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rjordan19's reviews
932 reviews
A Notorious Countess Confesses by Julie Anne Long
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-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
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 (This one really grabbed me emotionally in the latter half)
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ (very slow burn, but I could have used a bit more burn...)
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 (I really enjoy Long’s steamy scenes – good mix of emotions and explicitness)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine (there might have been a brief section of side characters POV)
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: Very soon in, chapter 1
Cliffhanger: This ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to the audiobook through my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I have slowly been making my way through the Pennyroyal Green series! Books 5 and 6 really solidified my love of Long’s writing and eventually want to read all her work.
Should I read in order?
It’s not totally necessary, but there’s character overlap and nuances within the series that build on each other. So ideally in order, but the romance itself will stand alone.
Basic plot:
Evie moves to a manor house to escape the rumors and judgment from London society
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency
- English countryside setting
- widow heroine
- vicar hero
- celibate hero
- Irish heroine
- slowwwww burn – no action until after 80%
- lower steam – 2 full scenes towards the end
Ages:
- didn’t catch them
First line: (taken from audio)
She was confident no one would ever expect to find her in a church.
My thoughts:
So, I REALLY loved books 5 and 6 of this series, and this book just didn’t quite match my love. I did like it though!
I love the idea of the vicar and the former courtesan. And Long’s writing shone through with her endearing side characters, humor, and emotional depth created in the relationship. This one took me awhile to get into though. I found this one really, really slow, and ultimately I just wanted a bit more from it by the end. But the second half was way more emotional and I did fall in love with them. I will say though in this one I loved the heroine more than the hero. I think I wanted him to crumble more for Evie than he did haha.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 8
Average rating: 4.25 stars
Favorite book: What I Did for a Duke
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- side character mentions the loss of a child
- there are some scenes of bullying of the heroine (because she was a ‘mistress’)
- domestic violence and neglect remembered
- domestic violence on page (side characters)
- very brief mention of previously smoking
Author content warnings? None given
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: No
Hows the consent? It’s good
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) There are some scenes with children as side characters – playing with children, rocking a baby, etc. but no pregnancy
65% - kiss
82% - 🔥her on top
93% - 🔥oral for her, sex, bj
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 (This one really grabbed me emotionally in the latter half)
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ (very slow burn, but I could have used a bit more burn...)
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 (I really enjoy Long’s steamy scenes – good mix of emotions and explicitness)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine (there might have been a brief section of side characters POV)
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: Very soon in, chapter 1
Cliffhanger: This ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to the audiobook through my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I have slowly been making my way through the Pennyroyal Green series! Books 5 and 6 really solidified my love of Long’s writing and eventually want to read all her work.
Should I read in order?
It’s not totally necessary, but there’s character overlap and nuances within the series that build on each other. So ideally in order, but the romance itself will stand alone.
Basic plot:
Evie moves to a manor house to escape the rumors and judgment from London society
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency
- English countryside setting
- widow heroine
- vicar hero
- celibate hero
- Irish heroine
- slowwwww burn – no action until after 80%
- lower steam – 2 full scenes towards the end
Ages:
- didn’t catch them
First line: (taken from audio)
She was confident no one would ever expect to find her in a church.
My thoughts:
So, I REALLY loved books 5 and 6 of this series, and this book just didn’t quite match my love. I did like it though!
I love the idea of the vicar and the former courtesan. And Long’s writing shone through with her endearing side characters, humor, and emotional depth created in the relationship. This one took me awhile to get into though. I found this one really, really slow, and ultimately I just wanted a bit more from it by the end. But the second half was way more emotional and I did fall in love with them. I will say though in this one I loved the heroine more than the hero. I think I wanted him to crumble more for Evie than he did haha.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 8
Average rating: 4.25 stars
Favorite book: What I Did for a Duke
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- side character mentions the loss of a child
- there are some scenes of bullying of the heroine (because she was a ‘mistress’)
- domestic violence and neglect remembered
- domestic violence on page (side characters)
- very brief mention of previously smoking
Author content warnings? None given
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
65% - kiss
82% - 🔥her on top
93% - 🔥oral for her, sex, bj
When I Found You by Kirsten S. Blacketer, Kirsten S. Blacketer
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖(and a half maybe – I was pretty captured by this book and found myself wanting to read it and resenting my responsibilities hah)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (the scenes are rather close together so might not feel this hot to others
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: first person from both the hero and heroine (alternating chapters)
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: pretty soon in, chapter 2
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, it takes place about 35 years after the couple meet
Format: bought e-book
Mains: This is a M/F novel with cishet hero and heroine
Why I chose this book: I loved Blacketer’s release titled Death and Desire and wanted to try more of her writing. I was intrigued by a time travel back to the 80s!
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Blacketer’s Craving 1985 series.
Basic plot:
Katherine is mourning her life at the top of the Empire State Building when she finds herself going back in time to 1985.
Give this a try if you want:
- time travel – back to 1985
- contemporary (2020) heroine and...less contemporary (1985) hero
- shorter novel – it didn’t feel short to me but goodreads has it at 153 pages
- father’s boss
- workplace romance with employer/employee vibes – the hero hires the heroine as his assistant
- hero nurses heroine back to health
- play on amnesia trope
- architect hero
- hero cooks for the heroine
- silver fox
- heroine has heterochromia
- medium steam – it’s a slower burn and the spicy scenes are close together but I settled at a 2 steam within a shorter page count. One scene does have some light spanking and there’s light praise.
Ages:
- heroine is 32, hero is 40
First line:
This year sucked.
My thoughts:
I was SO curious about this one. Being born in 1985, I was so intrigued by a time travel that goes back – sounded fun seeing it through a contemporary heroine’s eyes instead of picking up a contemporary published in 1985 hehe.
I had a few conflicting thoughts about this one. It had so, so much that I absolutely loved. I loved so many of the scenes and lines, and the setting and the side characters really grabbed me too (and make me want to come back for more).
But I was a bit frustrated with this hero...He’s kind of a jerk and that also might be why I loved him (you know me, I love them jerky 😆 ). I thought his turn around was a bit too abrupt in a few parts. There is a part where he chooses not to talk to the heroine and then turns it around and is pursuing attention from her and it didn’t feel authentic. And when the hero needs help from his friends instead of wallowing in his self loathing and kicking my heart around I’m always kind of sad haha.
Still, I loved so, so much about this book. I’ll probably be returning to this series at some point!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating: 4.5 stars
Favorite book: Death and Desire
Quotes
on cue, Arthur steps out of the far room. My heart stops at the sight of him. His shirtsleeves are pushed up exposing strong forearms. The vee of skin at his throat draws my attention upward to his angled jaw and full lips. Oh God, he’s hotter. How is that possible?
---
I pick up my fork and take a bite. The buttery crust and sweet tang of apple filling melts in my mouth along with the decadent vanilla ice cream. The combination wrenches a moan from my throat.
Arthur pauses mid-bite and stares at me with an arched brow. “That good?”
“Better than sex,” I murmur before stuffing another forkful in my mouth.
He chokes, and I meet his gaze across the table. In their stormy depths I see his hunger, and it has nothing to do with apple pie and coffee.
---
Mine
No. I shake my head at the strange possessive thought. She’s not mine. The irrational thought makes me recoil in horror. What would make me think such a thing?
The way she moaned while eating her pie. The way she so innocently claimed it was better than sex. The way my clothing caresses the sweet curves of her body. Her in my apartment. Naked in my shower. In my bed.
I pace the length of the room and rest my forehead against the cool glass of the window.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- parental death and grief (one parent dies of cancer)
- thoughts of suicide
- minor scene of alcohol to the point of sickness
- brief remembrance of a bad breakup/relationship
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: Condoms used
Hows the consent? It’s good
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) No children in the story. Side characters announce a pregnancy within the story. Children are mention in the epilogue (the epilogue takes place 35 years in the future)
51% - kiss
73% - 🔥 oral for her, followed quickly by missionary, then a blow job in the shower
“I thought you were resting?”
“While you’re in here all naked and wet?” She slides her slick body against mine and wraps her hand around my cock.
“Damn it, Kate.” Her hand gives enough pressure to make me see stars. I brace my weight against the wall and the water sluices over us both. I swear again when she strokes twice and drops to her knees.
79% - 🔥 sex against the windows of the hero’s high rise apartment with spanking
"I told you not to move." He wraps his hand around my throat and strokes with a hint of pressure.
"Why did you spank me?" My outrage dims at the caress. It's difficult to remain outraged when it's what I crave.
"Did you lie to me?" He takes the lobe of my ear between his teeth and tugs.
Readability: 📖📖📖📖(and a half maybe – I was pretty captured by this book and found myself wanting to read it and resenting my responsibilities hah)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (the scenes are rather close together so might not feel this hot to others
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: first person from both the hero and heroine (alternating chapters)
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: pretty soon in, chapter 2
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, it takes place about 35 years after the couple meet
Format: bought e-book
Mains: This is a M/F novel with cishet hero and heroine
Why I chose this book: I loved Blacketer’s release titled Death and Desire and wanted to try more of her writing. I was intrigued by a time travel back to the 80s!
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Blacketer’s Craving 1985 series.
Basic plot:
Katherine is mourning her life at the top of the Empire State Building when she finds herself going back in time to 1985.
Give this a try if you want:
- time travel – back to 1985
- contemporary (2020) heroine and...less contemporary (1985) hero
- shorter novel – it didn’t feel short to me but goodreads has it at 153 pages
- father’s boss
- workplace romance with employer/employee vibes – the hero hires the heroine as his assistant
- hero nurses heroine back to health
- play on amnesia trope
- architect hero
- hero cooks for the heroine
- silver fox
- heroine has heterochromia
- medium steam – it’s a slower burn and the spicy scenes are close together but I settled at a 2 steam within a shorter page count. One scene does have some light spanking and there’s light praise.
Ages:
- heroine is 32, hero is 40
First line:
This year sucked.
My thoughts:
I was SO curious about this one. Being born in 1985, I was so intrigued by a time travel that goes back – sounded fun seeing it through a contemporary heroine’s eyes instead of picking up a contemporary published in 1985 hehe.
I had a few conflicting thoughts about this one. It had so, so much that I absolutely loved. I loved so many of the scenes and lines, and the setting and the side characters really grabbed me too (and make me want to come back for more).
But I was a bit frustrated with this hero...He’s kind of a jerk and that also might be why I loved him (you know me, I love them jerky 😆 ). I thought his turn around was a bit too abrupt in a few parts. There is a part where he chooses not to talk to the heroine and then turns it around and is pursuing attention from her and it didn’t feel authentic. And when the hero needs help from his friends instead of wallowing in his self loathing and kicking my heart around I’m always kind of sad haha.
Still, I loved so, so much about this book. I’ll probably be returning to this series at some point!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating: 4.5 stars
Favorite book: Death and Desire
Quotes
on cue, Arthur steps out of the far room. My heart stops at the sight of him. His shirtsleeves are pushed up exposing strong forearms. The vee of skin at his throat draws my attention upward to his angled jaw and full lips. Oh God, he’s hotter. How is that possible?
---
I pick up my fork and take a bite. The buttery crust and sweet tang of apple filling melts in my mouth along with the decadent vanilla ice cream. The combination wrenches a moan from my throat.
Arthur pauses mid-bite and stares at me with an arched brow. “That good?”
“Better than sex,” I murmur before stuffing another forkful in my mouth.
He chokes, and I meet his gaze across the table. In their stormy depths I see his hunger, and it has nothing to do with apple pie and coffee.
---
Mine
No. I shake my head at the strange possessive thought. She’s not mine. The irrational thought makes me recoil in horror. What would make me think such a thing?
The way she moaned while eating her pie. The way she so innocently claimed it was better than sex. The way my clothing caresses the sweet curves of her body. Her in my apartment. Naked in my shower. In my bed.
I pace the length of the room and rest my forehead against the cool glass of the window.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- parental death and grief (one parent dies of cancer)
- thoughts of suicide
- minor scene of alcohol to the point of sickness
- brief remembrance of a bad breakup/relationship
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
51% - kiss
73% - 🔥 oral for her, followed quickly by missionary, then a blow job in the shower
“I thought you were resting?”
“While you’re in here all naked and wet?” She slides her slick body against mine and wraps her hand around my cock.
“Damn it, Kate.” Her hand gives enough pressure to make me see stars. I brace my weight against the wall and the water sluices over us both. I swear again when she strokes twice and drops to her knees.
79% - 🔥 sex against the windows of the hero’s high rise apartment with spanking
"I told you not to move." He wraps his hand around my throat and strokes with a hint of pressure.
"Why did you spank me?" My outrage dims at the caress. It's difficult to remain outraged when it's what I crave.
"Did you lie to me?" He takes the lobe of my ear between his teeth and tugs.
A most unsuitable lover by Kelsey Swanson
medium-paced
4.75
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit!
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine and a minor scene or two from a side character (looks like mains from a prior book) and a very brief scene from the hero’s mother
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: almost immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: read an e-book through kindle unlimited
Mains both hero and heroine are cishet
Why I chose this book: Swanson did a takeover ages ago in The Ton and Tartans and she posted a snippet of one of her novels and I was intrigued by her writing. She's been on my TBR list since then but when she did another takeover for this release in Upturned Petticoats I had kindle unlimited and decided to give her a go.
Should I read in order?
This is my first my Swanson, but her author’s note in the beginning of the book states that this takes place after The Stratford Family series with Ian making appearances in books 2 and 3 – it can be read as a standalone novel...I did see Meredith and George talked about (characters from Saving the Viscount) and they have some minor POV time...probably best in order but not totally necessary if you aren’t a stickler for it.
Basic plot:
Juliette finds herself saved in the arms of Ian during an almost accident. Instantly attracted, she engages him as a Gaelic tutor hoping for more...
Give this a try if you want:
- Late Georgian – 1826
- London setting
- doctor hero
- hero has longer hair
- Scottish hero
- he will carry you when your ankle is hurt
- class difference – heroine is sister to an Earl while hero is a working class Scottish doctor
- our mains can speak Russian, French, Spanish and Italian to each other and Ian murmurs sweet Gaelic phrases to her
- teach me
- house party
- “Good lass.”
- compromised heroine
- medium to higher steam – 4 full scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 26, hero is ‘solidly in his third decade of life’
First line:
Doctor Ian McCullom narrowly dodged a messenger boy as he careened recklessly through the bustling walkway, heedless of those around him and bent only on earning and extra penny or two if he delivered his note with due haste.
My thoughts:
Oh, how I totally fell in love with Swanson’s writing in this novel! I was curious about her for awhile after she did a takeover in one of our groups and I finally got around to trying this one and now I want to go back and read all her work! I loved her writing style and really fell into this story and it had so much I adored about it.
This one had a lot of tropes that I generally enjoy, including lessons at a house party and a compromised heroine – but all the in betweens are what I truly fell in love with. The wonderful dialogue and build up of tension. Getting to know these characters and just falling in love with both of them. I thought there were so many super sweet scenes!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first!
Average rating:
Favorite book: This one!
Quotes
When Juliette asks Ian to tutor her in kisses...
“What harm could there be in it?”
“What harm?” Ian croaked out. Did she believe him to be as weak and harmless as a kitten. Was she so sheltered that she didn’t realize what he could do to her? What he really wanted from her? The thoughts that kept him throbbing and aching awake every night since the day he’d met her?
He rounded the desk in only a couple of steps to tower over Lady Juliette. His already frantic pulse increase when he caught the light scent of her perfume. If only she knew how he longed to bury his face in her neck, between her pale breasts and bth in her unique aroma.
“What harm?” he asked again, lower instead of louder, a part of him still realizing there were others not all that far away.
Her instincts seemed to kick in and she stood so she was at less of an advantage. Ian stepped closer, backing her up against his desk, forcing her with his height to lean back and brace her hands on the desktop to look up into his face.
“It would be very dangerous, indeed,” he all but growled. “What your self-proclaimed ignorance cannot comprehend is that kissing you would only inevitably make any man want more.”
---
“You still want this?” he murmured against her skin.
“Hmm?” Her head titled back as he nuzzled her throat.
His hands tightened around her until their bodies were entirely flush with one another. “This,” he growled. “Me.”
---
“In that case…” Ian growled before dipping his head once more to kiss her deeply. Her heartbeat thrummed deafeningly in her ears by the time he pulled away. “Cha do bhlais mi a-riamh dad cho milis,” he breathed, the words as lilting as the breeze around them, as ancient as the ground beneath their feet.
“What does that mean?”
His wicked mouth tilted ever so slightly on the right side before he leaned in once more, his breath hot on the delicate shell of her ear. “I have never tasted anything so sweet,” he translated for her in a husky tone.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- mention of parental death
- there is a side character that it’s mentioned she struggled with infertility and is now pregnant
Author content warnings? I didn’t see any given
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: No – they are not married and he comes inside her
Hows the consent? It's good!
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) A side character (from Saving the Viscount) falls pregnant. No children in the story or pregnancies for the mains
24% - kiss
33% - kiss
46% - kisses
55% - kisses
59% - 🔥 kisses, oral for her
She rewarded him with a shuddering sigh and her knees fell further apart. Ian pressed an open mouthed kiss to her inner thigh, tasting the pale skin as sweet as sugar.
64% - 🔥 kisses, touches, heroine self pleasure, dry humping
“Touch yourself.” He demanded, desperately needing her to do so – to caress her flesh in a way he dared not, lest he lose all control once and for all.
69% - 🔥 kisses, blow job (complete)
“Fucking hell…” he groaned and his fingers flew to her head; his heart thudded so hard against his ribs it made them ache.
He wanted to hold her there.
He wanted to thrust deep as she sucked him.
73% - 🔥 oral for her, missionary (v loss for her)
“Yes,” she moaned, lifting her hips to meet his thrusts. She wanted more. More. “Tuilleadh,” she demanded. And he gladly obliged.
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit!
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine and a minor scene or two from a side character (looks like mains from a prior book) and a very brief scene from the hero’s mother
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: almost immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: read an e-book through kindle unlimited
Mains both hero and heroine are cishet
Why I chose this book: Swanson did a takeover ages ago in The Ton and Tartans and she posted a snippet of one of her novels and I was intrigued by her writing. She's been on my TBR list since then but when she did another takeover for this release in Upturned Petticoats I had kindle unlimited and decided to give her a go.
Should I read in order?
This is my first my Swanson, but her author’s note in the beginning of the book states that this takes place after The Stratford Family series with Ian making appearances in books 2 and 3 – it can be read as a standalone novel...I did see Meredith and George talked about (characters from Saving the Viscount) and they have some minor POV time...probably best in order but not totally necessary if you aren’t a stickler for it.
Basic plot:
Juliette finds herself saved in the arms of Ian during an almost accident. Instantly attracted, she engages him as a Gaelic tutor hoping for more...
Give this a try if you want:
- Late Georgian – 1826
- London setting
- doctor hero
- hero has longer hair
- Scottish hero
- he will carry you when your ankle is hurt
- class difference – heroine is sister to an Earl while hero is a working class Scottish doctor
- our mains can speak Russian, French, Spanish and Italian to each other and Ian murmurs sweet Gaelic phrases to her
- teach me
- house party
- “Good lass.”
- compromised heroine
- medium to higher steam – 4 full scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 26, hero is ‘solidly in his third decade of life’
First line:
Doctor Ian McCullom narrowly dodged a messenger boy as he careened recklessly through the bustling walkway, heedless of those around him and bent only on earning and extra penny or two if he delivered his note with due haste.
My thoughts:
Oh, how I totally fell in love with Swanson’s writing in this novel! I was curious about her for awhile after she did a takeover in one of our groups and I finally got around to trying this one and now I want to go back and read all her work! I loved her writing style and really fell into this story and it had so much I adored about it.
This one had a lot of tropes that I generally enjoy, including lessons at a house party and a compromised heroine – but all the in betweens are what I truly fell in love with. The wonderful dialogue and build up of tension. Getting to know these characters and just falling in love with both of them. I thought there were so many super sweet scenes!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first!
Average rating:
Favorite book: This one!
Quotes
When Juliette asks Ian to tutor her in kisses...
“What harm could there be in it?”
“What harm?” Ian croaked out. Did she believe him to be as weak and harmless as a kitten. Was she so sheltered that she didn’t realize what he could do to her? What he really wanted from her? The thoughts that kept him throbbing and aching awake every night since the day he’d met her?
He rounded the desk in only a couple of steps to tower over Lady Juliette. His already frantic pulse increase when he caught the light scent of her perfume. If only she knew how he longed to bury his face in her neck, between her pale breasts and bth in her unique aroma.
“What harm?” he asked again, lower instead of louder, a part of him still realizing there were others not all that far away.
Her instincts seemed to kick in and she stood so she was at less of an advantage. Ian stepped closer, backing her up against his desk, forcing her with his height to lean back and brace her hands on the desktop to look up into his face.
“It would be very dangerous, indeed,” he all but growled. “What your self-proclaimed ignorance cannot comprehend is that kissing you would only inevitably make any man want more.”
---
“You still want this?” he murmured against her skin.
“Hmm?” Her head titled back as he nuzzled her throat.
His hands tightened around her until their bodies were entirely flush with one another. “This,” he growled. “Me.”
---
“In that case…” Ian growled before dipping his head once more to kiss her deeply. Her heartbeat thrummed deafeningly in her ears by the time he pulled away. “Cha do bhlais mi a-riamh dad cho milis,” he breathed, the words as lilting as the breeze around them, as ancient as the ground beneath their feet.
“What does that mean?”
His wicked mouth tilted ever so slightly on the right side before he leaned in once more, his breath hot on the delicate shell of her ear. “I have never tasted anything so sweet,” he translated for her in a husky tone.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- mention of parental death
- there is a side character that it’s mentioned she struggled with infertility and is now pregnant
Author content warnings? I didn’t see any given
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
24% - kiss
33% - kiss
46% - kisses
55% - kisses
59% - 🔥 kisses, oral for her
She rewarded him with a shuddering sigh and her knees fell further apart. Ian pressed an open mouthed kiss to her inner thigh, tasting the pale skin as sweet as sugar.
64% - 🔥 kisses, touches, heroine self pleasure, dry humping
“Touch yourself.” He demanded, desperately needing her to do so – to caress her flesh in a way he dared not, lest he lose all control once and for all.
69% - 🔥 kisses, blow job (complete)
“Fucking hell…” he groaned and his fingers flew to her head; his heart thudded so hard against his ribs it made them ache.
He wanted to hold her there.
He wanted to thrust deep as she sucked him.
73% - 🔥 oral for her, missionary (v loss for her)
“Yes,” she moaned, lifting her hips to meet his thrusts. She wanted more. More. “Tuilleadh,” she demanded. And he gladly obliged.
Only a rake will do by Christina Diane
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋 (This was short and cute! Not a ton of angst)
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ (There was some build up, but it’s a shorter novel and they fall into each other pretty easily)
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Not too far in, 24% (chapter 2 of 8) but it’s a short story so it doesn’t feel as long as 24% in haha
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, 2 months later
Format: bought e-book
Why I chose this book: I have seen Christina Diane sharing news about The Earl and the Vixen (out at the end of November) and I was curious about her writing so I decided to try this one while I wait for that book to come out.
Mains: This is a M/F relationship featuring a cishet hero and cishet heroine
“Point out your chamber window to me,” he said.
Without thinking, she pointed to indicate which one would lead to her room.
He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “Leave it unlocked tonight.”
Should I read in order?
I believe this is Diane’s debut, and it’s fine to read alone!
Basic plot:
Grace is focused on finding someone that meets her qualifications for a husband – handsome, good kisser, love, and a rake – and she is missing what’s right in front of her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency – 1817
- bespectacled hero
- hero loves first
- midnight window knocks
- unrequited longing
- shorter story
- higher steam – 3 full scenes within a shorter page count
Ages:
- hero is 24, the heroine is around 18
First line:
Grace Armstrong, the youngest daughter of the Earl of Snowdon, rushed away from her brother’s study after walking in on something she didn’t understand between her brother, Elias, and his wife, Lydia.
My thoughts:
I enjoyed this quick and spicy read! I thought it was pretty cute and I am a sucker for any kind of unrequited love, especially from a hero.
In this novel, our heroine Grace gets a bit too focused on her requirements for a husband. I loved how Arthur shows her what’s right next to her and how wonderful it can be – even if he’s not the rake of her dreams. And I’m always swooning for midnight window knocks 🫠 🫠
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 1
Average rating: 5 stars
Favorite book: This one!
Endearments
Hero calls the heroine ‘love’ and ‘my love’.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- I couldn’t think of anything to note!
Author content warnings? Diane puts content warnings on her website
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: No
Hows the consent? It’s good!
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) No children in the story, but there is mention of sex resulting in pregnancy and the heroine eager to have children. The epilogue includes a pregnancy.
48% - kiss
54% - 🔥 kisses, hero teaches heroine how to self pleasure, fingering and oral for her
”You have choices, love,” he said, lowering his head to kiss her again. After a few moments he broke the kiss. “Do you wish to experience your first climax by your own hand, mine, or my mouth?”
78% - kisses
84% - 🔥 missionary
She rolled her head back, and he kissed her chest and neck.
“I want you, Arthur,” she whispered. “I want all of you.”
“I’m wearing far too much clothing,” he said, placing kisses along the gloves of her breasts.
90% - 🔥 bj (complete)
”Did you need me for something?” he asked, kissing her neck.
“Indeed, my love,” she pressed her lips close to his ear. “I wish to taste your cock.”
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋 (This was short and cute! Not a ton of angst)
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ (There was some build up, but it’s a shorter novel and they fall into each other pretty easily)
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Not too far in, 24% (chapter 2 of 8) but it’s a short story so it doesn’t feel as long as 24% in haha
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, 2 months later
Format: bought e-book
Why I chose this book: I have seen Christina Diane sharing news about The Earl and the Vixen (out at the end of November) and I was curious about her writing so I decided to try this one while I wait for that book to come out.
Mains: This is a M/F relationship featuring a cishet hero and cishet heroine
“Point out your chamber window to me,” he said.
Without thinking, she pointed to indicate which one would lead to her room.
He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “Leave it unlocked tonight.”
Should I read in order?
I believe this is Diane’s debut, and it’s fine to read alone!
Basic plot:
Grace is focused on finding someone that meets her qualifications for a husband – handsome, good kisser, love, and a rake – and she is missing what’s right in front of her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency – 1817
- bespectacled hero
- hero loves first
- midnight window knocks
- unrequited longing
- shorter story
- higher steam – 3 full scenes within a shorter page count
Ages:
- hero is 24, the heroine is around 18
First line:
Grace Armstrong, the youngest daughter of the Earl of Snowdon, rushed away from her brother’s study after walking in on something she didn’t understand between her brother, Elias, and his wife, Lydia.
My thoughts:
I enjoyed this quick and spicy read! I thought it was pretty cute and I am a sucker for any kind of unrequited love, especially from a hero.
In this novel, our heroine Grace gets a bit too focused on her requirements for a husband. I loved how Arthur shows her what’s right next to her and how wonderful it can be – even if he’s not the rake of her dreams. And I’m always swooning for midnight window knocks 🫠 🫠
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 1
Average rating: 5 stars
Favorite book: This one!
Endearments
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- I couldn’t think of anything to note!
Author content warnings? Diane puts content warnings on her website
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
48% - kiss
54% - 🔥 kisses, hero teaches heroine how to self pleasure, fingering and oral for her
”You have choices, love,” he said, lowering his head to kiss her again. After a few moments he broke the kiss. “Do you wish to experience your first climax by your own hand, mine, or my mouth?”
78% - kisses
84% - 🔥 missionary
She rolled her head back, and he kissed her chest and neck.
“I want you, Arthur,” she whispered. “I want all of you.”
“I’m wearing far too much clothing,” he said, placing kisses along the gloves of her breasts.
90% - 🔥 bj (complete)
”Did you need me for something?” he asked, kissing her neck.
“Indeed, my love,” she pressed her lips close to his ear. “I wish to taste your cock.”
Christmas Is All Around by Martha Waters
funny
lighthearted
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
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋 (I definitely prefer more descriptions, explicitness and emotional factors in my scenes)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑 (about a page)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥 (basically one full scene and then a few more implied scenes/fade to black)
Humor: Yes! Lots of great banter and silliness
Perspective: third person from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Not too long in...about 13% or chapter 2 (of 21)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: No
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I think I was emailed from NetGalley that it was available. I have liked Waters writing before in a historical setting and was curious to try a contemporary!
Should I read in order?
I think this is a stand alone?
Basic plot:
Charlotte plans on spending the holidays (which she hates) with her sister but when she meets a stripping reindeer her holiday adventures change track.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- holiday romance
- London setting
- American heroine / English hero pairing
- bit of a grumpy heroine that hates Christmas
- artist heroine (former child actress)
- low steam – I believe 1 light scene and some mentions/alluded to scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 29, hero is 33
First line:
Whenever Charlotte was feeling particularly gloomy about the state of the world, finding herself at the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport inevitably made it worse.
My thoughts:
This one was really cute! A bit of a grumpy heroine that hates holidays meets someone that entertains society with holiday cheer. This had some really great banter and humor and just such a sweet falling for each other.
I do wish Waters had more steam! I’m always left wanting a bit more in the bedroom, or more tension and longing between the mains. But I find her books generally really sweet and enjoyable and always delightfully humorous!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 3
Average rating: 4 stars
Favorite book: To Love and to Loathe
Quotes Any mistakes or typos are my own! Please note this was taken from an ARC version and might be different from finished published book
“Don’t tell me,” she said, pressing her finger to her chin in thought. “You were the alleged son of the vicar, but in actuality the natural son of the gentleman of the house – he paid for you to go to Oxford, so that you might make something of yourself, even though he couldn’t acknowledge you as his own.”
“I didn’t go to Oxford.”
“But the rest is true?”
“Er. No. Do you read a lot of novels?”
---
Graham’s eyes flicked up to the rearview mirror to look at his sister. “We met earlier this evening – she was hiding in the nook behind the stairs.”
“Ha! Graham’s spot!” Eloise sad, laughing gleefully. “Was he absolutely awful to you?” she asked Charlotte. “He’s so possessive of that goddamn bench.”
“No, he just started stripping.”
“Graham, what the hell?” Eloise braced her arms on the back of his seat. “Do you want to get arrested?”
---
“Have you considered making a pinup calendar of you dressed as various reindeer?” she asked, still sketching busily. “You can sell copies as a fundraiser.”
“If I’d known my stripping out of that reindeer suit would have this affect on you, I’d have been more careful not to inflame your lust.”
---
“I’m here for three more weeks. Meaning that if you’d like to fuck me somewhere that isn’t going to cause you to need knee replacement surgery later, your dates are limited.” She kept her voice light, almost dismissive, as though what they were doing was no different from any of the other casual flings she’d had in recent years – fun, yes. But not something that mattered.
“Is this how you attract all of your men?” he asked. “Lure them in with sexy discussion of their rapidly failing bodies?”
“No,” she said, gleeful at the realization she was about to share. “Because I’ve never slept with someone over thirty before.”
This did nearly make him crash the car.
“You cannot be serious,” he said, jerking the steering wheel so that the car swerved back into its lane. “You’re twenty-nine – have you been trolling the local secondary schools for dates?”
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- parental death remembered
Author content warnings? I didn’t see anything listed
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: condoms mentioned
Hows the consent? It’s good
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) There is a child in the story (the heroine’s niece I believe) that has some minor page time. The heroine doesn’t particularly want children.
I might have missed some kisses/alluded to mentions but overall I think there was just one main scene??
59% - fingering for her, sex (it’s about a page)
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋 (I definitely prefer more descriptions, explicitness and emotional factors in my scenes)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑 (about a page)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥 (basically one full scene and then a few more implied scenes/fade to black)
Humor: Yes! Lots of great banter and silliness
Perspective: third person from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Not too long in...about 13% or chapter 2 (of 21)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: No
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I think I was emailed from NetGalley that it was available. I have liked Waters writing before in a historical setting and was curious to try a contemporary!
Should I read in order?
I think this is a stand alone?
Basic plot:
Charlotte plans on spending the holidays (which she hates) with her sister but when she meets a stripping reindeer her holiday adventures change track.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- holiday romance
- London setting
- American heroine / English hero pairing
- bit of a grumpy heroine that hates Christmas
- artist heroine (former child actress)
- low steam – I believe 1 light scene and some mentions/alluded to scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 29, hero is 33
First line:
Whenever Charlotte was feeling particularly gloomy about the state of the world, finding herself at the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport inevitably made it worse.
My thoughts:
This one was really cute! A bit of a grumpy heroine that hates holidays meets someone that entertains society with holiday cheer. This had some really great banter and humor and just such a sweet falling for each other.
I do wish Waters had more steam! I’m always left wanting a bit more in the bedroom, or more tension and longing between the mains. But I find her books generally really sweet and enjoyable and always delightfully humorous!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 3
Average rating: 4 stars
Favorite book: To Love and to Loathe
Quotes Any mistakes or typos are my own! Please note this was taken from an ARC version and might be different from finished published book
“Don’t tell me,” she said, pressing her finger to her chin in thought. “You were the alleged son of the vicar, but in actuality the natural son of the gentleman of the house – he paid for you to go to Oxford, so that you might make something of yourself, even though he couldn’t acknowledge you as his own.”
“I didn’t go to Oxford.”
“But the rest is true?”
“Er. No. Do you read a lot of novels?”
---
Graham’s eyes flicked up to the rearview mirror to look at his sister. “We met earlier this evening – she was hiding in the nook behind the stairs.”
“Ha! Graham’s spot!” Eloise sad, laughing gleefully. “Was he absolutely awful to you?” she asked Charlotte. “He’s so possessive of that goddamn bench.”
“No, he just started stripping.”
“Graham, what the hell?” Eloise braced her arms on the back of his seat. “Do you want to get arrested?”
---
“Have you considered making a pinup calendar of you dressed as various reindeer?” she asked, still sketching busily. “You can sell copies as a fundraiser.”
“If I’d known my stripping out of that reindeer suit would have this affect on you, I’d have been more careful not to inflame your lust.”
---
“I’m here for three more weeks. Meaning that if you’d like to fuck me somewhere that isn’t going to cause you to need knee replacement surgery later, your dates are limited.” She kept her voice light, almost dismissive, as though what they were doing was no different from any of the other casual flings she’d had in recent years – fun, yes. But not something that mattered.
“Is this how you attract all of your men?” he asked. “Lure them in with sexy discussion of their rapidly failing bodies?”
“No,” she said, gleeful at the realization she was about to share. “Because I’ve never slept with someone over thirty before.”
This did nearly make him crash the car.
“You cannot be serious,” he said, jerking the steering wheel so that the car swerved back into its lane. “You’re twenty-nine – have you been trolling the local secondary schools for dates?”
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- parental death remembered
Author content warnings? I didn’t see anything listed
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
I might have missed some kisses/alluded to mentions but overall I think there was just one main scene??
59% - fingering for her, sex (it’s about a page)
The Greymere Cliffs by Anne Knight
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔 (It’s a very short story, so not a ton of depth)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡ (There wasn’t much tension here! The mains rather felt like friends until they professed love)
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋 (Judging from the kiss scene)
Sex Scene Length: No sex on page
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): No sex on page
Humor: No, this is a darker, gothic feeling story
Perspective: third person (I think from just Mary’s POV?)
More character focused or plot focused? a bit of a mix...
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: almost immediately
Cliffhanger: no, this ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: no
Format: read an e-book version through kindle unlimited
Why I chose this book: I think I saw it on Anne Knight’s newsletter?? I was curious and eager to pick up a gothic/spooky read for October
Should I read in order?
I believe this is a stand alone.
Basic plot:
Mary goes to stay with her friend Camilla during her confinement.
Give this a try if you want:
- historical romance
- F/F pairing
- gothic vibes
- short story
- spooky!
- no steam – only a kiss on page
Ages:
- didn’t see them mentioned?
First line:
Teeth rattling, Mary leaned forward and rubbed the grimy window with her handkerchief, then peered into the gloom as the carriage rumbled over the rocky, ill-used road.
My thoughts:
I grabbed this one because I am living for short stories and was eager to find something kind of spooky and gothic during October. I thought this was a perfect read for that – a great lunch time or before bed treat.
I loved the writing, but the romance was very light in this one. Not meaning it’s lower steam (though it is) but I felt like I wanted a bit more longing between the mains or at least some...wondering? They seemed solid friends, and as they jumped into a happy for now, it felt really sudden but neither was surprised – maybe I just needed a little bit more from Camilla and it felt like it was more Mary’s POV in the book.
Still, this was perfect for what I was in the mood for! I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve tried from Anne Knight so far.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating: 5 stars
Favorite book: A Lord’s Guide to Marriage, Mutiny and Mistletoe
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- there are some elements of paranormal activity (spirits/possession)
- mention of child birth death, parental death, and madness
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: No sex on page
Hows the consent? it’s good!
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) One of the heroines is pregnant in the this story and goes into labor during the story.
No sex but there is a kiss!
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔 (It’s a very short story, so not a ton of depth)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡ (There wasn’t much tension here! The mains rather felt like friends until they professed love)
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋 (Judging from the kiss scene)
Sex Scene Length: No sex on page
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): No sex on page
Humor: No, this is a darker, gothic feeling story
Perspective: third person (I think from just Mary’s POV?)
More character focused or plot focused? a bit of a mix...
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: almost immediately
Cliffhanger: no, this ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: no
Format: read an e-book version through kindle unlimited
Why I chose this book: I think I saw it on Anne Knight’s newsletter?? I was curious and eager to pick up a gothic/spooky read for October
Should I read in order?
I believe this is a stand alone.
Basic plot:
Mary goes to stay with her friend Camilla during her confinement.
Give this a try if you want:
- historical romance
- F/F pairing
- gothic vibes
- short story
- spooky!
- no steam – only a kiss on page
Ages:
- didn’t see them mentioned?
First line:
Teeth rattling, Mary leaned forward and rubbed the grimy window with her handkerchief, then peered into the gloom as the carriage rumbled over the rocky, ill-used road.
My thoughts:
I grabbed this one because I am living for short stories and was eager to find something kind of spooky and gothic during October. I thought this was a perfect read for that – a great lunch time or before bed treat.
I loved the writing, but the romance was very light in this one. Not meaning it’s lower steam (though it is) but I felt like I wanted a bit more longing between the mains or at least some...wondering? They seemed solid friends, and as they jumped into a happy for now, it felt really sudden but neither was surprised – maybe I just needed a little bit more from Camilla and it felt like it was more Mary’s POV in the book.
Still, this was perfect for what I was in the mood for! I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve tried from Anne Knight so far.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating: 5 stars
Favorite book: A Lord’s Guide to Marriage, Mutiny and Mistletoe
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- there are some elements of paranormal activity (spirits/possession)
- mention of child birth death, parental death, and madness
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: No sex on page
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
No sex but there is a kiss!
Voluptuous by Felicity Niven
emotional
hopeful
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
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (might feel hotter to some people - there's a short scene I didn't count and another scene that is close to another that I combined for 1 flame)
Humor: a bit
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium (which is perfect pacing for me!) even though it’s a novella. It didn’t feel rushed at all!
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes. And there’s also a second epilogue that is super cute that you can get from her newsletter.
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from the author in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I have been looooving Niven’s Bed Me books! I did sign up for the ARC of this one but definitely would have grabbed at some point to read anyway!
Should I read in order?
This one reads fine as a stand alone but is a part of Niven’s Lovelocks of London and Bed Me universe. It is also a part of the Curves and Cravats novella series and stands alone within that.
Basic plot:
Henrietta is compromised by her father’s best friend...
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency – 1819
- age gap – older hero
- father’s best friend
- put a baby in me
- full figured heroine
- the heroine actually enjoys traditional pursuits like embroidery (and I loved that! I’m so tired of romances pooing on embroidery!)
- hero is a cartographer and artist
- child in the story – hero has a son
- hero is a thoughtful gift giver
- sooooo much unrequited longing
- compromised heroine
- opposites attract – a bit of a sunshine/grump feel – there heroine is more bubbly and extroverted and the hero is stoic and quiet (most of the time...)
- higher steam but a slower burn - I settled at 3ish scenes in a shorter page count
Ages:
- hero is 43, heroine is 21
First line:
“I want a child.”
My thoughts:
Ohhh there was SO much to love about this novella. So, so much. Novellas can be a bit hard sometimes because they are shorter – so to establish all this longing, tension, background, character depth, but still have development on page...well sometimes I understand if some things in a novella fall a bit short. But Niven took this novella and filled it with all those things and more.
She included lovely tension building in a novella without making it rushed. You were longing right with along with these mains to cave and when they do it is so, so delicious. She makes you fall in love with them as people as you get to know what has made them who they are. I loved these characters so much, and they had such a believable HEA. This novella was just perfection to me!
She even made me like the kid . I tend to stay away from children in my romances – I am in the thick of child rearing – but sometimes I don’t mind it. But in this one I looooved what it added to the story. It just balanced everything and showed how much Oliver needed to be taught and how perfect Henrietta was for their family.
This romance has so much heart, and the characters deserve so much love and they have such a sweet and believable falling into each other. I just adored it. I’ve read a handful of the Curves and Cravats series so far and they have all been really amazing and delightful but shhhhh this one is my favorite so far.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 7
Average rating: 4.71 stars
Favorite book: Oh that is HARD. Because I LOVED this novella. But I also really loved Duke the Halls. And I also really loved Bed Me, Earl – that hero was so dang sweet. Another one hardly mentioned though, but still clings to my heart with a scene of the hero standing in the rain though is When Ardor Blooms. But….maybe Bed Me, Baron is my favorite?? That hero annoyed me so much then utterly broke my heart. And stomped all over. And then picked it up and put it together and cherished it. So….yeah maybe Bed Me, Baron.
Endearments
The hero calls the heroine ‘sweetheart’.
Quotes
She looked away from him towards the fire that made the red-gold curls atop her head glint like flames themselves. “And I hope you would tell me how I could please you.”
Please him? Was there anything about her that didn’t please him?
----
She tried to get closer to him and stepped on his shoes. This made her stumble and he had to catch her to keep from falling, and she burst into laughter. She was so pretty, so rosy and sweet as she laughed in his arms that he quite lost his head.
Those pink lips. That warm breath with the scent of sugared violets. He wanted those lips, that breath. That delight, that promise. That hope. That kindness.
---
Her big, blue eyes that widened when she saw something she liked or when she was surprised. Her gorgeous, bright hair. Her lush bosom and hips, those decadent curves that inspired fantasies of the most impossibly wicked kind in which he worshipped her for hours at a time -
Stop it.
---
And he had, unexpectedly, given her the most marvelous, romantic Christmas gifts, ones that hinted at an intimacy between them that did not exist.
Rose-scented perfume. A reference to where they had become betrothed?
Yards of blue muslin in the exact shade of her eyes.
A bolt of pink taffeta. The month before Christmas, she had mentioned she loved pink.
//
And silk stockings. Silk stockings! From a man who had never seen her legs, let alone touched them.
---
She could ask him to take her somehwere. Cornwall. York. Anywhere. And there might be a crowded coaching inn. And only one room and only one bed. They would have to share and she would pretend to fall asleep and drape herself over him and see what came to pass.
---
He cleared his throat. “Forgive me. I’m very nervous myself.”
Oliver was nervous? Even though he had done this before?
“Don’t be nervous. It’s just me, after all.”
Another strange noise came from him. Oh, no. Was he going to flee?
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- mention of death in childbirth (side character)
- death of spouse
- suicide of spouse remembered on page
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: No but they are married and trying for a baby
Hows the consent? It’s good!
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) Yes, there is a child – the hero’s son – in the story. The heroine also wants a baby and they try for a baby within the story.
17% - kiss
56% - heroine masturbation but it’s pretty short
64% -🔥 missionary – but it’s not good for the heroine – the hero is inexperienced and he’s overcome – he has one but she doesn’t
“Oh,” she said and sucked in a breath. “That’s lovely.” She wriggled just a little. “You touching me there.”
It was more than lovely.
70% - 🔥 bj and facial followed by oral for her
“What - “
She tore at his buttons until his groin was bared, his hard shaft springing out, fully erect.
Unerringly, her fingers wrapped around him. The first erotic touch ever on his cock from a hand that wasn’t his own.
79% - doggy (it follows closely on the last scene, so I combined them)
“So pretty. Too pretty.”
“Oliver,” she pleaded.
“My pretty wife. So very pretty even when you’re begging for my cock.”
91% - 🔥 oral for her, her on top
After another buck, he raised his head.
“Are you determined to ride my face, Valkyrie?”
“Oh, Oliver, please, I want to...please, let me ride your cock.”
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (might feel hotter to some people - there's a short scene I didn't count and another scene that is close to another that I combined for 1 flame)
Humor: a bit
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium (which is perfect pacing for me!) even though it’s a novella. It didn’t feel rushed at all!
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes. And there’s also a second epilogue that is super cute that you can get from her newsletter.
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from the author in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I have been looooving Niven’s Bed Me books! I did sign up for the ARC of this one but definitely would have grabbed at some point to read anyway!
Should I read in order?
This one reads fine as a stand alone but is a part of Niven’s Lovelocks of London and Bed Me universe. It is also a part of the Curves and Cravats novella series and stands alone within that.
Basic plot:
Henrietta is compromised by her father’s best friend...
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency – 1819
- age gap – older hero
- father’s best friend
- put a baby in me
- full figured heroine
- the heroine actually enjoys traditional pursuits like embroidery (and I loved that! I’m so tired of romances pooing on embroidery!)
- hero is a cartographer and artist
- child in the story – hero has a son
- hero is a thoughtful gift giver
- sooooo much unrequited longing
- compromised heroine
- opposites attract – a bit of a sunshine/grump feel – there heroine is more bubbly and extroverted and the hero is stoic and quiet (most of the time...)
- higher steam but a slower burn - I settled at 3ish scenes in a shorter page count
Ages:
- hero is 43, heroine is 21
First line:
“I want a child.”
My thoughts:
Ohhh there was SO much to love about this novella. So, so much. Novellas can be a bit hard sometimes because they are shorter – so to establish all this longing, tension, background, character depth, but still have development on page...well sometimes I understand if some things in a novella fall a bit short. But Niven took this novella and filled it with all those things and more.
She included lovely tension building in a novella without making it rushed. You were longing right with along with these mains to cave and when they do it is so, so delicious. She makes you fall in love with them as people as you get to know what has made them who they are. I loved these characters so much, and they had such a believable HEA. This novella was just perfection to me!
She even made me like the kid . I tend to stay away from children in my romances – I am in the thick of child rearing – but sometimes I don’t mind it. But in this one I looooved what it added to the story. It just balanced everything and showed how much Oliver needed to be taught and how perfect Henrietta was for their family.
This romance has so much heart, and the characters deserve so much love and they have such a sweet and believable falling into each other. I just adored it. I’ve read a handful of the Curves and Cravats series so far and they have all been really amazing and delightful but shhhhh this one is my favorite so far.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 7
Average rating: 4.71 stars
Favorite book: Oh that is HARD. Because I LOVED this novella. But I also really loved Duke the Halls. And I also really loved Bed Me, Earl – that hero was so dang sweet. Another one hardly mentioned though, but still clings to my heart with a scene of the hero standing in the rain though is When Ardor Blooms. But….maybe Bed Me, Baron is my favorite?? That hero annoyed me so much then utterly broke my heart. And stomped all over. And then picked it up and put it together and cherished it. So….yeah maybe Bed Me, Baron.
Endearments
Quotes
She looked away from him towards the fire that made the red-gold curls atop her head glint like flames themselves. “And I hope you would tell me how I could please you.”
Please him? Was there anything about her that didn’t please him?
----
She tried to get closer to him and stepped on his shoes. This made her stumble and he had to catch her to keep from falling, and she burst into laughter. She was so pretty, so rosy and sweet as she laughed in his arms that he quite lost his head.
Those pink lips. That warm breath with the scent of sugared violets. He wanted those lips, that breath. That delight, that promise. That hope. That kindness.
---
Her big, blue eyes that widened when she saw something she liked or when she was surprised. Her gorgeous, bright hair. Her lush bosom and hips, those decadent curves that inspired fantasies of the most impossibly wicked kind in which he worshipped her for hours at a time -
Stop it.
---
And he had, unexpectedly, given her the most marvelous, romantic Christmas gifts, ones that hinted at an intimacy between them that did not exist.
Rose-scented perfume. A reference to where they had become betrothed?
Yards of blue muslin in the exact shade of her eyes.
A bolt of pink taffeta. The month before Christmas, she had mentioned she loved pink.
//
And silk stockings. Silk stockings! From a man who had never seen her legs, let alone touched them.
---
She could ask him to take her somehwere. Cornwall. York. Anywhere. And there might be a crowded coaching inn. And only one room and only one bed. They would have to share and she would pretend to fall asleep and drape herself over him and see what came to pass.
---
He cleared his throat. “Forgive me. I’m very nervous myself.”
Oliver was nervous? Even though he had done this before?
“Don’t be nervous. It’s just me, after all.”
Another strange noise came from him. Oh, no. Was he going to flee?
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- mention of death in childbirth (side character)
- death of spouse
- suicide of spouse remembered on page
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
17% - kiss
56% - heroine masturbation but it’s pretty short
64% -🔥 missionary – but it’s not good for the heroine – the hero is inexperienced and he’s overcome – he has one but she doesn’t
“Oh,” she said and sucked in a breath. “That’s lovely.” She wriggled just a little. “You touching me there.”
It was more than lovely.
70% - 🔥 bj and facial followed by oral for her
“What - “
She tore at his buttons until his groin was bared, his hard shaft springing out, fully erect.
Unerringly, her fingers wrapped around him. The first erotic touch ever on his cock from a hand that wasn’t his own.
79% - doggy (it follows closely on the last scene, so I combined them)
“So pretty. Too pretty.”
“Oliver,” she pleaded.
“My pretty wife. So very pretty even when you’re begging for my cock.”
91% - 🔥 oral for her, her on top
After another buck, he raised his head.
“Are you determined to ride my face, Valkyrie?”
“Oh, Oliver, please, I want to...please, let me ride your cock.”
Embers in the Snow by Anna Carven
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (I can’t say I super loved this one but it had a lot of elements I DO love. And there wasn’t anything that really put me off...maybe just my mood?)
Readability: 📖📖📖 (This one just felt long and bit too...meandering to me. Maybe I wanted the mains together more and I struggled with wanting to keep reading it)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ (I didn’t really feel a lot of tension, there’s a bit of instalust going on here, and it’s relatively low angst between the mains and lessened the tension for me too)
Romance: 💞💞💞💞 (I did think there was a lot of romantic and sweet things and thoughts in this one!)
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I maybe could give 4...the intimate scenes were fine...maybe it was just my disconnect with the book in general that made me not connect as well with these scenes)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (I didn’t take great notes here – but there should be at least 3 scenes if not more….take this as a minimum)
Humor: A bit
Perspective: first person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: Sorry I didn’t note this...it takes a bit – there’s the introduction to the heroine and her life and she travels to the land of the hero and has some encounters before they meet...it’s maybe a chapter or two, not too long.
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to the audiobook from my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I need to start noting this in some other way because I actually have no recollection how I came across this book or thought to add it to my spooky TBR for October lol. But here it is!
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Carven’s Empire of Forbidden Magic series (but I also only see a book 1, so no sure if there will be more?)
Basic plot:
Finley is devastated when she’s betrothed against her will to the fallen former heir to the Rahaven Empire.
Give this a try if you want:
- fantasy romance
- vampire hero
- magic and a bit of mystery
- lower relationship angst and a bit of instalust
- very protective hero
- opposites attract
- medium steam – I didn’t note the specific scenes, but there’s at least 3 or 4
Ages:
- didn’t catch them
First line: (Taken from audio, might be butchered)
Something must be afoot, because I’ve been summoned
My thoughts:
I’m not sure what happened to me with this one that I didn’t LOVE it! I loved the idea of it. I did like both characters a lot! There wasn’t anything in the plot that I despised...maybe I’m just a bit grumpy though because I ended up wanting to just finish this one and move onto something else.
It has a lot to love about it! But it’s a bit long (to me) and I was ready for it to be over a few times before it was actually over. The mains spend quite a bit of time apart and there’s a lot of reflecting in their heads individually. When they are together, they burn for each other immediately it made for a lower tension read with no a lot of relationship angst. And it was focused a lot on the plot and not as much on the relationship. I just like those simple romances hahaha. So none of this is to say the book was bad in any way. I liked a lot about it and I think in a different reading mood I would have liked it more. But it was just okay to me, and I was a bit more bored in parts and happy to move onto something else at the end.
I did love how protective the hero is and I loved the heroine coming into her own after her abuse in her family. That was really satisfying seeing the heroine grow into her own powers.
Some random hero notes
Hero has white hair and glowing red eyes. His hair can regrow quickly. Hero is a vampire and feeds on others. He can fly. Sunlight doesn't bother him after drinking the heroine's blood.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 1
Average rating: 4 stars
Favorite book: This is my first by this author
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- toxic and abusive parenting
- violence and death
- vampire hero includes biting
- imprisonment/slavery
- parental death
- some domestic violence on page – the heroine is hit by her father on page
Author content warnings? Didn’t hear any on audio
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: I don’t believe so
Hows the consent? It’s good for the sex – though the vampire hero bites the heroine without consent the first time, after that the consent is good.
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) I can’t recall anything mentioned but I could have missed something! There might be mention of wanting future heirs or something...not sure. But no children or pregnancy on page
43% - kisses, oral for her, missionary (I think ?)
sorry didn’t note anymore! But there’s at least 2 more, maybe even more than that.
Readability: 📖📖📖 (This one just felt long and bit too...meandering to me. Maybe I wanted the mains together more and I struggled with wanting to keep reading it)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ (I didn’t really feel a lot of tension, there’s a bit of instalust going on here, and it’s relatively low angst between the mains and lessened the tension for me too)
Romance: 💞💞💞💞 (I did think there was a lot of romantic and sweet things and thoughts in this one!)
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I maybe could give 4...the intimate scenes were fine...maybe it was just my disconnect with the book in general that made me not connect as well with these scenes)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (I didn’t take great notes here – but there should be at least 3 scenes if not more….take this as a minimum)
Humor: A bit
Perspective: first person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: Sorry I didn’t note this...it takes a bit – there’s the introduction to the heroine and her life and she travels to the land of the hero and has some encounters before they meet...it’s maybe a chapter or two, not too long.
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to the audiobook from my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I need to start noting this in some other way because I actually have no recollection how I came across this book or thought to add it to my spooky TBR for October lol. But here it is!
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Carven’s Empire of Forbidden Magic series (but I also only see a book 1, so no sure if there will be more?)
Basic plot:
Finley is devastated when she’s betrothed against her will to the fallen former heir to the Rahaven Empire.
Give this a try if you want:
- fantasy romance
- vampire hero
- magic and a bit of mystery
- lower relationship angst and a bit of instalust
- very protective hero
- opposites attract
- medium steam – I didn’t note the specific scenes, but there’s at least 3 or 4
Ages:
- didn’t catch them
First line: (Taken from audio, might be butchered)
Something must be afoot, because I’ve been summoned
My thoughts:
I’m not sure what happened to me with this one that I didn’t LOVE it! I loved the idea of it. I did like both characters a lot! There wasn’t anything in the plot that I despised...maybe I’m just a bit grumpy though because I ended up wanting to just finish this one and move onto something else.
It has a lot to love about it! But it’s a bit long (to me) and I was ready for it to be over a few times before it was actually over. The mains spend quite a bit of time apart and there’s a lot of reflecting in their heads individually. When they are together, they burn for each other immediately it made for a lower tension read with no a lot of relationship angst. And it was focused a lot on the plot and not as much on the relationship. I just like those simple romances hahaha. So none of this is to say the book was bad in any way. I liked a lot about it and I think in a different reading mood I would have liked it more. But it was just okay to me, and I was a bit more bored in parts and happy to move onto something else at the end.
I did love how protective the hero is and I loved the heroine coming into her own after her abuse in her family. That was really satisfying seeing the heroine grow into her own powers.
Some random hero notes
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 1
Average rating: 4 stars
Favorite book: This is my first by this author
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- toxic and abusive parenting
- violence and death
- vampire hero includes biting
- imprisonment/slavery
- parental death
- some domestic violence on page – the heroine is hit by her father on page
Author content warnings? Didn’t hear any on audio
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
43% - kisses, oral for her, missionary (I think ?)
sorry didn’t note anymore! But there’s at least 2 more, maybe even more than that.
An Unexpected Halloween by T.O. Smith
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖 (This one was shorter, which helped it!)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Humor: A touch
Perspective: first person from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium to fast
When mains are first on page together: took a little bit, about 18% (though it’s a short novel)
Cliffhanger: This ends with a happily ever after (though there is a sequel)
Epilogue: Yes (not too far in the future)
Format: bought e-book
Why I chose this book: I was searching for some Halloween/spooky themed reads for October – not sure how I came across this one specifically but maybe a ‘similar to’ list from Amazon or Goodreads?
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Smith’s Her Stalker series.
Basic plot:
Against her better judgment, Blaire attends a Halloween party and comes face to face with her stalker.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance – Texas setting (college?)
- dark romance elements – you should be okay with dubious consent and non consensual acts
- stalker hero
- shorter novel
- ravishment fantasy
- higher steam – 6ish scenes that include primal play, knife play, praise, degradation (with some caretaking), and exhibitionism
Ages:
- I don’t think they’re mentioned
First line:
Melanie was looking at me with pleading eyes, her blue-gray eyes almost enough to make me cave.
My thoughts:
“Not so fast, doll.”
I didn’t have time to scream.
A hand clamped over my mouth, and the man’s arm snagged around my waist, yanking my body back against his.
I wasn’t expecting too much from this novel – I just wanted some nice stalker ravishment fantasy 😆 . But I was a bit disappointed here. Something that can bother me is the overuse of italics. And once I saw it here I couldn’t unsee it. I also wasn’t a big fan of the random exhibitionism scenes. I’ll admit that is one of my least favorite kinks, but sometimes I can like it.
I dunno, it was okay. Like it was a smutty 79 pages that basically delivered what it said it would, so if you’re looking for a naughty, high steam Halloween read, this might fit the bill!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first by this author
Average rating: 3 stars
Favorite book: I guess this one
Endearments
The hero calls the heroine ‘doll’
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- the hero stalks the heroine, then kidnaps her and forces her in to sex, threatening her with a knife
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: No
Hows the consent? If you want consent in your novels, I’d bypass this one
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) No children, but some talk about getting pregnant and trying to get pregnant and there is pregnancy in the epilogue
32% - 🔥 primal play leading to fingering for her, missionary, followed soon after by her on top
“Blaire,” he whispered in a warning.
“Please,” I blurted. I was aching for him. I didn’t know how it was possible. I was putting it down to me being as crazy as the rest of my unstable family. “Please touch me,” I begged him.
“Just touch you?” he asked, a teasing note in his voice. “I’m already touching you, doll.”
42% - 🔥 primal play, doggy
I was a dirty, nasty mess, but I didn’t care. I was a mess because of him.
“Fight me, doll,” he rasped.
55% - 🔥 blow job, him behind her sex
He kept stroking, his eyes locked on me.
“On your knees,” he finally commanded.
74% - 🔥 group sex – they walk in on the heroine’s roomates having sex and start having sex too
82% - 🔥 her on top while driving
95% - 🔥 sex in front of hero’s friends
Readability: 📖📖📖📖 (This one was shorter, which helped it!)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Humor: A touch
Perspective: first person from the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium to fast
When mains are first on page together: took a little bit, about 18% (though it’s a short novel)
Cliffhanger: This ends with a happily ever after (though there is a sequel)
Epilogue: Yes (not too far in the future)
Format: bought e-book
Why I chose this book: I was searching for some Halloween/spooky themed reads for October – not sure how I came across this one specifically but maybe a ‘similar to’ list from Amazon or Goodreads?
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Smith’s Her Stalker series.
Basic plot:
Against her better judgment, Blaire attends a Halloween party and comes face to face with her stalker.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance – Texas setting (college?)
- dark romance elements – you should be okay with dubious consent and non consensual acts
- stalker hero
- shorter novel
- ravishment fantasy
- higher steam – 6ish scenes that include primal play, knife play, praise, degradation (with some caretaking), and exhibitionism
Ages:
- I don’t think they’re mentioned
First line:
Melanie was looking at me with pleading eyes, her blue-gray eyes almost enough to make me cave.
My thoughts:
“Not so fast, doll.”
I didn’t have time to scream.
A hand clamped over my mouth, and the man’s arm snagged around my waist, yanking my body back against his.
I wasn’t expecting too much from this novel – I just wanted some nice stalker ravishment fantasy 😆 . But I was a bit disappointed here. Something that can bother me is the overuse of italics. And once I saw it here I couldn’t unsee it. I also wasn’t a big fan of the random exhibitionism scenes. I’ll admit that is one of my least favorite kinks, but sometimes I can like it.
I dunno, it was okay. Like it was a smutty 79 pages that basically delivered what it said it would, so if you’re looking for a naughty, high steam Halloween read, this might fit the bill!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first by this author
Average rating: 3 stars
Favorite book: I guess this one
Endearments
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- the hero stalks the heroine, then kidnaps her and forces her in to sex, threatening her with a knife
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!)
32% - 🔥 primal play leading to fingering for her, missionary, followed soon after by her on top
“Blaire,” he whispered in a warning.
“Please,” I blurted. I was aching for him. I didn’t know how it was possible. I was putting it down to me being as crazy as the rest of my unstable family. “Please touch me,” I begged him.
“Just touch you?” he asked, a teasing note in his voice. “I’m already touching you, doll.”
42% - 🔥 primal play, doggy
I was a dirty, nasty mess, but I didn’t care. I was a mess because of him.
“Fight me, doll,” he rasped.
55% - 🔥 blow job, him behind her sex
He kept stroking, his eyes locked on me.
“On your knees,” he finally commanded.
74% - 🔥 group sex – they walk in on the heroine’s roomates having sex and start having sex too
82% - 🔥 her on top while driving
95% - 🔥 sex in front of hero’s friends
Halloween Mating by Kyra Keys
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Overall: 2.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 (It was short, which worked in its favor!)
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔 (You don’t know much about either of these characters by the end of the book but it is a shorter novel)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡ (They meet and fuck so not much tension)
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I didn’t love the way these scenes were written – I wanted more emotional pull and the scenes just didn’t go in a direction I wanted. But they are explicit)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: first person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: It takes awhile – about 23% or Chapter 3 (though it’s a short story so it’s not THAT long waiting)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, at least a year later
Format: read the e-book version on kindle unlimited
Why I chose this book: I found it while trying to build a Halloween reading this – I think it came up in a halloween romance search, or under a ‘similar’ book list when I was searching for pumpkin spice latte porn
Should I read in order?
I wonder if you should? I started here but you don’t get much background about the alien/Earth situation or the alien race. But it does stand alone as a romance. (I know she has more Bolan books so I wonder if it would help to read in order though?? Let me know what you think if you’ve read them)
Basic plot:
Samantha’s one night stand turns into a fated mate encounter
Give this a try if you want:
- science fiction romance
- futuristic Earth setting – I am not sure how far in the future this is, but there’s new technology and alien contact with Earth (and even alien dating shows on tv!)
- alien hero / human heroine pairing
- shorter novel
- celibate heroine
- fated mates
- Halloween!
- curvy heroine
- higher steam – 3 full scenes within a shorter page count
Ages:
- heroine is 26, didn’t catch hero
First line:
The faint metallic ping of liquid hitting my flask as I fill it with rum gives me more satisfaction than it should.
My thoughts:
His body tenses, and he groans right before the hot spray of his seed coats my cave walls.
I just could not get into this book. I had a disconnect with the writing. But I think those looking for some alien Halloween fun in a shorter novel for an October read might enjoy!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating: 3 stars
Favorite book: I guess this one
Cock/Hero Stats:
- Female Bolans don’t have as pronounced boobs as humans
- when a Bolan meets their life mat, they experience the ‘Bara’
- The average Bolan is 7 feet tall
- blue skin
- two small horns on their head and long hair
- Bolans have wide mouths, narrow noses, and the tips of their ears are pointed
- forked tongue
- cock has ridges
- Bolans don’t have hearts, but have an organ in their chest that vibrates on different frequencies
- Bolan’s cocks don’t decrease in size after they come
- Bolans marry for life and don’t divorce
Content warnings: (This should be taken as a minimum because I could have missed some!)
- scenes of drinking
- mention of awful ex
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: No
Hows the consent? It’s good
Pregnancy/children in story? No children in the story, but there is talk of breeding the heroine and having children
23% - 🔥 they meet at the Halloween party – kisses, fingering for her and sex in the pantry
38% - 🔥 D/s elements, edging, vibrator play, praise/degradation – hero tells the heroine to self pleasure but forbids her to orgasm, missionary (?)
83% - kiss
83% - 🔥 epilogue sex – bent over the kitchen table
Readability: 📖📖📖 (It was short, which worked in its favor!)
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔 (You don’t know much about either of these characters by the end of the book but it is a shorter novel)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡ (They meet and fuck so not much tension)
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I didn’t love the way these scenes were written – I wanted more emotional pull and the scenes just didn’t go in a direction I wanted. But they are explicit)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: first person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: It takes awhile – about 23% or Chapter 3 (though it’s a short story so it’s not THAT long waiting)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, at least a year later
Format: read the e-book version on kindle unlimited
Why I chose this book: I found it while trying to build a Halloween reading this – I think it came up in a halloween romance search, or under a ‘similar’ book list when I was searching for pumpkin spice latte porn
Should I read in order?
I wonder if you should? I started here but you don’t get much background about the alien/Earth situation or the alien race. But it does stand alone as a romance. (I know she has more Bolan books so I wonder if it would help to read in order though?? Let me know what you think if you’ve read them)
Basic plot:
Samantha’s one night stand turns into a fated mate encounter
Give this a try if you want:
- science fiction romance
- futuristic Earth setting – I am not sure how far in the future this is, but there’s new technology and alien contact with Earth (and even alien dating shows on tv!)
- alien hero / human heroine pairing
- shorter novel
- celibate heroine
- fated mates
- Halloween!
- curvy heroine
- higher steam – 3 full scenes within a shorter page count
Ages:
- heroine is 26, didn’t catch hero
First line:
The faint metallic ping of liquid hitting my flask as I fill it with rum gives me more satisfaction than it should.
My thoughts:
His body tenses, and he groans right before the hot spray of his seed coats my cave walls.
I just could not get into this book. I had a disconnect with the writing. But I think those looking for some alien Halloween fun in a shorter novel for an October read might enjoy!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating: 3 stars
Favorite book: I guess this one
Cock/Hero Stats:
- Female Bolans don’t have as pronounced boobs as humans
- when a Bolan meets their life mat, they experience the ‘Bara’
- The average Bolan is 7 feet tall
- blue skin
- two small horns on their head and long hair
- Bolans have wide mouths, narrow noses, and the tips of their ears are pointed
- forked tongue
- cock has ridges
- Bolans don’t have hearts, but have an organ in their chest that vibrates on different frequencies
- Bolan’s cocks don’t decrease in size after they come
- Bolans marry for life and don’t divorce
Content warnings: (This should be taken as a minimum because I could have missed some!)
- scenes of drinking
- mention of awful ex
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
Hows the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story?
23% - 🔥 they meet at the Halloween party – kisses, fingering for her and sex in the pantry
38% - 🔥 D/s elements, edging, vibrator play, praise/degradation – hero tells the heroine to self pleasure but forbids her to orgasm, missionary (?)
83% - kiss
83% - 🔥 epilogue sex – bent over the kitchen table