

I like that this book centers around winter and getting ready for holidays. It is such a sweet story. It is an easy read, I read it pretty quickly. I will say, the spicy scenes seemed to end rather quickly. So in my head, reading it, it felt like a couple minutes, but I am thinking, hopefully, maybe a bit longer. Zac was a bit dominating, and I felt it could go a little further to round it out. He is such a sweet guy that it is nice to see him let out that side of him.

Overall, I recommend this story if you are looking for a fun, spicy, holiday romcom!

Posted in Spicy Romance

Stolen by the Beast

Posted on by Little Bee

By MJ Marstens and Sedona Ashe

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Monster romance is among one of my favorites, so when the opportunity came to read Stolen by the Beast, I had to request it. I will say, this is my first of this type of monster, a quite literal Bone Daddy, if you will.

The book is relatively short. It is a fated mates paranormal romance. Minimal spice until towards the end when Karvik allowed himself to believe Juniper was his mate. No third act break up, but definitely third act trial on the relationship. Book ends in a HEA.

Juniper and Karvik have a definite barrier in their relationship since she is human and he is not. His kind has been around for thousands of years, and he is apparently the last of his kind. His confusion at human mannerisms are entertaining and Juniper is very patient with teaching him but also a little juvenile. I can’t really remember what age she is. Her amnesia made her very childlike, but this book is not anywhere close to DDlg.

I rated the book 4 stars because I had a difficult time connecting. Again, it was all good, but something felt missing for me. It may be because I had a hard time envisioning the story with being new to the Bone Daddy variety or maybe I just couldn’t connect to Juniper. I think others will enjoy it very much though.

Posted in Spicy Romance

The Naga Outcast’s Unwanted Mate

Posted on by Little Bee

By Robin O’Connor

Rating 4 out of 5 Stars

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I haven’t read a lot of books with Naga’s in them, because I think I have just kind of been confused. After reading this one though, I definitely think I will read others.

In typical alien romance fashion, the FMC is in a shipwreck. She was supposed to be executed, only she was gassed to sleep and shipped off somewhere, though we do not know much about that. The ship, with other prisoners, land on a primitive island with different Naga tribes.

This story has insta-love for the Naga. The FMC takes a little while to come around since she is not used to being wanted. This book falls in a series, but is a completed book in the series. Each book will likely follow a different Naga.

There is some editing issues in the book, but since this is an ARC, it should be corrected by release date.

I have not read a lot of alien romances, though I have been crossing into it. My first real alien romance series was Ice Planet Barbarians. I try very hard to not make comparisons, but as I read this book, I couldn’t help but see some similarities. Whether the author is a fan of IPB or not, even with the similarities, the story stands on its own…tail ;).

I really like how the author either knows about snakes or did a lot of research, because I had to look up some things in the book because I do not know much about snakes. Also, I think one of the biggest reasons I have not really read Naga related stories in the past is because I have a hard time envisioning the spicy scenes. So…did I take a trip to google to look up Naga *spicy* photos? I did. Did it help me appreciate this story more? It did. Do I recommend this book as a new series to start? I do.

Posted in Spicy Romance

Beauty’s Beasts

Posted on by Little Bee

by Alex Hanson

Rating 5 out of 5 Stars

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a dark, fantasy retelling of Beauty and Beast/Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Why Choose Edition. The main character is nonbinary. Some days are Evan days, where they feel masculine; some days are Eve days, where they feel feminine; and some days are neither and they go by their name given at birth, Evangeline, in which these days are just meh days. The townspeople are not receptive to their trying to live their life as a man some days, and they have difficulty just getting through the days. Eventually, they get offered up in the monthly Offering given to The Deadwood to be eaten by the demons in the forest. These demons, as you may guess, are the “Four Horsemen” in this story.

I was immediately sucked into this book. It is very well written. It is so many things all in one: it includes monsters, magic/paranormal aspects, action, loose fairytale retelling of Beauty and the Beast, reverse harem/why choose, MM action between side characters (but spicy scenes are only of the main character and their harem) and more. One thing I always complain about is how some books are split into multi book series, when one or two books would suffice. Well, Beauty’s Beasts is all one book, so no cliffhangers. It is a happily ever after, but doesn’t mean I didn’t sob through the last couple chapters because I FORGOT it was HEA.

I like how inclusive the story is. I have never read a book that the main character is nonbinary/gender fluid, but it was easy to follow along mostly. There were times where I was confused because “Evangeline” was used a lot and only a few times after the bracelets were given to them did they actually correct anyone. So I felt like they had a lot of days that were Evangeline days.

I like that the story had a steady flow. The MC built a relationship with each of the “demons” (Gryxen, not sure if I spelled that right). Each mating happened before the next pairing really started. Each Gryxen had their own personalities and abilities. They were pretty well thought out characters. The reader easily falls in love with each one of them. I do feel the last mating, with Drixus, could have used a little more. I was starting to stress out around 77% into the book when it hadn’t happened yet. The main fight scene happened very quickly. Finally, I liked Will’s perspective for the Epilogue, but really would have liked one from the main character as well. I liked Will’s character, and I liked they were best friend’s with the main character, but I feel like him and Jacob were not as present or had a significant role other than being Evan/Eve/Evangeline’s best friend. Once Will and Jacob were in The Deadwood, you see them some, but its mostly focused on Evan/Eve/Evangline’s relationships and matings with the Gryxen.

This book is indicated as not being a part of a series, but I really hope there is more following these characters. I could not get enough. There is a good amount of spice as well. Much like each Gryxen has a unique character sketch, their spice follows along with that. I was extremely happy for the primal play, and am always very excited when I see it in there.

Before reading the book, make sure you check the trigger warnings!

Posted in Spicy Romance

My Brutal Beast

Posted on by Little Bee

By Melissa Cummins

Rating: 5 Stars out of 5 Stars

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My Brutal Beast is a monster romance retelling of Beauty and the Beast. You can read the description of the book for more information, because I really want to talk about the content of the story as a whole.

Sometimes, novellas can be very difficult reads. They are short, sometimes have major plot holes, you feel like you are missing something, you want more, or all of the above at one time. This author created a well rounded story in just 77 pages. Do you want more at the end? Yes. But the depth of the plot and the development of the characters is pretty impressive for such few pages. This book had spice, murder, monsters, mayhem….what more can you ask for? The spice scenes are not fade to black. They are entire scenes. My only qualm is I wish I knew more about Raven. Maybe more novellas will be written about these monsters so we can learn more about them.

If you are looking for a quick read that packs a punch, this one was really good and I recommend.

Posted in Spicy Romance

Her Feral Beasts

Posted on by Little Bee

By EP Bali

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Her Feral Beasts captured my attention because it is very unique when it comes to paranormal, reverse harem, and shifter books. I liked this uniqueness because sometimes some books feel like “if I have read one, I have read them all.” So to see something newer is nice.

Having said the above, I did feel like I was lost for most of the book. You know there is a secret, but you don’t find out what is until the very end of the book. This secret is what drives A LOT of the behaviors of Aurelia’s mates. We meet 4 in the book, 3 from the start, and the 4th at the end. I figured out who the 4th was pretty quickly, and I have my thoughts about who the 5th is. Her three known mates try to unalive her for a good chunk of the story, and when they end up at the Animus Academy, they make her life miserable. Aurelia eventually stops being scared and is a really strong character. She finds some friends and finally feels what it means to be loved and have a family. She has been mistreated her whole life. I felt some of the toxicity was too much. I know its a bully book, but sometimes I feel that the bullying can go too far and I wonder how are they ever going to pull together for a HEA at the end of the series? This is how I have felt, because I would not forgive ANY of them. They are all jerks. So far, I am not rooting for any of them, but I am rooting for Aurelia.

I am looking forward to seeing how this story takes shape. This series will consist of 5 books, the first 4 with cliffhangers and the final book finishing the series with a HEA. I definitely recommend this book. Just be prepared for a pretty great cliffhanger that will leave you ready for the next book.

Posted in Romance

Make Her

Posted on by Little Bee

By Cassie Alexander

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Make Her is the third and final installment of The Transformation Trilogy. You can find my review for Bend Her (book 1) and Break Her (book 2). This series has been a slow build throughout it. As the books go on, the storyline has picked up the pace. Bend Her really focused on the world building. Break Her focused more on Lisane and Rhaim getting to know each other. Make Her brings both together and has more fast paced action, lots of spice, and you find yourself rooting the whole way through.

I did not care for Lisane throughout most of the story as a whole, however, in Make Her, she really grows and becomes more likeable. She is no longer child like in her thinking. Having the opportunity to experience the world, she learns and gains a better understanding of how sheltered she was, and she knows that is not what she wants anymore. I really appreciated the character development of both Lisane and Rhaim in Make Her. They were hard to relate to or like in the earlier stages of their relationship.

You finally get all the answers as to what is happening in the kingdom and who the “bad guy” is. The grand finale was slightly underwhelming for me. The chapters towards the end of the story, the “aftermath” was also slightly underwhelming. I do not want to give spoilers. Even with that, the story was still great. I just felt I got shorted maybe with the end LOL.