Once a Villain is super dark, pitch black, so please check your triggers before picking it up.
Once a Villain is an interesting concept novel, set in aOnce a Villain is super dark, pitch black, so please check your triggers before picking it up.
Once a Villain is an interesting concept novel, set in a contemporary world that revolves around a secret society and the roles each character has within that society. I thought that Saige Parker did a great job of introducing her novel’s world and building out character development. Axel is a complex character and I loved reading about his past and how it shaped him into the person he was in the present. However, I didn’t really like Rory. She harped on about her place in the secret society, how she was brought up to be essentially a servant, and knew that that was her fate, but then would do something totally against that, and be angry at the consequences. I felt like she was trying too hard at rebelling.
Overall, I liked this story and am looking forward to reading more of the series. Fair warning, the plot is more of a series arc, than a single book plot. There is a story told, but it definitely feels like it needs to be connected to future books to be really appreciated. ...more
The beginning of this book was a bit confusing for me, as I felt it just started in the middle of an action sequence with no backstory or introductionThe beginning of this book was a bit confusing for me, as I felt it just started in the middle of an action sequence with no backstory or introduction to the characters. I felt like I was missing something.
However, I found the whole scene and interactions between Lydia and Yom in the nightclub to be hilarious. Not sure if that was intended, but their banter and Lydia’s neurospicy behavior had me cracking up laughing.
I heavily identified with Lydia’s character as I also have learning disabilities and ADHD. The way her dorm room was described is so much like mine right now, and her having to have a study space with specific traits...it was like, same, girl. I also loved reading a dark romance with a Black main character.
The time jump at the end was unexpected and I was real salty about the cliffhanger, so I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. ...more
Ruthless Valentine is the fifth novella length book in the St. Valentines series. It’s a shared world series where each book has different main characRuthless Valentine is the fifth novella length book in the St. Valentines series. It’s a shared world series where each book has different main characters and are written by different authors. This book is VERY dark, so please check triggers before reading.
In Ruthless Valentine, there are three main characters, twins, King and Phoenix, and Teagan. They have just become step-siblings, as their parents have gotten married. King and Phoenix target Teagan for vengence, because of her friendship with Vivian, from the first St. Valentines story.
I found Teagan to be a bit naive, especially in how easy it was for the brothers to lure her to an isolated cabin. But I did like the interactions between King, Phoenix, and Teagan. Despite her naivete, she had some sharp edges that were a good counterpart to the twins different personalities.
Again with the cliffhanger! As with the other St. Valentines novellas, Ruthless Valentine ends the same way. I’m not sure how I feel about that considering it doesn’t look like there will be a resolution in the next story....more
Depraved Valentine is the fourth novella length book in the St. Valentines series. It’s a shared world series where each book has different main charaDepraved Valentine is the fourth novella length book in the St. Valentines series. It’s a shared world series where each book has different main characters and are written by different authors. This book is VERY dark, so please check triggers before reading.
Charli and Rafe are the main characters in this novella, which is somewhat different from the other novellas so far, because they know each other prior to when Depraved Valentine starts. Charli from the jump is a bit unhinged, and I love that about her character. Up to now, the male characters in this series have been the really depraved and unhinged characters, but here Charli seems to be the one who is the worst. In fact, most of the story focuses on Charli, rather than Rafe. I thought it was a refreshing change to have the female character be the depraved one.
My biggest disappointment with Depraved Valentine was that the cliffhanger from Savage Valentine was not resolved....more
Savage Valentine is the third novella length book in the St. Valentines series. It’s a shared world series where each book has different main characteSavage Valentine is the third novella length book in the St. Valentines series. It’s a shared world series where each book has different main characters and are written by different authors. This book is VERY dark, so please check triggers before reading.
In Savage Valentine, readers meet Sydney and Parker. Parker is a hockey teammate of Hayes, from Sinister Valentine. Even though Savage Valentine was slightly shorter than the first two novellas, Sydney was a much more complex character than Vivian and Ivy, because I felt she had more of a backstory.
The mystery of missing girls continues to be a common thread in Savage Valentine, as well as the added disappearance of one of Parker’s other teammates. Savage Valentine ends with Sydney’s past coming back to haunt her, however readers are once again left hanging, as the ending is a huge cliffhanger....more
Sinister Valentine is the second novella length book in the St. Valentines series. It’s a shared world series where each book has different main charaSinister Valentine is the second novella length book in the St. Valentines series. It’s a shared world series where each book has different main characters and are written by different authors. This book is VERY dark, so please check triggers before reading.
The main male character in Sinister Valentine is Hayes. the brother of Maddox from Bloody Valentine. Ivy, a new student catches his eye, and he immediately becomes obsessed with having her.
I thought that Sinister Valentine had more character development and I liked that Ivy was a strong willed woman who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She ends up having a dark side herself and it is nice to see how her and Hayes match each other, as well as the contrast between their personalities.
The beginning of Sinister Valentine starts during the same timeline as Bloody Valentine, so readers don’t immediately find out the conclusion to the cliffhanger from Bloody Valentine, however, it is revealed in the end. Sinister Valentine has it’s own cliffhanger though, so be prepared when reading....more
Bloody Valentine is the first novella length book in the St. Valentines series. It’s a shared world series where each book has different main characteBloody Valentine is the first novella length book in the St. Valentines series. It’s a shared world series where each book has different main characters and are written by different authors. This book is VERY dark and is more horror than dark romance, so please check triggers before reading.
The novella length of this book was a big issue for me. I went in knowing it wasn’t a full length book, but was disappointed in how fast the story progressed. I felt there was little character development for Vivian and the story line felt rushed. That said, I did like the horror aspect of the novella. I think I could have done with it being straight horror without the incorporation of the dark romance trope.
I did like the twist at the end of Bloody Valentine. I wasn’t expecting it and since the ending was also a bit of a cliffhanger, it left me wanting to go read the next novella in the series....more
Fake Whiskey and Words continues Blake and Daisy’s story as yet another Gathering, this time for Thanksgiving, looms. There actually was less of the GFake Whiskey and Words continues Blake and Daisy’s story as yet another Gathering, this time for Thanksgiving, looms. There actually was less of the Gathering itself in Fake Whiskey and Words. Instead readers learn Blake’s full backstory and it’s quite interesting. Readers are also introduced to a new character, who while not a main character, he is very important to how the story unfolds.
Daisy finds out about Blake’s criminal record, which prompts her to do some investigating, which does not go as planned at all, but ends in a spicy scene with Blake. She also finds out that Blake will be hosting Thanksgiving at his home, instead of them going to her parents, which was the original plan.
I really liked Fake Whiskey and Words. I’d say it’s my favourite of the series so far. There is so much more development of Blake’s character and explanation of his past, as well as some foreshadowing into where the series is going to lead. There is also more integration of people from Daisy’s life, besides her family, and introductions to other characters integral to the plot line.
I’m looking forward to learning where the story is going to lead in the next Fake series book....more
Fake Coral and Keys is a short, spicy romance, that continues months after Daisy and Blake parted in the end of Fake Hearts and Kisses. The two haven�Fake Coral and Keys is a short, spicy romance, that continues months after Daisy and Blake parted in the end of Fake Hearts and Kisses. The two haven’t been in touch, per Daisy’s decree, and there is a hiccup in their reunion straight away. Despite this, the two, and Daisy’s family, plus an unwelcome, on Daisy’s part, addition, head off to the Keys for another family gathering.
More of Blake’s past is revealed in the second chapter, which adds to his character development. Even though I think it’s wrong for him to deceive Daisy, this glimpse into his past does clarify why he feels it’s necessary.
More of Daisy’s backstory is also revealed, which gives a lot more insight into her character development as well. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series and see what happens with Daisy and Blake. Do they make their relationship official? Or do they continue with the fake dating farce? I’m rooting for the two of them to overcome their personal demons and pasts, or at least be able to be honest with each other and forge a path toward a real relationship, whether it be casual or something much more serious....more
Skate the Line is the second book in the Blue Devils Hockey series. If you’ve read the first book in the series, Play the Game (which I loved BTW), thSkate the Line is the second book in the Blue Devils Hockey series. If you’ve read the first book in the series, Play the Game (which I loved BTW), then you’d have met Rhodes� character. This glimpse of Rhodes that I was exposed to was enough for me to really want to read Skate the Line, and I was very pleased to learn Rhodes would be getting his own book.
I loved Rhodes� character! In the beginning, I thought he was less grumpy and more of an ahole, but I could understand, from his past experiences, why he acted the way he did, and his devotion to his daughter was touching. I also liked Sunny’s character. She carried the emotional scars from past traumas, but still managed to be a great nanny and I liked the relationship she forms with Ellie.
Rhodes and Sunny were opposite character personalities and I lived for it. I’m here for it when characters start out disliking each other and then realise that they are perfect for each other....more
I enjoyed reading The King’s Maiden because while it wasn’t mind blowing, it introduced a world and characters that intrigued me enough to want to conI enjoyed reading The King’s Maiden because while it wasn’t mind blowing, it introduced a world and characters that intrigued me enough to want to continue the series. The book caught my attention because it is supposed to be a retelling of King Arthur and the lore from that legend. I hope that the following books introduce more of the retelling aspect since I love a good KA retelling.
Quinn is a broke college student, just trying to get by, who takes advantage of an unusual opportunity to come into some money, that will make her life considerably better. I liked how Quinn was spirited and stood up for herself, although some scenes really had me disliking how she seemed to not want to listen to others. Sometimes I really felt that she was much younger than a college student. I’m interested in seeing the development of Quinn’s character in the future books and how her experiences in The Quest affect her developing personality.
3.5 stars since this read as more of an introduction to the series, however I'm saving a final rating for the entire series once it's been completely released and I've had a chance to read the entire story....more
Fake Hearts and Kisses is a short, spicy romance which is a cute read, but still deals with serious issues.
In Fake Hearts and Kisses readers are introFake Hearts and Kisses is a short, spicy romance which is a cute read, but still deals with serious issues.
In Fake Hearts and Kisses readers are introduced to Daisy, who is a bookworm that doesn’t quite fit in with her family. There are allusions to past hurt Daisy was subjected to, but no big backstory yet. However, her past hurts, both romantic and familial, have clearly influenced Daisy and how she views relationships.
Blake also has secrets of us own, but is so taken with Daisy that he is willing to do and agree to anything to be around her. His past mistakes are more clearly explained, however both Daisy and Blake have good character development. I like the banter between the two of them and how Blake comes to Daisy’s defence against her family, who are very problematic in their treatment of Daisy.
I’m interested in continuing this series because I’m invested in learning more of the backstories of both Daisy and Blake. Do they end up forging a real relationship? Will Blake be able to show Daisy the great person she is, despite her toxic family always belittling her?...more
I’m now fully invested in the storyline for the UnMasked series and thought Breaker was a great addition to it.
Breaker contains so much more characterI’m now fully invested in the storyline for the UnMasked series and thought Breaker was a great addition to it.
Breaker contains so much more character development for Cora, which I loved. Up to now, readers have seen hints at her life prior to the start of the series, but her character is really fleshed out in Breaker, with present and past events on the page. Readers can really see the difference between how Delilah viewed her friend’s life and what was really going on.
There is also a continuation of backstory from the boys life and more is revealed about their true motivation into taking the girls and what the endgame could be.
I can’t wait to see what Fanny Lee Savage has in store for readers in the next book, Viper. ...more
Striker technically picks up where Prey ended, although there is a flashback chapter first, from the POV of Striker. This flashback lets readers into Striker technically picks up where Prey ended, although there is a flashback chapter first, from the POV of Striker. This flashback lets readers into the mind of Striker and gives insight into what his childhood was like. It also shows how far back the relationship between Breaker, Striker, and Viper goes.
While I was intrigued by the present storyline of the novel Striker, I really liked the flashbacks. Probably an unpopular opinion, but I love time jumps if they are integral to the plot and add to the overall storyline. I also love novels that have great character development because for me, it makes the characters relatable, even if their stories aren’t anything I’ve experienced personally. Lived experiences, even those of fictional characters, are everything to me and Striker has that.
There are some repetitive scenes, but they didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story overall. Striker, like Prey before it, ends on a cliffhanger, which I normally don’t really like, but it did give me a reason to immediately pick up the third book, Breaker. I am again looking forward to continuing the Unmasked series, and find out more about Breaker’s past and character motivations....more
Prey is a novella length novel that introduces the world of the Unmasked series. It’s mostly pure smut, although there are hints to where the series wPrey is a novella length novel that introduces the world of the Unmasked series. It’s mostly pure smut, although there are hints to where the series will lead and what the plot will be. It’s not a complete plotline, and ends on a cliffhanger, but it’s a great start to the series and will intrigue any dark romance readers.
I liked Prey because it pulled me into the character’s stories and made me want to read more about them and their motivations. The little bit of character development drew me in and made the characters relatable, even the so called villains. The writing is good, and the smut is hot!
I’m looking forward to reading more of this series and can’t wait to see where the story goes. I hope there will be more background into all the characters. I can’t wait to grab book 2. ...more
This review was so hard to write. Not because I didn’t like the book, but because the ending left me hanging and all I could think about was the next This review was so hard to write. Not because I didn’t like the book, but because the ending left me hanging and all I could think about was the next book, every time I kept trying to gather my thoughts to review. My brain would just come back to, BUT THE ENDING!
Anyway, Boys Who Hunt is the next generation of students at Spine Ridge University, so the male main characters are related to characters from Clarissa Wild’s previous Spine Ridge books, Sick Boys, Evil Boys, and Vile Boys. You don’t have to read these books to read Boys Who Hunt, but it does give readers insight into the characters, knowing their parents stories.
Max is by far my favourite character, which is saying a lot because I’m generally not into insta-love, but he was just so adorable, I couldn’t help but like him.
Boys Who Hunt is a dark romance, and very heavy on the spicy scenes, but there was enough of an actual plot to balance it out. And I loved the cameos made by some of the original Spine Ridge characters....more
Full disclosure here: I haven’t read an S. Massery or S.J. Sylvis book that I’ve disliked, so I did have a bias going into reading Heart of Thorns. ThFull disclosure here: I haven’t read an S. Massery or S.J. Sylvis book that I’ve disliked, so I did have a bias going into reading Heart of Thorns. The first book in the series was great and my high hopes when I started Heart of Thorns were not disappointed.
I enjoyed the banter and relationship development between Briar and Thorne. There was the perfect balance between their opposite personalities that had me hoping for the fake dating to become real. And the matching names� they were made for each other.
I love a good romantic suspense plot line and this delivered. I was side eying all the characters, trying to figure out who wanted to hurt Briar.
Heart of Thorns had a great mix of spicy romance, character development, and suspense....more
If you’ve read any of S. Massery’s Hockey Gods books, you’ll have already been introduced to Camden Church. Quite frankly, I have been salivating at tIf you’ve read any of S. Massery’s Hockey Gods books, you’ll have already been introduced to Camden Church. Quite frankly, I have been salivating at the mouth to have Camden’s story be written, so getting this prequel novella to read was everything and I’m even more invested now in reading his full length novel when it’s released.
For readers who haven’t read the Hockey Gods series, go now! They are excellent dark romance and I can’t say enough good things about the series or the characters. The series will also give new readers a little insight into Camden Church prior to reading Into Ruin.
Into Ruin is just a novella and ends on a cliffhanger, but I think it’s a great way to have background on Camden Church and to hopefully lay the groundwork for the kind of character he becomes in his full length novel. I’m also interested to see how his relationship with Harper progresses and what their story as a couple will be. I can’t wait to read more!...more
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