Tag: Book Review

Posted in Romance

Death’s Captive

Posted on by Little Bee

By G.K. DeRosa

3 out of 5 stars

I read this book because I realized I committed to an ARC of book 2 when I hadn’t read the first one yet. This story is about Atropos and Thanatos, and a curse put on them by Hecate and Luna to be star crossed lovers for all eternity. They are currently living as Astra and Thane. Astra is a human female while this time around Thanatos has appeared as Thane, the son of the alpha demon wolf. Just so happens, Thane sees Astra, and she is his fated mate. This is book 1 in an unfinished series. Book 2, Death’s Fate, is about to be released.

I was very confused through most of this book. Most of it was because I was not familiar with these two particular Greek myths. I know of the Three Fates, but I did not make the connection for quite a while. I felt the story was too muddled and very repetitive. The bulk of the story was the same scene over and over again until the end, which ends on a cliff hanger. I was not a fan of this story at all. I had to force myself through it so I could read my ARC.

I will mention this in my review for book 2 as well, but, maybe it is my ADHD, but I notice repetitions in words and I hone in on it like a hawk. So, I am quite honestly over the following descriptive words: azure orbs/eyes, lupine, and coalescence. Literally do not want to see them anymore. Surely there are other words…. we get it, he is a wolf and has wolfish features when he is a wolf. Again, it could be my ADHD that I noticed it way too many times.

So why did I give it 3 stars instead of lower? No, not because I was given a free ARC. I fully recognize that maybe I did not like this particular writing style, or something just didn’t connect with me. I really like Azar and the stories she has produced. I kind of got a late start with this realm, but the writing style of this book was very different from the introduction to G.K. DeRosa that I got. Reading other people’s reviews, it looks like, while it is not fully necessary, I should have read another series first to learn more about these two. There are snippets of memories throughout the story from their past times together.

There is a lot of sexual tension in the book with no explosion, and it was kind of a let down. I have read some spicier bits from her, so it was kind of a let down. It feels like DeRosa is just kind of dipping her toes in but not really ready to jump in. The one scene we had was very short and Astra tucked tail and RAN. So, that is where we are left.

Posted in Romance

Death’s Fate

Posted on by Little Bee

By G.K. DeRosa

4 out of 5 stars

I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I was not paid for my review.

Death’s Fate is book 2 following, Death’s Captive. This book picks up at the cliff hanger. I will say, this book was much easier to read, and went much faster. At first it felt like it was going to be much of the same, but I liked seeing Astra and Thane come together in their own way and in their own time. All odds are against them. Fate truly is a cruel mistress. In Death’s Fate the two are on the search for Luna and Hecate to break the curse so that Thane and Astra can truly be allowed to love and be together. You learn more about their relationship from each new regeneration, and it appears in this one, it is the furthest they have gotten to the truth. Without giving spoilers, it appears a “fail safe” if you will is put into place in order to ensure it is the last go around for these two.

This book had more spicier scenes, but they are mostly almost fade to black. You get some snippets and then they are waking up. At least this time, they eventually allow themselves to love each other. I liked that the story came along better. We even get to see one of my favorite bachelors from the Kindle Vella series “Hitched Live” that is now it’s own book called Sweet Revenge (I really liked reading this one), so this made me very happy. I will forever be #TeamSlade all the way.

Once again, we see the same damn descriptive words CONSTANTLY- azure orbs, lupine, and coalescence. I mean it felt like every page. It becomes all I can focus on. I will continue on with this series. After getting past the first book, I enjoyed book 2 much better and felt like I was starting to finally connect with the different characters. Once they start putting the pieces of their history together, it takes off for me. In this story, it really does feel like they are going to make it….or are they? Get your copy of Death’s Fate on February 1st! As a warning, book 2 absolutely also ends on a cliffhanger, so be prepared for that! Per Amazon, it looks like the third book may release April 25, 2023.

Posted in Romance

Shattered Vow

Posted on by Little Bee

By Eva Chase

5 out of 5 stars

Shattered Vow is the first book in the Shadowblood Souls series by Eva Chase. This book follows a group of captives who are forced to train together, caged, and not allowed to live a “normal” life. The story follows a female character (Riva) and five males. After a tragic incident, they get separated. Four years later, Riva makes her way back her men, but do they accept her back?

This is the first in a series, with book 3 coming out in February 2023. While it is a romance read, it is not spicy. It is very slow burn and the only sexy scene occurs much later towards the end of the book. I am not usually a bully romance reader. I tend to stay away from them as much as possible, because I am just not a fan. I will say, I did still enjoy this book. I had hoped for something a little more grander than the incident that kind of set everyone straight again. I thought Jacob’s treatment of Riva for majority of the book was too much and felt forced. Even with this, I still enjoyed the book. I really liked Riva’s character. She was very strong and put up with a lot of shit from these guys without ever faltering. The one sex scene that occurs was okay, I wouldn’t say it was the spiciest I have ever read, but was written well. I wish there was a little more information on the “marking” that happened, but maybe it comes in a later book, since at that point in the story, the characters still did not know what they truly were.

The characters are all part human and part monster. They are trained very hard to highlight and strengthen their gifts. They eventually break out of captivity and set across country to try and find the former head of the program to get answers. All they all want is answers and to be free. Along the way, each person has their own growth development. The story is told from multiple POVs, however, the main POV is usually Riva.

This book does end on a cliffhanger, and boy is it a doozie. The book starts out when they are about 16 years old when they are separated and picks up around 20 years old. During that time, each character had new “powers” show through that were further developed. Riva keeps hers pretty close to her chest as she does not know much about it or how to control it, so when she finally does show it off…..it is very intense. I could not help but smile and laugh all the way through the scene. I really wish I could have seen those guys’ faces afterwards. I am looking forward to reading book 2 to see how they felt about it!

Posted in Spicy Romance

Viridios

Posted on by Little Bee

by L.A. Holloway

4 out of 5 Stars

This book is the first in a series. It is not a complete series at this time. It is set in the future after Earth has become overcrowded. Colonies of people are moving to new planets along with scientists to study the life forms. In this story, the main female character, Alaya, loves studying the ecosystem of the planet she is currently inhabiting. Alaya is not quite like the other humans who live there. They are very closed off and more extremist in their thoughts and approved customs. One day, Alaya is studying spores, when suddenly the ground rose up around her and a giant tree being sprouted. He captures her and tries to keep her as his pet. He does not understand why, but he has a strong desire to keep her and protect her. The story continues following through their growing bond and learning to communicate. I wont give any spoilers away 🙂

The story itself is quite unique. As someone who enjoys alien romance, this one was new to me. The trope is one you see a lot, insta love/fated mates, but I like how it was delivered. There was one sexy scene when he was still in tree form, which definitely was interesting! Steam wise, there is not a lot of spicy scenes, but the romance was still nice.

I gave the story 4 stars overall because of its uniqueness. It was also well written. It is not a terribly long read and can be read in one sitting. I hope more books come out in the series, because the ending set it up for more. If you are a fan of alien romance and want one that does not have much conflict, this is a good read to pick up. Sometimes having a nice palate cleanser between heavy reads is good, and this definitely helped! 🙂

Posted in Spicy Romance

Rhage: A Monster Rockstar Romance

Posted on by Little Bee

By R.K. Pierce

4 Stars

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is about a demon band that tours around playing music. Our FMC loves the band and is determined to meet the lead singer Sebastian Alex. Fate works out for her and she scores tickets to the concert in her town and a backstage pass to meet him. When he sees her, it was instalove though he didn’t quite process it to be that, he just knows he wants to feed off of her essence.

This book is the first in a series that will circle around each of the band mates. I am looking forward to reading the rest!

I did think the book took a little too long getting to the point where they meet and there wasn’t much left of the book for their actual relationship, so the last part of the book felt a little rushed. I felt there were still some unanswered questions by the end. The author did add an extra chapter and an epilogue, which I did enjoy as well, but still felt like some information was missing. As far as spice level goes, it was spicy with the few scenes that were given. And let’s just say, if you know you know, but I need one. LOL. I do think it could have had more spice had they been able to meet sooner. I also feel like when she sold her soul, it got a little short changed and could have been a little more grand because she sold her soul.

Other than those few things, I really did enjoy this book. I still have some unanswered questions, but I want to read more. I thought the trope was unique, but maybe it’s unique to me, because I have not read a lot of monster rockstar romances. I will say there may be a possible trigger warning, but overall that scene ends well.

Posted in Spicy Romance

Club Monstrum

Posted on by Little Bee

By Rene Hunt

5 Stars

Club Monstrum is a short book that packs a punch. If you are looking for a book that has all the heat of a Carolina Reaper, then pick up this book. Club Monstrum is a Sex Club where someone can go and explore a variety of Monsters. Star does not want the run of the mill, usual monster, such as a werewolf, vampire, or fae….oh no…she wants ALL OF THE BADDIES. This book has some small amount of plot…Star ends up creating a reverse harem with the men she indulges on at the Club, but other than that, is it page after page of sexy sex. It is 69 pages of nothing but sex, I don’t even think the story went more than one page without some kind of sexy scene in it. Star is a pretty cool leading lady. She is the only human who takes into account the needs and desires of the monsters too, treating them like people, at least in these particular monsters’ experiences. No human man has ever been able to sexually satisfy Star, so these Monsters make it their personal mission to have her exploding below them.

If you need something quick and easy, this is one of those reads. The author makes it known at the beginning you don’t read this book for the plot line, you read it for the sex. If graphic sex is not your thing, this book should be a pass 🙂

Posted in Book Reviews

The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris

Posted on by Little Bee

The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan
Rating: 5 stars

Every since I had my son, I have been in a book rut. I cannot seem to get into anything, or focus enough to read. My book club recently listed The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris as one of the April reads. I am so happy that I picked it up.

I have had this book occupying space on my shelf for the last several years. In fact, this book has recently been re-covered! The cover shown though, is my book. (Old right?!). This book has a lot of humor in it, and is exactly what I needed in this world we are living in today.

Anna Trent had a horrible accident at a run of the mill chocolate factory and ends up in a little chocolate shop in Paris through her former French Teacher knowing the owner. You will have to read the book to find out the inbetweens! Anyways, The French Teacher, Claire, is very ill and re-meets Anna while she is also in the hospital. The story goes back and forth between Anna’s new life in Paris, and Claire’s life in Paris when she met the chocolate shop owner, Thierry. Anna has some unique experiences, but watching her new life unfold, you find yourself really rooting for her to succeed!

This book had my LOL-ing, my heart swell, my heart break…I cried, I got angry, but it came full circle and even though my heart broke, I was really satisfied. I cannot wait to read other books by Colgan, and my book club has added several to our reading list!!

The writing style is easy and fluid. It does not feel like the author is trying to confuse the reader with extra pretty language. It feels as if your best friend is telling you a story of something that happened to them.

10/10 Recommend!

Posted in Middle Grade

Charmed

Posted on by Little Bee

Charmed by Jen Calonita, Narrated by Kristin Condon

Rating: 5 stars

I finally found the second audiobook for Fairy Tale Reform School. It has been a while since I listened to the first book….for a refresh check out the review here. The second installment follows the aftermath of Gilly’s new found fame. After having stopped evil in the first installment, her father is getting more orders for shoes, the scrolls discuss how she is a hero, and many of her classmates feel it is going to her head…which it kind of is.

Gilly is still hell bent that Jocelyn is trying to help her sister Harlowe to help Alva. Gilly discovers a mole in the school is providing information to Alva to help Alva in her grand scheme. Gilly decides, alone, to go undercover with the club Royal Ladies in Waiting to see if she can find the mole. After joining RLW, Gilly turned into a sort of monster and alienated her group of friends. After a long chat with her father during family visitation day, she realized she cant do things on her own, and that it is dangerous to think she can. If Gilly feels she has to stop Alva, she needs her friends. So everyone makes up and proceed forward together.

There are a lot of unexpected twists and turns in the book that keeps the listener on their toes. I really enjoyed it. It is a quick listen/read. I am very happy that I found the sequel. I had looked for it at the library several times with no luck. I am looking forward to the next installment and catching up in time for book 5 to come out. I was also happy to learn that there is a spin off series for the Royal Academy Rebels.

The age group the book is geared towards would enjoy the story. I think adults could also enjoy listening if they give it a go. I really like it. The narrator is really good and I enjoy listening to her. I firmly believe Narrators make or break a story, and Condon really elevates the delivery of the story. I do not know if I would enjoy reading the book as much as I enjoy listening, that is how good she is.

Posted in Spicy Romance

Wolves Love Red

Posted on by Little Bee

Wolves Love Red: An Erotic Bedtime Story by C.C. Genovese

Rating: 5 stars

This is my first book I have read by this author. It is a quick read, but very intriguing. It follows a werewolf, named Valan, who catches the scent of Red, a rather ravishing woman. On the night the werewolf first gets a whiff of Red, he can hardly contain himself. He begins pleasuring himself in a nearby alley, however, he has to immediately run to the woods because when he orgasms, he howls, and he did not want to alert the town of his presence. He goes off into the woods where he has a wild romp with another wolf, named Fiona. Fiona asks about the woman who had him fired up like that, but he is reluctant to really give away anything.

The next day he goes looking for Red again, because he really wants her. He discovers she is bringing some sex toys to grandma’s house, who happens to be the town bicycle. He comes up with the idea to go to Grandma’s house to wait for Red to get there. Instead, he comes across Fiona. Fiona again is curious about the woman who has Valan so wound up. Fiona suggests taking Grandma off his hands, because Fiona heard she likes blonde bombshells, so that Valan can have his woman. Fiona takes Grandma and her current client off into another room, so when Red comes in and sees a very naked, human Valan, she becomes entranced. Valan is very well endowed, which is mentioned several times. So there is a lot of foreplay to help Red take him.

I will not give away the ending, because it was so amazingly unexpected. I really enjoyed this story overall. My issue I often have with short stories/novellas, is that many authors try to rush everything together. Some stories do not have a beginning, middle, and end. Wolves Love Red did have all parts to make a good story. It was easy to follow along with, it had the right amount of background information to set the scene, it had enough character development, and it didn’t feel like everything was rushed together. The sex scenes that were in the book were well written and very descriptive, so it was easy to imagine while you were reading it. Even though the story as a whole is good, the ending makes it all worth it. The ending is what takes this story out of the normal cookie cutter short story/erotic/paranormal/twisted retelling mold and makes it something completely unique.

Posted in Middle Grade

Aleks Mickelsen and the Call of the White Raven

Posted on by Little Bee

Aleks Mickelsen and the Call of the White Raven by Keira Gillett, Narrated by Michele Carpenter

Rating: 5 stars

 

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

First, let me apologize for how long it has taken me to write this review. I recently gave birth in an emergency Csection after having a really horrible pregnancy, which resulted in a few hospitalizations. But! I am giving it now, and hopefully will continue on with my book reviews now that things are somewhat normal, for me anyways.

This is book 5 in the Zaria Fierce series, though it follows my favorite, Aleks Mickelsen. It is a continuation of book 4, in which Aleks and friends join Nori to stop Fritjof from escaping the Under World and reaching land to wreak havoc on both the Fae and humans.

In this story, Aleks obtains a white raven, which are rare, who takes a shine to Aleks. It is not always a fun relationship, though it is entertaining for readers and listeners. Aleks learns how to work with the Raven throughout the story and eventually starts liking the Raven. Ultimately, Aleks ends up in the Fae Realm where he is sent on multiple tests where he has to save his friends in various trials. These trials are set up for Aleks to fail, but does he? Not to spoil anything, but the ending of this story is by far my favorite ending. I still get goosebumps just thinking about it.

I really enjoyed this story. I loved the Zaria Fierce aspect of the series, but I love Aleks so much. He is my favorite character and I love that his life is being explored more. I cannot wait until the next book. Again, Carpenter brings this story to life in her wonderfully brilliant narration. I really strongly encourage anyone and everyone to read these books. I can’t wait to obtain the paperback versions so I can read them to my son when he is a little older and marvel at the illustrations with him. That is the only downside to the audiobooks, I miss out on all the beautiful artwork!

This series is definitely worth it, whether you read or listen. The narrator brings the story to life in a vibrant way. I love the Norwegian fairy-tale aspect of the series. It is full of adventure and action packed. I feel sorry for this group of friends because they can’t seem to ever catch a break. I also love all the other smaller story lines that are happening between the characters, especially since they are all getting older since their first adventure. You will not be disappointed for investing time into this series, I can promise you that!