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thiscryptidreads's reviews
32 reviews
The Dead Take the A Train by Cassandra Khaw, Richard Kadrey
adventurous
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
๐ - 393 pages
Genre: occult horror
POV: Single
Read via the Libby app
This was a vivid gory acid trip. Constantine meets American Gods vibes with a dash of Angels Wolf, Ram, and Hart.
I loved the characters they all had so much depth you wanted to know more about them with each page turn, you're endeared and invested with Julie and her friends until the end and their mysterious, magical and macabre world.
The book is a bit stuffy to read at times. Using some verbiage, I felt you might need a dictionary or Google search to make sure you were following along right. There were so many layers to the story, and each chapter Ping ponged you somewhere else so quickly it was occasionally hard to follow, so much so that the ending felt rushed and a bit cliffhangery. I was left needing more. (Hopefully a book 2 happens)
The slow burn added a nice tension that really drove the characters all the way to the end despite their being no actual romance most of the time. You want to cheer for them.
Tyler can eat a bag of dicks. (No I won't explain further)
You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
Genre: occult horror
POV: Single
Read via the Libby app
This was a vivid gory acid trip. Constantine meets American Gods vibes with a dash of Angels Wolf, Ram, and Hart.
I loved the characters they all had so much depth you wanted to know more about them with each page turn, you're endeared and invested with Julie and her friends until the end and their mysterious, magical and macabre world.
The book is a bit stuffy to read at times. Using some verbiage, I felt you might need a dictionary or Google search to make sure you were following along right. There were so many layers to the story, and each chapter Ping ponged you somewhere else so quickly it was occasionally hard to follow, so much so that the ending felt rushed and a bit cliffhangery. I was left needing more. (Hopefully a book 2 happens)
The slow burn added a nice tension that really drove the characters all the way to the end despite their being no actual romance most of the time. You want to cheer for them.
Tyler can eat a bag of dicks. (No I won't explain further)
You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Physical abuse, Self harm, Torture, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Suicide, Vomit, Suicide attempt, and Gaslighting
Programmed for Love by Lyonne Riley
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
1 ๐ถ๏ธ- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
Thank you to the author for my copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
emotional
hopeful
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
๐ - 156 pages
3 chili peppers ๐ถ๏ธ on the spice scale.
Genre: sci-fi romance
POV: Single
Ending: HEA
This was my first android romance!
Lela our human FMC works on a long-haul space freight carrier, despite being smart enough for engineering she sequesters herself to the lower levels due to performance anxiety and tends to keep to herself. She eventually develops a crush on the ship's android D-084 (or D for short) admiring his careful attention to detail and how he always seems to have his attention on her but androids can't love and worried she'd be the laughing stock of the shop for using their robot for sex she keeps her feelings to herself until eventually she finds out that there is more to D than most are aware of or appreciate. Together they try to solve some mysterious issues on the ship that could put everyone's lives at stake and the more time they spend together the closer and steamier they get.
The ending is a happy one but also a bit sad, grab your tissues because I definitely cried.
This is a super steamy sci-fi romance novella (40k words) about an android MMC, the strong, smart FMC who loves him, and their journey to discover whether an artificial intelligence can feel love.
Tropes & Content warnings -
Graphic depictions of sex
Anal play and anal sex toys
Mild violence
Bomb detonation
Life-threatening injury
3 chili peppers ๐ถ๏ธ on the spice scale.
Genre: sci-fi romance
POV: Single
Ending: HEA
This was my first android romance!
Lela our human FMC works on a long-haul space freight carrier, despite being smart enough for engineering she sequesters herself to the lower levels due to performance anxiety and tends to keep to herself. She eventually develops a crush on the ship's android D-084 (or D for short) admiring his careful attention to detail and how he always seems to have his attention on her but androids can't love and worried she'd be the laughing stock of the shop for using their robot for sex she keeps her feelings to herself until eventually she finds out that there is more to D than most are aware of or appreciate. Together they try to solve some mysterious issues on the ship that could put everyone's lives at stake and the more time they spend together the closer and steamier they get.
The ending is a happy one but also a bit sad, grab your tissues because I definitely cried.
This is a super steamy sci-fi romance novella (40k words) about an android MMC, the strong, smart FMC who loves him, and their journey to discover whether an artificial intelligence can feel love.
Tropes & Content warnings -
Graphic depictions of sex
Anal play and anal sex toys
Mild violence
Bomb detonation
Life-threatening injury
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
1 ๐ถ๏ธ- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
Thank you to the author for my copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
My Minotaur Husband by Lyonne Riley
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
๐ - 150 pages
audiobook - 3 hours and 53 minutes
4 chili peppers ๐ถ๏ธ on the spice scale.
Genre: monster romance
POV: Single, narrated by Leslie Burke
Ending: HEA
This is a sweet and quick Novella. I listened to it on audiobook in a single afternoon.
This is a world where humans are an endangered species and thus a rare thing to have as a partner. Celeste lives on a reservation for humans that keeps them safe. Monsters are as likely to use a human as a resource as they are to date them and all monsters wanting a human companion must submit an application and be reviewed by the human wanting a partner. They then are allowed a "trail marriage" where the pair live together and see if they are compatible. This isn't really forced proximity since Celeste has a choice to leave at any time and has her own bedroom. Theo is a gentleman about their trail arrangement and makes sure the house can accommodate her right away and immediately dotes on her. They learn what it takes to live together as a couple and how blending their lives together works, including visiting Theos sweet grandmother every week in the care facility she lives in.
This is a super steamy, low-angst, cozy monster romance novella (38k words) that features a cinnamon roll minotaur MMC, significant size difference, stretching as a primary plot point, the significant use of sex toys, and a guaranteed HEA. For a list of all tropes and content warnings, visit the author's website at LyonneRiley.com.
Tropes & Content warnings -
M/F
Size difference
Big cock
Stretching
Use of sex toys
Parental death and abandonment
Light gore and assault
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
1 ๐ถ๏ธ- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
audiobook - 3 hours and 53 minutes
4 chili peppers ๐ถ๏ธ on the spice scale.
Genre: monster romance
POV: Single, narrated by Leslie Burke
Ending: HEA
This is a sweet and quick Novella. I listened to it on audiobook in a single afternoon.
This is a world where humans are an endangered species and thus a rare thing to have as a partner. Celeste lives on a reservation for humans that keeps them safe. Monsters are as likely to use a human as a resource as they are to date them and all monsters wanting a human companion must submit an application and be reviewed by the human wanting a partner. They then are allowed a "trail marriage" where the pair live together and see if they are compatible. This isn't really forced proximity since Celeste has a choice to leave at any time and has her own bedroom. Theo is a gentleman about their trail arrangement and makes sure the house can accommodate her right away and immediately dotes on her. They learn what it takes to live together as a couple and how blending their lives together works, including visiting Theos sweet grandmother every week in the care facility she lives in.
This is a super steamy, low-angst, cozy monster romance novella (38k words) that features a cinnamon roll minotaur MMC, significant size difference, stretching as a primary plot point, the significant use of sex toys, and a guaranteed HEA. For a list of all tropes and content warnings, visit the author's website at LyonneRiley.com.
Tropes & Content warnings -
M/F
Size difference
Big cock
Stretching
Use of sex toys
Parental death and abandonment
Light gore and assault
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
1 ๐ถ๏ธ- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Gore, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Breathless by Cat Wynn
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
๐ - 280 pages
3 chili peppers ๐ถ๏ธ on the spice scale.
Genre: monster romance (maybe a little thriller, maybe a little sci-fi)
POV: Single
Ending: HEA
I absolutely LOVED this book! As someone who reads monster romance and horror almost exclusively, this was such a great story!
I loved the tension in this book, there were so many details that added an undertone of concern or fear as you get tiny bits about what is going on in the bigger picture as you follow Jules and Mack as they go from online friends on a fish forum to a romance neither can deny despite knowing their tiny worlds have their limits.
For the first half of this book it doesn't feel like a romance, it feels like a thriller, possibly because of Jules agoraphobic personality seeing most of the world as scary, but as the plot progresses and the outside world gets involved. there are so many little but concerning things happening that make you worry for Jules then once the romance happens you almost forget about them until you realize it's not in her head and actually happening. The ending was so not what I expected considering the start of this book. What a wild ride of a story.
Tropes -
Mental health rep
Fish daddy
People becoming monsters
Fancy equipment
Fated mates
Multiple worlds
Stalker neighbor
Healthy poly rep
Fish puns
Slow burn
Self love/accepting yourself rep
Content warnings -
Stalker neighbor
Abuse of power
Toxic parent
Deep depression
Suicide attempt (on page, unsuccessful)
Bodily harm
Talk of SA (past tense, not described)
Hate speech (against monsters)
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
1 ๐ถ๏ธ- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
Thank you to the author for my copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
3 chili peppers ๐ถ๏ธ on the spice scale.
Genre: monster romance (maybe a little thriller, maybe a little sci-fi)
POV: Single
Ending: HEA
I absolutely LOVED this book! As someone who reads monster romance and horror almost exclusively, this was such a great story!
I loved the tension in this book, there were so many details that added an undertone of concern or fear as you get tiny bits about what is going on in the bigger picture as you follow Jules and Mack as they go from online friends on a fish forum to a romance neither can deny despite knowing their tiny worlds have their limits.
For the first half of this book it doesn't feel like a romance, it feels like a thriller, possibly because of Jules agoraphobic personality seeing most of the world as scary, but as the plot progresses and the outside world gets involved. there are so many little but concerning things happening that make you worry for Jules then once the romance happens you almost forget about them until you realize it's not in her head and actually happening. The ending was so not what I expected considering the start of this book. What a wild ride of a story.
Tropes -
Mental health rep
Fish daddy
People becoming monsters
Fancy equipment
Fated mates
Multiple worlds
Stalker neighbor
Healthy poly rep
Fish puns
Slow burn
Self love/accepting yourself rep
Content warnings -
Stalker neighbor
Abuse of power
Toxic parent
Deep depression
Suicide attempt (on page, unsuccessful)
Bodily harm
Talk of SA (past tense, not described)
Hate speech (against monsters)
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
1 ๐ถ๏ธ- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
Thank you to the author for my copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual content, Stalking, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Sexual harassment, and Dysphoria
Jumping the Shark by Ash Raven
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
๐ - 160 pages
Super cute alien romance with some of the best representation of communication. If you like age gap, Daddy dom romance then you'll love Maxon and Odette.
This was a low stakes cozy romance read, no major conflicts happen, no middle of the book break up Odette our human FMC is all to happy to leave earth behind and Maxon our shark-like alien MMC, click from the start and work together to grow into a very sweet and wholesome couple. He takes care of her, adores her and helps her love herself more, and she helps him let go, stop putting everyone else first and learn to enjoy his retirement.
Pros - Plus sized rep, healthy couples depicted throughout the story.
Cons - none, I got nothing, this book left no crumbs.
4 chili peppers ๐ถ๏ธ on the spice scale.
Genre: Sci-Fi/monster romance
POV: Duel
Ending: HEA
sexy tropes - age gap, 2 ๐, Dd/lg, mating frenzy, alien abduction. insta-love
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
1 ๐ถ๏ธ- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
Thank you to the author for my copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
Super cute alien romance with some of the best representation of communication. If you like age gap, Daddy dom romance then you'll love Maxon and Odette.
This was a low stakes cozy romance read, no major conflicts happen, no middle of the book break up Odette our human FMC is all to happy to leave earth behind and Maxon our shark-like alien MMC, click from the start and work together to grow into a very sweet and wholesome couple. He takes care of her, adores her and helps her love herself more, and she helps him let go, stop putting everyone else first and learn to enjoy his retirement.
Pros - Plus sized rep, healthy couples depicted throughout the story.
Cons - none, I got nothing, this book left no crumbs.
4 chili peppers ๐ถ๏ธ on the spice scale.
Genre: Sci-Fi/monster romance
POV: Duel
Ending: HEA
sexy tropes - age gap, 2 ๐, Dd/lg, mating frenzy, alien abduction. insta-love
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
1 ๐ถ๏ธ- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
Thank you to the author for my copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Space for More by Emily Antoinette
First off I have no read space for love (Spire Station #1) this was still able to be read as a standalone and was totally enjoyable.
This was such a sweet book, the relationship and plot are very fast paced, happening mostly in the events of a single week but there was still so much self-reflection, work and love from all the characters it was such an enjoyable read, I might have teared up a few times. The Author includes guides in the front for pronunciation, triggers and so much helpful info it was so amazing to see it all so clearly organized. This was a take on Alien fated mates which explains how quickly everyone get's involved.
I really loved Mezli as a character, she's fun and bubbly and sticks up for her friends but still has her own issues. She's take charge without being perceived as a mean girl. Overall, I think she was my favorite. Phelix was a very close second because how often do you get to see a male character with body issues, who isn't always in charge, who's depicted as being able to cry and be in his feelings when alone. The alien race and nobility he and Mezli are a part of are known for being very closed off and hiding their emotions but even, so they actively look for body language and try and read one another and part of their story is seeing him being allowed to show more and it being seen as a good thing which is so refreshing. Emily writes poly, plus sized characters so well, in no way did their dynamic ever feel forced or not enough. It was so sweet I was so happy for them while reading even their parents are rooting for them and I just love that.
Pros - Plus sized rep, poly rep, healthy couples depicted throughout the story. No shame involved for anyone in any stage of their personal journey.
Cons - none, I got nothing, this book left no crumbs.
4 chili peppers ๐ถ๏ธ on the spice scale.
Genre: romantasy/monster romance
POV: Multi
Ending: HEA
sexy tropes - knotting, 2 ๐, polyamory, public sex, MFF, FF, MF
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
1 ๐ถ๏ธ- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.75
First off I have no read space for love (Spire Station #1) this was still able to be read as a standalone and was totally enjoyable.
This was such a sweet book, the relationship and plot are very fast paced, happening mostly in the events of a single week but there was still so much self-reflection, work and love from all the characters it was such an enjoyable read, I might have teared up a few times. The Author includes guides in the front for pronunciation, triggers and so much helpful info it was so amazing to see it all so clearly organized. This was a take on Alien fated mates which explains how quickly everyone get's involved.
I really loved Mezli as a character, she's fun and bubbly and sticks up for her friends but still has her own issues. She's take charge without being perceived as a mean girl. Overall, I think she was my favorite. Phelix was a very close second because how often do you get to see a male character with body issues, who isn't always in charge, who's depicted as being able to cry and be in his feelings when alone. The alien race and nobility he and Mezli are a part of are known for being very closed off and hiding their emotions but even, so they actively look for body language and try and read one another and part of their story is seeing him being allowed to show more and it being seen as a good thing which is so refreshing. Emily writes poly, plus sized characters so well, in no way did their dynamic ever feel forced or not enough. It was so sweet I was so happy for them while reading even their parents are rooting for them and I just love that.
Pros - Plus sized rep, poly rep, healthy couples depicted throughout the story. No shame involved for anyone in any stage of their personal journey.
Cons - none, I got nothing, this book left no crumbs.
4 chili peppers ๐ถ๏ธ on the spice scale.
Genre: romantasy/monster romance
POV: Multi
Ending: HEA
sexy tropes - knotting, 2 ๐, polyamory, public sex, MFF, FF, MF
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
1 ๐ถ๏ธ- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming and Sexual content
Sinking Sands by Monica Boothe
Did not finish book. Stopped at 73%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 73%.
I tried to push through this book so much but even after 50% of the book I just did not like the main character. She is so absorbed with her parents hunt for a treasure that might not be real and supposedly claimed her father's life she was willing to throw everything away, she alienated her crew, kicked her first mate off the ship to seem tough for disagreeing with her (even though he was looking out for her) and put all her faith in a guy she didn't know because he believed her about the treasure.
I stopped when they got captured (because of course they did) and her maybe double-crossed love interest comes to save her because he loves this mystery treasure, (he just found out about) possibly more than her. I'm sure there's probably a happy ending to this, maybe she finds the treasure, and they live happily ever after rich and full of "I told you so" but honestly, she did all her crew dirty, and I doubt even being right in the last 30% of the book would make me like this teenage captain at this point. It just felt like a story about how to make everyone lose faith in you and ruin every friendship you have because you have to be right.
I stopped when they got captured (because of course they did) and her maybe double-crossed love interest comes to save her because he loves this mystery treasure, (he just found out about) possibly more than her. I'm sure there's probably a happy ending to this, maybe she finds the treasure, and they live happily ever after rich and full of "I told you so" but honestly, she did all her crew dirty, and I doubt even being right in the last 30% of the book would make me like this teenage captain at this point. It just felt like a story about how to make everyone lose faith in you and ruin every friendship you have because you have to be right.
How to Marry a Lich by Lizzie Strong
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
4.75
This was such a cute read. It had Addams family meets Howls Moving Castle vibes.
I really enjoyed this haunted house full of lovable creatures. Sebastion's infatuation and adoration of his bride is so very sweet, he says he'd die for her and means it despite being an undead Lich. All the side characters have their own stories how they came to the manor, and it was fun getting little tidbits of information about them as we follow our FMC Dahlia through the story.
The author put their trigger warnings at the beginning of the chapter it was going to happen in which was so very helpful, I appreciated that a ton. So thoughtful.
Pros - Really loved that they had the FMC figure things out and win, she wasn't very damsel in distress though she does get saved in the beginning from a difficult situation she never backs down and does all she can to fight and win to save her family.
Cons - The sprinkling of modern details in the story like having phones and cars alongside magic orbs and portals felt a little distracting for me. This world is described as very magical with monsters very widely accepted in society and gowns and top hats aren't out of place. They weren't mentioned much at all so really, I feel they could have been left out altogether. Dahlia is also the only one to mention missing these modern conveniences like leggings and tech for the most part, so it almost gave her a "from another world" feel which isn't the case. This is a very minor issue and did not ruin the book for me at all.
3 chili peppers ๐ถ๏ธ on the spice scale.
Genre: romantasy/monster romance
POV: Dual
Ending: HEA
I think this wins fanciest peen award for the month. Sebastion's equipment had so many details and features it was almost hard to wrap my mind around at times and that is saying something.
sexy tropes - knotting? tentacles, suction, size difference, roleplay, begging, power exchange, exhibitionism, punishment, "buckets of cum"
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
1 ๐ถ๏ธ- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
I really enjoyed this haunted house full of lovable creatures. Sebastion's infatuation and adoration of his bride is so very sweet, he says he'd die for her and means it despite being an undead Lich. All the side characters have their own stories how they came to the manor, and it was fun getting little tidbits of information about them as we follow our FMC Dahlia through the story.
The author put their trigger warnings at the beginning of the chapter it was going to happen in which was so very helpful, I appreciated that a ton. So thoughtful.
Pros - Really loved that they had the FMC figure things out and win, she wasn't very damsel in distress though she does get saved in the beginning from a difficult situation she never backs down and does all she can to fight and win to save her family.
Cons - The sprinkling of modern details in the story like having phones and cars alongside magic orbs and portals felt a little distracting for me. This world is described as very magical with monsters very widely accepted in society and gowns and top hats aren't out of place. They weren't mentioned much at all so really, I feel they could have been left out altogether. Dahlia is also the only one to mention missing these modern conveniences like leggings and tech for the most part, so it almost gave her a "from another world" feel which isn't the case. This is a very minor issue and did not ruin the book for me at all.
3 chili peppers ๐ถ๏ธ on the spice scale.
Genre: romantasy/monster romance
POV: Dual
Ending: HEA
I think this wins fanciest peen award for the month. Sebastion's equipment had so many details and features it was almost hard to wrap my mind around at times and that is saying something.
sexy tropes - knotting? tentacles, suction, size difference, roleplay, begging, power exchange, exhibitionism, punishment, "buckets of cum"
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
1 ๐ถ๏ธ- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Death, Violence, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
This Delicious Death by Kayla Cottingham
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
What's more fun then four friends going on their first road trip to a music festival? How about hiding a body and trying to solve who is spiking the drinks of attendees hoping they turn into gruesome monsters?
This book was such a fun read, it gave almost Scooby do "who done it" vibes in the best way. Amazing LGBTQIA+ representation, I was griping my kindle reading so fast to see what happened next. The mystery and the love story had me on the edge of my seat.
If you like my reviews you can follow me at ThisCryptidReads on Instagram, Tiktok, and CryptidReads1 on Twitter\X
This book was such a fun read, it gave almost Scooby do "who done it" vibes in the best way. Amazing LGBTQIA+ representation, I was griping my kindle reading so fast to see what happened next. The mystery and the love story had me on the edge of my seat.
If you like my reviews you can follow me at ThisCryptidReads on Instagram, Tiktok, and CryptidReads1 on Twitter\X
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and Vomit
Minor: Deadnaming, Death, and Gore
Keeping the Human's Heart by Lyonne Riley
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
5.0
3 chili peppers ๐ถ๏ธ on the spice scale.
Genre: romantasy/monster romance
POV: multiple POV
Ending: HEA
This was such a sweet yet spicy book. Following Esme feeling a war and hiding in what she thinks is enemy territory she quickly endears herself to Drazak the orc and Hanโzir and for a bit this is the sweetest farm story as they sort out their feelings then once they realize they are all meant to be, and Esme was the missing piece to their family dynamic things quickly heat up. I love seeing them all deal with and process their feelings and pasts without ever saying the other or they themselves are "broken" in some way. They're all great characters it really hit the cozy fantasy vibes. If you wanted something like Legends and Lattes but with more spice this is the book for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ
1 - May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
Genre: romantasy/monster romance
POV: multiple POV
Ending: HEA
This was such a sweet yet spicy book. Following Esme feeling a war and hiding in what she thinks is enemy territory she quickly endears herself to Drazak the orc and Hanโzir and for a bit this is the sweetest farm story as they sort out their feelings then once they realize they are all meant to be, and Esme was the missing piece to their family dynamic things quickly heat up. I love seeing them all deal with and process their feelings and pasts without ever saying the other or they themselves are "broken" in some way. They're all great characters it really hit the cozy fantasy vibes. If you wanted something like Legends and Lattes but with more spice this is the book for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
My Spice Rating - ๐ถ๏ธ
1 - May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
Content Warnings
Minor: Physical abuse, Pregnancy, War, and Injury/Injury detail