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overzealous_reader's reviews
384 reviews
The Kraken's Sacrifice by Katee Robert
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
“If you were into age play, you should have just said something. Shall I call you daddy?”
In the second installment in Katee Robert’s, A Deal with a Demon series, The Kraken’s Sacrifice, we are introduced to Catalina while making a deal with Azazel. Unlike the other women, Catalina’s agreement is made as a last resort as her family and friends have given up on her. After sealing the deal with Azazel, Catalina is put up for bidding, is the last woman, and is given to the Kraken, Thane. As Thane reluctantly takes Catalina back to his kingdom, he struggles to comprehend Catalina’s role in his life. For Catalina, living with Thane is a new adventure; however, Thane keeps Catalina locked up from sight, specifically, his sight. After losing his former partner Brant, Thane realizes that his loss of Brant reduced his life significantly and caused him to close himself off from people. As Thane and Catalina try to understand each other, it becomes evident to everyone that Thane is ignoring Catalina resulting in Catalina suffering from neglect.
This second installment is a slow burn, as Thane is in denial about Catalina, and Catalina is trying desperately to fit into Thane’s kingdom. Yet, the fact that Thane is neglecting Catalina is not lost on him, he just keeps messing up, and Catalina keeps forgiving him because she is desperate to succeed in one aspect of her life. Failure is not foreign to Catalina, but she tries to keep from being discarded by Thane. As she has become accustomed to people tossing her aside, the moment she becomes a bit difficult. Yet, Thane mostly tries not to sleep with her and to not fall in love. Regardless, it is a slow read as the characters are working through their issues, and even after they get frisky once, Thane withdrawals even further from Catalina. It is a miracle that Thane and Catalina get together at the end. Yet, this book was not for me, but I did like Catalina’s optimism.
In the second installment in Katee Robert’s, A Deal with a Demon series, The Kraken’s Sacrifice, we are introduced to Catalina while making a deal with Azazel. Unlike the other women, Catalina’s agreement is made as a last resort as her family and friends have given up on her. After sealing the deal with Azazel, Catalina is put up for bidding, is the last woman, and is given to the Kraken, Thane. As Thane reluctantly takes Catalina back to his kingdom, he struggles to comprehend Catalina’s role in his life. For Catalina, living with Thane is a new adventure; however, Thane keeps Catalina locked up from sight, specifically, his sight. After losing his former partner Brant, Thane realizes that his loss of Brant reduced his life significantly and caused him to close himself off from people. As Thane and Catalina try to understand each other, it becomes evident to everyone that Thane is ignoring Catalina resulting in Catalina suffering from neglect.
A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
“How do you like your dukes? Grumpy? Tortured? Alpha, beta, or alpha in the streets, beta in the sheets?”
Portia Hobbs is taking steps at trying to live a better life. A new life for Portia involves working with a grumpy swordsman, Tavish McKenzie. After years of hearing about Alyssa Cole’s excellent Reluctant Royals series, I have been missing out. After purchasing this book on sale on Kindle, I started reading the novel and was shocked at how quickly I fell in love with the main character Portia. Perhaps it was pepper spraying the towering Tavish McKenzie or the fact that she accidentally sprayed herself while saving Tavish’s sister-in-law Cheryl. While Portia is trying to gain knowledge from this internship, Tavish is trying to figure out his brother’s reasoning for hiring her. Yet, as Portia continually proves her skill at web design, sword making, and researching skills, it is not enough to please the grumpy Tavish McKenzie. Unbeknownst to Portia, the grumpiness of Tavish is not unusual for his family, but his attraction towards Portia makes him more volatile than usual. As these two fight this attraction, Portia starts working as a distraction but learns about Tavish’s secret title as the Duke of Edinburgh.
Honestly, it is hard to say a bad thing about this novel; it has likable characters, hilarious rom-com shenanigans, and the drama associated with royalty. I can’t wait to get my hands on the remaining series…hopefully, I can restrain myself till they go on sale.
A Highlander for Hannah by Mary Warren
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
“America?” Shock swept his features. “As in, the colonies.”
After quitting her job and dumping her mooching boyfriend, Hannah casts a love spell. Hannah’s lovable friend, Poppy, takes her to the renaissance fair in town. After seeing the sign, “Bridget’s Love Spells and Potions,” Poppy leads Hannah to purchase a love spell. After a couple of drinks at home, Hannah activates her love potion to wake up the next day to Graham MacNeil, a Highlander, sleeping in her stables. These two are forced to deal with each other for six months, resulting in Graham having to adjust to the 21st century.
For Graham, being independent is a necessity, but he struggles due to the advanced technology. The struggle of Graham adapting is hard for the two characters as Hannah tries to avoid “taking care of” another man but tries to help Graham. But this help sometimes backfires for Hannah as Graham struggles to rely on people. While this aspect of the book is fascinating, it becomes the primary dilemma for the characters. Reflecting on books, regarding the hero time traveling to the future, they tend to rely on the heroine. This need for independence on the part of Graham causes him to appear “rough around the edges,” but Hannah does like Graham’s effort at adapting to the twenty-first century.
Pros:
The love potion. It’s a rarity in time travel romance but still a great one.
Graham trying to adapt to the modern world. There are cute moments, such as the “wee pocket contraption.”
Graham.
Plus-sized heroine.
Cons:
Graham trying to adapt to the modern world. For Graham, the struggle sometimes results in him snapping at Hannah. For
Hannah's struggle for Graham is addressed, but she can’t help comparing a time-traveling Highlander to her lazy ex.
The mentioning of Outlander and forcing poor Graham to watch it.
Recommended for fans of time travel and slow-burn romance.
Thanks again to Marry Warren for allowing me to read this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Blood Moon by Jillian Graves
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
“We sit there for a long moment, the dark city streets laid out in front of us, dotted with the orange glow of Halloween decorations and punctuated with the shrill, joyous screams of humans playing pretend. We pass the wine between us. I stare up at the red moon as it shines with its full brilliant magic.”
Enter a powerful witch Hazel and her competition, a vampire, Vlad. After Hazel and Vlad sleep together, Hazel learns that Vlad is the owner of the new club Black Door across the street from her club, The Witchazel. After realizing that she slept with the man threatening the livelihood of her club, Hazel makes it her mission to take down the Black Door. Yet, Vlad is taken by Hazel but also wishes to create a club safe for the Strange, the FAL group desperate to become the only Strange club in town.
*Minor Rant Including Spoilers*
For me, the lead-up to Vlad and Hazel sleeping together ultimately grossed me out. Like, homegirl was drinking a “potion” that made her horny, and a creeper vampire just happened to be in the doorway? It’s just not for me. Since it is a novella, I think putting the sex scene within the first two chapters is to engage readers, but for me, it was just a bit much. Unfortunately, I think the novella hindered the story since it was hard to get like these characters as the book was so fast-paced. In addition, there is little world-building in the novella and further insight into witches and witchcraft. Yet, I instead read Jillian Graves’ Romancing His Stone series.
In The Devil's Shadow by M. Bonnet
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
4.75
"Diana, my dear daughter, you have some explaining to do."
First, it is rare for a sequel book to outshine the first one. This is due to the shift from witches to angels. After a near-death experience, Diana questions her abilities and the men she has chosen to love. From the obsessive nature of Ares and Sebastian to the hesitation of Desmond and Malcolm. With the presence of Azazel, Diana’s guardian angel, Diana realizes that her lineage is complex. Like the previous book, In the Devil’s Shadow ends on a cliffhanger, the story ends after the appearance of Lucifer, and we wait till 2023 for the third installment.
*Review with Spoilers*
The constant reveals of Diana’s parents were constant whiplashes. The fact that Lucifer and Michael were an on-and-off couple. Regarding Diana, I have to say her anger towards Desmond, Ares, and Sebastian is warranted. In the first book, Diana lets these men take her from her family and home without question, all to protect her family. After she survives the attack from Satan, Diana realizes that these men are keeping way too much from her. Typically, information regarding her lineage, Desmond, and Sebastian’s past with Azazel. Even as Diana starts getting information about her family, she doesn’t have anyone to turn to since she suspects that people know or have suspicions. As the book ends, we get insight into Lucifer’s thoughts regarding Diana. The cliffhanger of pretty insane, especially since Michael is the bad guy based on his actions.
First, it is rare for a sequel book to outshine the first one. This is due to the shift from witches to angels. After a near-death experience, Diana questions her abilities and the men she has chosen to love. From the obsessive nature of Ares and Sebastian to the hesitation of Desmond and Malcolm. With the presence of Azazel, Diana’s guardian angel, Diana realizes that her lineage is complex. Like the previous book, In the Devil’s Shadow ends on a cliffhanger, the story ends after the appearance of Lucifer, and we wait till 2023 for the third installment.
The constant reveals of Diana’s parents were constant whiplashes. The fact that Lucifer and Michael were an on-and-off couple. Regarding Diana, I have to say her anger towards Desmond, Ares, and Sebastian is warranted. In the first book, Diana lets these men take her from her family and home without question, all to protect her family. After she survives the attack from Satan, Diana realizes that these men are keeping way too much from her. Typically, information regarding her lineage, Desmond, and Sebastian’s past with Azazel. Even as Diana starts getting information about her family, she doesn’t have anyone to turn to since she suspects that people know or have suspicions. As the book ends, we get insight into Lucifer’s thoughts regarding Diana. The cliffhanger of pretty insane, especially since Michael is the bad guy based on his actions.
Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
“When he was a kid, his mom had called him a champion grudge-holder, and not much had changed since then.”
Olivia Dade, Ship Wrecked
In this installment of Olivia Dade’s Spoiler Alert series, Ship Wrecked focuses on the new Gods of the Gates actors Maria Ivarsson and Peter Reedton. These new additions to the show portray characters Cassia and Cyprian, but unbeknownst to everyone, Maria and Peter have a past. Before gaining their famous roles, Maria had left Peter in his hotel room after a night of passion. Unfortunately, this decision resulted in Maria gaining an enemy. Peter is furious at how Maria left and decides to keep things professional with Maria no matter how hard she tries to make friends with him. Ultimately, these two are forced to work on a remote island while continuing to live their lives without discussing their past events. This leads to quiet tension between the two actors on and off the screen.
Without realizing it, this book deals with two people struggling similarly, the fear of abandonment. These two characters have other issues they are working through, with Peter suffering from his childhood difficulties and his overbearing father. Whereas Maria’s past results in her needing a support structure around her. As these two characters struggle with their producers, their silent attraction is so angsty. I love it and hate it. Most of the time, Peter tries to ignore his attraction to Maria by remembering her leaving him in his hotel room. Maria is trying to survive in the Hollywood system and struggling with her attraction to Peter as he agrees with the creative liberties of the Gods of Gates producers.
While a great and fun read, the only issue I had with the book was the break-up on a misunderstanding before the happily ever after. Otherwise, this is an excellent romance with a slow burn, pining for love and acceptance while simultaneously trying to manage a new career theme.
Recommended for fans of plus-size main characters, slow-burn romance, and a snarky heroine.
Thanks to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for allowing me to read this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
In Death We Part by M. Bonnet
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
“Ares never gave anyone a gift unless he was well and truly obsessed.”
As Diana is trying to live her life, she is visited by Sebastian. Addicted to Diana’s pull and energy, Sebastian keeps visiting Diana in her dreams. Once Diana is noticed by Satan, Desmond and his crew; Ares, Malcolm, and Sebastian are tasked with killing her. But, unknown to Desmond, Sebastian has been visiting Diana, and the group decides to fake Diana’s death to hide her in their place and help her use her powers to defeat Satan. But as Diana learns about Sebastian, Desmond, Ares, and Malcolm, she starts to feel overwhelmed.
This is an interesting reverse harem since it technically is and isn’t. Since Sebastian is described as “the jealous type,” he tries to keep his group from gaining feelings for Diana. In the end, Sebastian and Ares are the two she starts to entrust herself and form a sort of relationship with them. The complexity of this group is one of the main issues in the book since Desmond and Malcolm are trying to fight their attraction to Diana. For Diana, trying to go along with this group’s plan while not processing the extreme change in her life. The group’s treatment of her result in Diana prematurely believing she can defeat Satan to leave Desmond’s group and return to her life. Unfortunately, this book does end on a cliffhanger, and there is no indication of Diana’s success, which is infuriating.
Recommend for fans of reverse harem, the Greek god Ares, and witches reaching their full potential.
As Diana is trying to live her life, she is visited by Sebastian. Addicted to Diana’s pull and energy, Sebastian keeps visiting Diana in her dreams. Once Diana is noticed by Satan, Desmond and his crew; Ares, Malcolm, and Sebastian are tasked with killing her. But, unknown to Desmond, Sebastian has been visiting Diana, and the group decides to fake Diana’s death to hide her in their place and help her use her powers to defeat Satan. But as Diana learns about Sebastian, Desmond, Ares, and Malcolm, she starts to feel overwhelmed.
This is an interesting reverse harem since it technically is and isn’t. Since Sebastian is described as “the jealous type,” he tries to keep his group from gaining feelings for Diana. In the end, Sebastian and Ares are the two she starts to entrust herself and form a sort of relationship with them. The complexity of this group is one of the main issues in the book since Desmond and Malcolm are trying to fight their attraction to Diana. For Diana, trying to go along with this group’s plan while not processing the extreme change in her life. The group’s treatment of her result in Diana prematurely believing she can defeat Satan to leave Desmond’s group and return to her life. Unfortunately, this book does end on a cliffhanger, and there is no indication of Diana’s success, which is infuriating.
Recommend for fans of reverse harem, the Greek god Ares, and witches reaching their full potential.
Choosing Theo by Victoria Aveline
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Recommend for fans of grumpy vs. sunshine, fated mates, and the men outnumber the women trope.
After Jade manages to escape from the aliens that abducted her, she lands on an unknown planet. Once found by the inhabitants, she is told their customs in Clecania. The habitants also inform her of their custom of having newcomers marry a Clecanian male for one year. Despite wanting to return home, she accepts her former life is lost to her and partakes in the marriage ceremony. As she decides to integrate into their culture, she tries to understand their culture and history better. Jade learns that Clecanian men outnumber their women and their marriage culture is drastically different in Clecania. During this ceremony, she meets a towering Clecanian named Theo and notices the Clecanian females look at him with disgust.
After picking Theo along with a mysterious Fejo, Theo ends up victorious but is not happy about becoming married. Unknown to Jade, Theo is considered “disfigured” by Clecanian standards. Jade’s marriage proposal results in him trying to rationalize the situation believing his future wife is a spy.
The dynamic duo of sunshine/grumpy does reel you into an engaging read as these characters try to find a way to live together, Jade trying to overcome Theo’s grumpiness while Theo is trying to keep Jade from learning his secrets. Early in their marriage, Jade tries to get Theo to believe she is not a spy and genuinely finds him attractive.
Choosing Theo, being the first of the Clecanian series, the world being is decent along with gaining insight into the Clecanian culture. Even the flimsy, for me, the cultural norm of marriage does work. The reason for this complex marriage culture delves into the history and culture of Clecania. However, the ending does not indicate that this culture will involve humans.
After Jade manages to escape from the aliens that abducted her, she lands on an unknown planet. Once found by the inhabitants, she is told their customs in Clecania. The habitants also inform her of their custom of having newcomers marry a Clecanian male for one year. Despite wanting to return home, she accepts her former life is lost to her and partakes in the marriage ceremony. As she decides to integrate into their culture, she tries to understand their culture and history better. Jade learns that Clecanian men outnumber their women and their marriage culture is drastically different in Clecania. During this ceremony, she meets a towering Clecanian named Theo and notices the Clecanian females look at him with disgust.
After picking Theo along with a mysterious Fejo, Theo ends up victorious but is not happy about becoming married. Unknown to Jade, Theo is considered “disfigured” by Clecanian standards. Jade’s marriage proposal results in him trying to rationalize the situation believing his future wife is a spy.
The dynamic duo of sunshine/grumpy does reel you into an engaging read as these characters try to find a way to live together, Jade trying to overcome Theo’s grumpiness while Theo is trying to keep Jade from learning his secrets. Early in their marriage, Jade tries to get Theo to believe she is not a spy and genuinely finds him attractive.
Choosing Theo, being the first of the Clecanian series, the world being is decent along with gaining insight into the Clecanian culture. Even the flimsy, for me, the cultural norm of marriage does work. The reason for this complex marriage culture delves into the history and culture of Clecania. However, the ending does not indicate that this culture will involve humans.
Titan by Jillian Graves
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
“Her brown eyes are huge, her pupils dilated to shining black pools. I know what she sees. A monster.”
For the former child star, Jules, her life is hard, and a Sugar Daddy would undoubtedly lessen the hardship. The search for a Sugar Daddy leads to meeting with a mysterious man, Titan. After revealing Titan’s true form, Jules finds herself part of an elaborate heist to help Titan require the Keystone. After agreeing to help Titan, their relationship and feelings affect their mission to regain the Keystone.
While this story is a borderline dark romance novel, due to Titan’s obsessive nature, Jules reluctantly allows herself to be “taken care of” by Titan, often on her terms. But as Titan becomes, at times, overbearing in his attempt to care for Jules.
While the world-building is not as detailed, the book focuses on the relationship aspect between Titan and Jules. While retrieving the Keystone is a central plot point, it acts as a McGuffin since we are predominately witnessing Titan deal with his emotional attachment to Jules. The major takeaway from this book is the relationships within the book, such as Titan and Jules and Titan’s relationship with his clan.
The expectation for the sequel is a deeper dive into the monster world since the two leads are heavily involved with the otherworld.
Recommend for fans of the old show Gargoyles, DS relationships, and heists.
Recommend for fans of the old show Gargoyles, DS relationships, and heists.
The Half-Orc's Maiden Bride by Ruby Dixon
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
While not a dark romance, which is found in Finley Fenn’s orc series, instead, we encounter a lighthearted orc story.
Iolanthe, marriage, and children do not appear to be in her future for the heroine. The only thing keeping her from that life is her…height? Even as unrealistic as it seems, her height can intimidate men. The lack of suitors results in her father entering the house and telling her to pack up and prepare herself for her new husband. Shocked at hearing of becoming a wife, Iolanthe ponders about her future husband during their long trip, only to be surprised by a half-orc Agakor.
One fascinating thing about this heroine is her being described as the opposite of dainty. Typically, in monster romances, the heroine is short in stature while having a fiery spirit. Whereas Iolanthe, in the beginning, is a tall figure with a slightly timid personality that progressively changes throughout the novel. As Iolanthe overcomes her insecurities regarding her body, she finds herself in the middle of a power play orchestrated by her father.
Iolanthe, marriage, and children do not appear to be in her future for the heroine. The only thing keeping her from that life is her…height? Even as unrealistic as it seems, her height can intimidate men. The lack of suitors results in her father entering the house and telling her to pack up and prepare herself for her new husband. Shocked at hearing of becoming a wife, Iolanthe ponders about her future husband during their long trip, only to be surprised by a half-orc Agakor.
One fascinating thing about this heroine is her being described as the opposite of dainty. Typically, in monster romances, the heroine is short in stature while having a fiery spirit. Whereas Iolanthe, in the beginning, is a tall figure with a slightly timid personality that progressively changes throughout the novel. As Iolanthe overcomes her insecurities regarding her body, she finds herself in the middle of a power play orchestrated by her father.