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overzealous_reader's reviews
384 reviews
Monster F*cker by R.K. Pierce
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
“I’ve never been drawn to the idea of entertaining a human partner. Their lack of fangs and claws has always seemed boring, disappointing, even.”
For fans of steamy scenes, male damsels, and cliffhangers.
Our protagonist, Kade, has been cursed to work in a brothel owned by Mistress Raiine and forced to pleasure monsters. During one of Kade’s “appointments,” he meets Syn. After Mistress Raiine bragged about Kade’s shapeshifting abilities, Syn became fascinated by the idea and decided to test out Kade’s skills.
After reading the synopsis, the expectation was elements of dark romance through the view of a male protagonist. While the dark romance elements are minimal, this book is written from the perspective of a human-looking male protagonist is interesting. It is discussed earlier in the book that Kade is a shapeshifter but remains in human form due to the magic elements of the brothel, and Syn seeks him out due to his shapeshifting abilities.
With this fascination with Kade’s abilities, Syn tries to converse with him, whereas Kade is pretty flabbergasted by the concept of discussing his life before the brothel. However, as Syn is talking with Kade, the scene is pretty wholesome as Kade is given some compassion by Syn.
Due to the short length, we do not get much world-building or details into Kade’s betrayal or Syn’s professional role. Hopefully, the sequel will delve into the monster world and gain insight into the characters.
Thanks again to R.K. Pierce giving me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Give Me More by Sara Cate
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
For fans of friends to lovers, bad boys, and the “there’s only one-bed” trope.
Hunter and his wife Isabel have been married for ten years in the third installment of the Salacious Player’s Club. While their best friend, Drake, remains at their side. It isn’t until their trip that Hunter starts to develop a desire to share his wife with his best friend, Drake. For Drake, Hunter’s newfound “kink” is dangerous territory for him.
This book has just enough angst. Throughout the book, several revelations about this trio, from Isabel being attracted to Drake first to Hunter’s abusive father hating gay people resulting in Hunter not acknowledging his bisexuality. The entire of this book is about two people in love with Hunter reacting and waiting for his next move. Even as Hunter starts to focus on himself and try to rid himself of his father’s bigotry, Isabel and Drake wait for him, still shocked at Hunter leaving after hurting the two of them.
The angst wasn’t too over the top; instead felt realistic with a problem not being easily solved by sitting down and talking out their issues. For me, one of the issues was if Drake knew of Hunter’s abusive father, why did he not show some understanding of Hunter’s struggle with his sexuality. For me, it’s pretty complicated for me to dissect possibly the love-hate relationship towards ultimatums in romance novels.
Ultimately, this story delves into the complexity of sexuality and the struggle of accepting that sexuality. The characters are likable, and their story is engaging as these three are so in love that it is hard not to root for them.
Hunter and his wife Isabel have been married for ten years in the third installment of the Salacious Player’s Club. While their best friend, Drake, remains at their side. It isn’t until their trip that Hunter starts to develop a desire to share his wife with his best friend, Drake. For Drake, Hunter’s newfound “kink” is dangerous territory for him.
This book has just enough angst. Throughout the book, several revelations about this trio, from Isabel being attracted to Drake first to Hunter’s abusive father hating gay people resulting in Hunter not acknowledging his bisexuality. The entire of this book is about two people in love with Hunter reacting and waiting for his next move. Even as Hunter starts to focus on himself and try to rid himself of his father’s bigotry, Isabel and Drake wait for him, still shocked at Hunter leaving after hurting the two of them.
The angst wasn’t too over the top; instead felt realistic with a problem not being easily solved by sitting down and talking out their issues. For me, one of the issues was if Drake knew of Hunter’s abusive father, why did he not show some understanding of Hunter’s struggle with his sexuality. For me, it’s pretty complicated for me to dissect possibly the love-hate relationship towards ultimatums in romance novels.
Ultimately, this story delves into the complexity of sexuality and the struggle of accepting that sexuality. The characters are likable, and their story is engaging as these three are so in love that it is hard not to root for them.
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
“They say don't meet your heroes. Don't work for them, either.”
The abrupt end of Ari’s engagement results in the reevaluation of her way of life. After Ari’s former fiancé tells her that her inability to turn off her “sunshine” personality resulted in their relationship's end. This observation has Ari noticing aspects of her life and mental health.
Ari has her dream job as the local TV meteorologist working with the legendary weatherman Torrance Hale. However, realistically Ari and others within her work are in the crossfire between the divorced Hale couple.
Ari and coworker Russell decide that the divorced couple should get back together. But, after small interactions between the couple, Ari and Russell start to get closer, and feelings begin to develop.
The main characters are an intriguing couple; as Ari tries to maintain the sunshine personality that her former fiancé hated, Russell notices Ari’s subtlety. Russell is dealing with his own insecurities, such as his weight, which keeps him from acknowledging his feelings for Ari. It does give a realistic image of people with issues falling in love but having those issues keep them from acting on their feelings. For Ari, her mental health issues tend to overwhelm her partners. Russell life as a teenage father and divorcee feels his baggage would be too much for a potential partner.
Weather Girl does focus on the perspective of Ari. However, I’m a sucker for romances with the view of the male and female protagonists. The angst that could have been witnessed would have been interesting. It also would have given insight into Russell’s thoughts while his feelings for Ari grew and the possible struggles of being a single father trying to date.
The abrupt end of Ari’s engagement results in the reevaluation of her way of life. After Ari’s former fiancé tells her that her inability to turn off her “sunshine” personality resulted in their relationship's end. This observation has Ari noticing aspects of her life and mental health.
Ari has her dream job as the local TV meteorologist working with the legendary weatherman Torrance Hale. However, realistically Ari and others within her work are in the crossfire between the divorced Hale couple.
Ari and coworker Russell decide that the divorced couple should get back together. But, after small interactions between the couple, Ari and Russell start to get closer, and feelings begin to develop.
The main characters are an intriguing couple; as Ari tries to maintain the sunshine personality that her former fiancé hated, Russell notices Ari’s subtlety. Russell is dealing with his own insecurities, such as his weight, which keeps him from acknowledging his feelings for Ari. It does give a realistic image of people with issues falling in love but having those issues keep them from acting on their feelings. For Ari, her mental health issues tend to overwhelm her partners. Russell life as a teenage father and divorcee feels his baggage would be too much for a potential partner.
Weather Girl does focus on the perspective of Ari. However, I’m a sucker for romances with the view of the male and female protagonists. The angst that could have been witnessed would have been interesting. It also would have given insight into Russell’s thoughts while his feelings for Ari grew and the possible struggles of being a single father trying to date.
Daisy's Decision 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? Yes
4.0
For fans of soul-mate romances that do not leave their life up to fate, fragile heroines, and messy endings.
After leaving her life of luxury, Daisy heads to Not Hoth to find a mate and have children. However, Daisy begins to feel frustrated as couples resonate for the second or third time. This problem leads Daisy to approach her closest friend, O’jek.
O’jek, along with Daisy, is waiting for resonance. But O’jek, having feelings for Daisy, decides to agree to Daisy’s plan to have a child. But, O’jek does realize that Daisy is not an active member of the tribe, nor is she self-sufficient. This leads to O’jek agreeing to Daisy’s plan and having Daisy become an active member of the tribe.
This book is not for the weak-hearted due to Daisy’s borderline depression, and O’jek’s troubled childhood makes for a complex read. Unfortunately, these two are so wrapped up in their shortcomings that they refuse to talk about them; they refuse to talk about it and close themselves off.
I have to add that Dixon really did Daisy and O’jek dirty with that ending. Usually, her endings set up the next book but don’t take away from the couple. But, if Dixon’s goal was to have people anticipating the next book, she succeeded.
After leaving her life of luxury, Daisy heads to Not Hoth to find a mate and have children. However, Daisy begins to feel frustrated as couples resonate for the second or third time. This problem leads Daisy to approach her closest friend, O’jek.
O’jek, along with Daisy, is waiting for resonance. But O’jek, having feelings for Daisy, decides to agree to Daisy’s plan to have a child. But, O’jek does realize that Daisy is not an active member of the tribe, nor is she self-sufficient. This leads to O’jek agreeing to Daisy’s plan and having Daisy become an active member of the tribe.
This book is not for the weak-hearted due to Daisy’s borderline depression, and O’jek’s troubled childhood makes for a complex read. Unfortunately, these two are so wrapped up in their shortcomings that they refuse to talk about them; they refuse to talk about it and close themselves off.
I have to add that Dixon really did Daisy and O’jek dirty with that ending. Usually, her endings set up the next book but don’t take away from the couple. But, if Dixon’s goal was to have people anticipating the next book, she succeeded.
Thorn's Dove by Carlotta Hughes
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
For fans of Orcs, time travel, and slow-burn romances.
Ruth has escaped from a cult and is determined to live a life of peace. So Ruth decides to create a Tolkien-inspired Bed and Breakfast, but that dream keeps getting disrupted by an FBI agent hassling her to sell her land. From the stress of this new project, Ruth takes a walk on the nearby beach and finds an Orc named Thorn.
Thorn is an Orc from Talam who has traveled across different universes. When Thorn sees Ruth in person, he knows that she is his cridhe, his soul-mate. But Ruth is still trying to heal from her life in a cult. This leads Ruth to keep Thorn at a distance and deny her attraction to him. After Thorn learns of Ruth’s past, he gives her the space she desires, but it becomes more challenging for them both.
While the story is intriguing but it is questionable placing this story in Ruth’s world rather than Thorn’s universe. Thorn’s homeward of Talam feels like it should have been the setting for the setting considering Thorn’s people are in a time of hardship. However, it becomes very questionable considering the ending. The story would have been way more engaging if Ruth had landed in Thorn’s home world. But since most monster romances have the heroine placed in a foreign land, this book does the alternate and sets the monster in the human realm. But, personally, it does and doesn’t work for this book. But it is worth the read.
Ruth has escaped from a cult and is determined to live a life of peace. So Ruth decides to create a Tolkien-inspired Bed and Breakfast, but that dream keeps getting disrupted by an FBI agent hassling her to sell her land. From the stress of this new project, Ruth takes a walk on the nearby beach and finds an Orc named Thorn.
Thorn is an Orc from Talam who has traveled across different universes. When Thorn sees Ruth in person, he knows that she is his cridhe, his soul-mate. But Ruth is still trying to heal from her life in a cult. This leads Ruth to keep Thorn at a distance and deny her attraction to him. After Thorn learns of Ruth’s past, he gives her the space she desires, but it becomes more challenging for them both.
While the story is intriguing but it is questionable placing this story in Ruth’s world rather than Thorn’s universe. Thorn’s homeward of Talam feels like it should have been the setting for the setting considering Thorn’s people are in a time of hardship. However, it becomes very questionable considering the ending. The story would have been way more engaging if Ruth had landed in Thorn’s home world. But since most monster romances have the heroine placed in a foreign land, this book does the alternate and sets the monster in the human realm. But, personally, it does and doesn’t work for this book. But it is worth the read.
Muscles & Monsters by Ashley Bennett
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
For fans of monsters, cute meetings, and of course, knotting.
In the small town of Briar Glenn, monsters have begun integrating with humans. Tegan, the local baker, has been picked by the mayor’s daughter and her satyr fiancée to bake their wedding cake. But Tegan’s assistant called out sick, resulting in her dropping the cake. Atlas witnesses Tegan trying to gather up the pieces of cake and rushes over to help her. Tegan is a bit taken back by the size and form of Atlas and takes notice of his attractive form. After helping her, Atlas tells her if she needs help with another heavy cake, he’ll be at his gym Leviathan Fitness. The encounter results in Tegan deciding that it’s time to get a gym membership.
This is a cute monster romance. But it does deal with some things that weren’t too familiar in monster romances. For instance, later in the book, it’s revealed that Atlas was in a borderline mentally abusive relationship. In addition, Atlas’s ex-girlfriend would constantly make comments regarding his physical appearance. This insecurity about physical appearance regarding the weight issues of the male protagonist was pretty interesting since it’s common in monster romances.
One of the things that did take me out of the story was the kissing. Each time the question, “How?” kept popping up. Seriously….how?
In the small town of Briar Glenn, monsters have begun integrating with humans. Tegan, the local baker, has been picked by the mayor’s daughter and her satyr fiancée to bake their wedding cake. But Tegan’s assistant called out sick, resulting in her dropping the cake. Atlas witnesses Tegan trying to gather up the pieces of cake and rushes over to help her. Tegan is a bit taken back by the size and form of Atlas and takes notice of his attractive form. After helping her, Atlas tells her if she needs help with another heavy cake, he’ll be at his gym Leviathan Fitness. The encounter results in Tegan deciding that it’s time to get a gym membership.
This is a cute monster romance. But it does deal with some things that weren’t too familiar in monster romances. For instance, later in the book, it’s revealed that Atlas was in a borderline mentally abusive relationship. In addition, Atlas’s ex-girlfriend would constantly make comments regarding his physical appearance. This insecurity about physical appearance regarding the weight issues of the male protagonist was pretty interesting since it’s common in monster romances.
One of the things that did take me out of the story was the kissing. Each time the question, “How?” kept popping up. Seriously….how?
Girls Weekend by C.M. Nascosta
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
For fans of nonhuman worlds and women loving Orcs.
Friends and coworkers, Lurielle and Silva accompany the vivacious Ris to a nudist resort known for their hedonistic parties. Each of these fae women has different expectations for this trip. This weekend for Ris is expected to be filled with nameless men. Whereas Lurielle is not expecting a similar experience but instead to enjoy watching the naked Orcs during the weekend. Whereas Silva, after learning about Ris's plans, dreads the vacation. In the end, Lurielle and Silva have a romantic weekend filled with being disappointing at leaving their Orcs. But for Ris, the hedonistic weekend she envisioned did not meet her expectations.
For Silva, after a few days back in the "real world," she begins to date a respectable fae…but the cracks within the relationship begin to show. Silva realizes that her new relationship is not as loving or as emotionally secure as her "fling" at the resort; she flees back to the arms of her Orc. For Lurielle, her "fling" results in her Orc texting her, and they soon begin dating. For Ris, her ending is pretty abrupt, and hopefully, she'll get her happily ever after in the second book.
This book is a bit of a roller coaster of feelings. Ris being treated as a piece of meat does pull heart strings. Because it does appear like she wanted a nice sexcation but kept getting snubbed by many nameless Orcs at the resort. Lurielle does have a cute typical romantic story of her meeting an Orc by chance, and sparks fly. For Silva, her story was pretty unexpected based on Lurielle and Ris's view of Silva as a good girl.
In the end, the three girls experience a trope common in romance. It'll be interesting to see how their stories continue in the next book.
All The Feels by Olivia Dade
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
For fans of enemies to lovers, snarky heroes, and pegging.
For the second installment of the Spoiler Alert series, we focus on Alex and his “babysitter,” Lauren. We start off after Alex gets into an altercation at a bar, causing the show Gods of the Gates producers to decide he needs a babysitter.
As Lauren becomes Alex’s shadow, it becomes apparent that Alex has personal demons, and her observation of Alex doesn’t prevent the struggles with understanding him. Lauren and Alex try to understand each other, leading to numerous misunderstandings between them. While these two go through the motions, they don’t realize their growing feelings for each other.
First off, Alex is a precious bean that deserves the world. Second, Lauren really deserves better.
Lauren is an interesting character in which she is trying to practice a form of self-care only for her family to take advantage of her time. Whereas Alex is taken advantage of by Hollywood and his own fans. These two characters find comfort in each other while working through their personal demons without being too melodramatic.
For me, these two spend more time on their personal demons rather than mooning over each other. Which, for me, was so frustrating. These two were so busy psychoanalyzing each other that there were so few scenes of them as a couple.
Guarded by the Hybrid by Evangeline Anderson
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
4.0
For fans of breeding, size-kink, and Giant Kinderd
After the male relatives squandered all of Lady Isla’s family money, she is forced to accept the proposal of Baslik Le Rank. Marrying Baslik would keep Isla and her Nana from living on the streets. Baslik’s proposal is due to Isla being a Moonstone Goddess. Baslik hopes the ability of the Moonstone Goddess to pass recessive genes to her offspring, to gain an heir bearing Baslik’s family physical traits. But for Isla to become fertile, she had to glow. After a year of failing to glow, Baslik becomes abusive toward Isla.
To get Isla to glow, Baslik hires a Kindred hybrid Sark.
In Guarded by the Hybrid, Anderson presents the simple formula of a damsel in distress, damsel meets adorable Kindred, trouble ensues, and they live happily ever after.
This is not a criticism but rather an observation of Anderson’s work. There is comfort in her work of presenting a complex situation with the addition of her formula. In this work, Isla keeps a diary that gives insight into her feelings and pov. Sark also keeps a voice log to reflect on the strange job that Goddess led him to accept to help Isla glow. Unknown to Baslik and Sark, Isla knows the reason for her lack of glow, and after being saved by Sark Isla feels the first sign of her potential glow.
After Sark and Isla start to accept their feelings, they agree to keep Isla from glowing. However, Baslik is desperate for an heir and finds a solution to forcing Isla to become fertile. This solution results in Isla escaping with Sark to the Mothership.
This is a great escape read. If you’re familiar with Anderson’s work, this doesn’t disappoint.
The Duchess and the Orc by Finley Fenn
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
For fans of dark romance, size kink, and Orcs.
After marrying Duke Warmisham, Maria decides to leave her husband and conjures up a plan. Maria’s plan is to offer her womb to an Orc in exchange for money, and after having the Orc baby, she’d take the money and start a new life.
On her way to Orc Mountain, she runs into the Skai Orc, Simon.
Not to be thrown off by the size and appearance of Simon, Maria presents to him her plan for heading to Orc Mountain to offer her womb to an Orc. Simon takes Maria to Orc Mountain. Unknown to Maria, Simon takes her to Grimarr of the Ash-Kai Captain of the Five Clans. Simon presents Maria’s offer to Grimarr and the knowledge of him accepting her offer.
After accepting her offer, Simon begins training Maria in the ways of the Skai. But, Simon keeps a secret from Maria that is considered fundamental to the Skai. It results in Maria being considered “fair game” by the Skai because Simon didn’t hunt down Maria, nor did he share her with the Skai Clan. By not telling Maria this information, Maria is put in a tense and dangerous environment in Orc Mountain.
This issue shows the Skai Clan being viewed as barbaric by other Orc Clans. The tension continuously arises between Maria and Simon because he keeps information from her. Maria is kept in the dark about the Skai clan and Simon’s role in Orc Mountain as the Enforcer. Along with unknowing that Simon is attempting to change the barbaric aspects of the Skai Clan. These changes would allow Maria to become accepted by the Skai Clan and live with Simon.
This book is a borderline dark romance due to the nature of the Skai Clan. Along with Maria being kept as a prisoner, not understanding the extremity of her situation but the ending has a hopeful tone and ending.
After marrying Duke Warmisham, Maria decides to leave her husband and conjures up a plan. Maria’s plan is to offer her womb to an Orc in exchange for money, and after having the Orc baby, she’d take the money and start a new life.
On her way to Orc Mountain, she runs into the Skai Orc, Simon.
Not to be thrown off by the size and appearance of Simon, Maria presents to him her plan for heading to Orc Mountain to offer her womb to an Orc. Simon takes Maria to Orc Mountain. Unknown to Maria, Simon takes her to Grimarr of the Ash-Kai Captain of the Five Clans. Simon presents Maria’s offer to Grimarr and the knowledge of him accepting her offer.
After accepting her offer, Simon begins training Maria in the ways of the Skai. But, Simon keeps a secret from Maria that is considered fundamental to the Skai. It results in Maria being considered “fair game” by the Skai because Simon didn’t hunt down Maria, nor did he share her with the Skai Clan. By not telling Maria this information, Maria is put in a tense and dangerous environment in Orc Mountain.
This issue shows the Skai Clan being viewed as barbaric by other Orc Clans. The tension continuously arises between Maria and Simon because he keeps information from her. Maria is kept in the dark about the Skai clan and Simon’s role in Orc Mountain as the Enforcer. Along with unknowing that Simon is attempting to change the barbaric aspects of the Skai Clan. These changes would allow Maria to become accepted by the Skai Clan and live with Simon.
This book is a borderline dark romance due to the nature of the Skai Clan. Along with Maria being kept as a prisoner, not understanding the extremity of her situation but the ending has a hopeful tone and ending.