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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Two Dukes and a Lady in Books
Jan 18, 2018
ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A historical menage a trois involving childhood friends? Sign me up please! As soon as a I read the synopsis, I requested this book immediately. This is everything I wanted. Historical erotica is the best. Childhood friends to lovers is my weakness. Throw in a menage a trois and I am sold 100%.
And the novel didnt disappoint. Overall, it was as erotic as it was romantic. I was a little annoyed at the characters, their actions/reactions to situations, and how they handled them. I mean, they havent seen this woman they loved for years, and the first time they do, they practically ravage her in the street after not contacting her in forever. It felt similar to reading a YA where the couple hasnt quite figured out how to interact with their significant other as an adult.
Barring that, it was a great read. I wish I could find more novels similar to this mold (that arent garbage.)
A historical menage a trois involving childhood friends? Sign me up please! As soon as a I read the synopsis, I requested this book immediately. This is everything I wanted. Historical erotica is the best. Childhood friends to lovers is my weakness. Throw in a menage a trois and I am sold 100%.
And the novel didnt disappoint. Overall, it was as erotic as it was romantic. I was a little annoyed at the characters, their actions/reactions to situations, and how they handled them. I mean, they havent seen this woman they loved for years, and the first time they do, they practically ravage her in the street after not contacting her in forever. It felt similar to reading a YA where the couple hasnt quite figured out how to interact with their significant other as an adult.
Barring that, it was a great read. I wish I could find more novels similar to this mold (that arent garbage.)
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Snow's Seduction (A Snow White Werewolf Tale, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This is supposed to be a Snow White retelling but I really couldnt see it. Regardless, its an erotic fairytale retelling which is right up my alley. Its heavy on the erotica while still having enough plot to push the story forward. Normally I would be aggravated that this story is divided into three parts but I knew that going in and already had the rest of the story so I didnt have to wait for the rest.
I love friends to lovers stories, especially childhood friends. I would like to say I enjoyed the premise to this story but honestly I thought it was stupid. I wish I had better word but there it is. Now you may be saying but you knew that going in! Honestly, I was hoping it was going to be a menage. I guess it was just wishful thinking, because what I got instead was the age old hey let me ask my male friend how to seduce this other male but wait my friend wants me trope.
All in all, definitely worth the read.
I love friends to lovers stories, especially childhood friends. I would like to say I enjoyed the premise to this story but honestly I thought it was stupid. I wish I had better word but there it is. Now you may be saying but you knew that going in! Honestly, I was hoping it was going to be a menage. I guess it was just wishful thinking, because what I got instead was the age old hey let me ask my male friend how to seduce this other male but wait my friend wants me trope.
All in all, definitely worth the read.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Snow's Surrender (A Snow White Werewolf Tale, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Since this is the third in the series and emphasizes the story from previous two, I will include my original review.
This is supposed to be a Snow White retelling but I really couldnt see it. Regardless, its an erotic fairytale retelling which is right up my alley. Its heavy on the erotica while still having enough plot to push the story forward. Normally I would be aggravated that this story is divided into three parts but I knew that going in and already had the rest of the story so I didnt have to wait for the rest.
I love friends to lovers stories, especially childhood friends. I would like to say I enjoyed the premise to this story but honestly I thought it was stupid. I wish I had better word but there it is. Now you may be saying but you knew that going in! Honestly, I was hoping it was going to be a ménage. I guess it was just wishful thinking, because what I got instead was the age old hey let me ask my male friend how to seduce this other male but wait my friend wants me trope.
The final in the series is everything you need and more. Even from someone who is bitter that this wasnt the ménage she was looking for. I couldnt have been happier with the ending if I wrote it myself. That being said, there were still many things I was aggravated with. There were few ties to Snow White, little shifter elements, and the story was split in three when it could have easily been one whole story.
Overall, the story was enjoyable if you are looking for a friends-to-lovers erotica.
This is supposed to be a Snow White retelling but I really couldnt see it. Regardless, its an erotic fairytale retelling which is right up my alley. Its heavy on the erotica while still having enough plot to push the story forward. Normally I would be aggravated that this story is divided into three parts but I knew that going in and already had the rest of the story so I didnt have to wait for the rest.
I love friends to lovers stories, especially childhood friends. I would like to say I enjoyed the premise to this story but honestly I thought it was stupid. I wish I had better word but there it is. Now you may be saying but you knew that going in! Honestly, I was hoping it was going to be a ménage. I guess it was just wishful thinking, because what I got instead was the age old hey let me ask my male friend how to seduce this other male but wait my friend wants me trope.
The final in the series is everything you need and more. Even from someone who is bitter that this wasnt the ménage she was looking for. I couldnt have been happier with the ending if I wrote it myself. That being said, there were still many things I was aggravated with. There were few ties to Snow White, little shifter elements, and the story was split in three when it could have easily been one whole story.
Overall, the story was enjoyable if you are looking for a friends-to-lovers erotica.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Right Kind of Rogue (Playful Brides, #8) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Normally I love Valerie Bowman and I have a weakness for childhood friends-to-lovers stories. That being said, I was disappointed that I didnt enjoy this novel as much as I thought I would. Of course it was predictable. I could have laid out the plot for you before I even opened it. But that hasnt bothered me before. I like the main couple although I lost patience with heros stubbornness.
I cant pinpoint anything exactly wrong with this novel. I just felt underwhelmed once it ended? I love Valerie Bowman and will continue to read her novel, but this novel just didnt do it for me like she usually does.
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Normally I love Valerie Bowman and I have a weakness for childhood friends-to-lovers stories. That being said, I was disappointed that I didnt enjoy this novel as much as I thought I would. Of course it was predictable. I could have laid out the plot for you before I even opened it. But that hasnt bothered me before. I like the main couple although I lost patience with heros stubbornness.
I cant pinpoint anything exactly wrong with this novel. I just felt underwhelmed once it ended? I love Valerie Bowman and will continue to read her novel, but this novel just didnt do it for me like she usually does.
Buy Now
Amazon
Debbiereadsbook (1783 KP) rated Caressa’s Homecoming (Bonded by Love #1) in Books
Jul 28, 2026
high seam but low angst between the three of them.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is a spin off of the Love In Mission City series, but it's not necessary to read those books before this one. I've only read 3, I think.
Caressa returns home after 5 years away. Her 2 best friends are keen for her to stay. Michael and Cole have loved Caressa and each other for a long time, but it takes Caressa leaving for either of them to realise how much. Can they move from friends to lovers, or will it all end in tears?
I liked this, a lot. I enjoyed the books I read of the Mission City series too.
My only complaint, I suppose is the right word to use, is that Caressa jumps into Michael's bed so bloody fast after coming home! I would have liked a more emotional connection . . .but then again, these guys have been friends for so long, that connection has already been established . . . but it felt, to me, a little quick.
I did like that they were conscious of Cole and how he might react, and I was pleasantly surprised by his reaction. But then again! He has lusted over them both for a long time, and now his dreams are coming closer together. I liked that Cole had a secret from his long term friends, and I look forward to that being fully explored!
All three get a say, 1st person, past tense.
Steam level is quite high, but I found the angst fairly low, which felt a bit weird, but like I said, these guys have been through a lot since their childhood together. Each childhood was difficult, for very different reasons, and the angst about THAT subject was quite high, but not between Caressa, Michael or Cole.
Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I get to read Cole's Reckoning next.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is a spin off of the Love In Mission City series, but it's not necessary to read those books before this one. I've only read 3, I think.
Caressa returns home after 5 years away. Her 2 best friends are keen for her to stay. Michael and Cole have loved Caressa and each other for a long time, but it takes Caressa leaving for either of them to realise how much. Can they move from friends to lovers, or will it all end in tears?
I liked this, a lot. I enjoyed the books I read of the Mission City series too.
My only complaint, I suppose is the right word to use, is that Caressa jumps into Michael's bed so bloody fast after coming home! I would have liked a more emotional connection . . .but then again, these guys have been friends for so long, that connection has already been established . . . but it felt, to me, a little quick.
I did like that they were conscious of Cole and how he might react, and I was pleasantly surprised by his reaction. But then again! He has lusted over them both for a long time, and now his dreams are coming closer together. I liked that Cole had a secret from his long term friends, and I look forward to that being fully explored!
All three get a say, 1st person, past tense.
Steam level is quite high, but I found the angst fairly low, which felt a bit weird, but like I said, these guys have been through a lot since their childhood together. Each childhood was difficult, for very different reasons, and the angst about THAT subject was quite high, but not between Caressa, Michael or Cole.
Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I get to read Cole's Reckoning next.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Prince of Hollow Desires (The Demon Reflected #2) in Books
May 19, 2026
PRINCE OF HOLLOW DESIRES is the second book in The Demon Reflected series, and this time we focus on Eric and Ixthan. Although this is the second book, you don't have to have read the first. I would recommend it, simply because it's a great story and introduction to the world.
This was a fantastic read with plenty of wit and humour along the way. You wouldn't think a book that begins with a traitor and an execution would have that, but you'd be wrong. Ixthan and Eric were absolutely made for each other in every way, although they had their own concerns and questions, as you do. They are literally childhood friends-to-lovers, and it definitely worked. I loved how Ixthan was concerned Eric wouldn't love him in all his demonic glory. I also loved how Eric proved him otherwise.
Once I started this story, I couldn't put it down. I was totally engrossed and loved every moment. I can't wait to continue with the series. Highly recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 19, 2026
This was a fantastic read with plenty of wit and humour along the way. You wouldn't think a book that begins with a traitor and an execution would have that, but you'd be wrong. Ixthan and Eric were absolutely made for each other in every way, although they had their own concerns and questions, as you do. They are literally childhood friends-to-lovers, and it definitely worked. I loved how Ixthan was concerned Eric wouldn't love him in all his demonic glory. I also loved how Eric proved him otherwise.
Once I started this story, I couldn't put it down. I was totally engrossed and loved every moment. I can't wait to continue with the series. Highly recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 19, 2026
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Snow's Submission (A Snow White Werewolf Tale, #2) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Since this is the second in the series and emphasizes the story from the first part, I will include my review from that.
This is supposed to be a Snow White retelling but I really couldnt see it. Regardless, its an erotic fairytale retelling which is right up my alley. Its heavy on the erotica while still having enough plot to push the story forward. Normally I would be aggravated that this story is divided into three parts but I knew that going in and already had the rest of the story so I didnt have to wait for the rest.
I love friends to lovers stories, especially childhood friends. I would like to say I enjoyed the premise to this story but honestly I thought it was stupid. I wish I had better word but there it is. Now you may be saying but you knew that going in! Honestly, I was hoping it was going to be a ménage. I guess it was just wishful thinking, because what I got instead was the age old hey let me ask my male friend how to seduce this other male but wait my friend wants me trope.
As the second in the series, Snows Submission continues with the heat and erotic scenes. However, I found myself disenchanted with Snow. I felt like she could have been a stronger lead and I wasnt happy with how she handled the situation. At the same time, I understand the predicament she was in and furious with those who put her there.
That being said, I wont ruin anything for you.
This is supposed to be a Snow White retelling but I really couldnt see it. Regardless, its an erotic fairytale retelling which is right up my alley. Its heavy on the erotica while still having enough plot to push the story forward. Normally I would be aggravated that this story is divided into three parts but I knew that going in and already had the rest of the story so I didnt have to wait for the rest.
I love friends to lovers stories, especially childhood friends. I would like to say I enjoyed the premise to this story but honestly I thought it was stupid. I wish I had better word but there it is. Now you may be saying but you knew that going in! Honestly, I was hoping it was going to be a ménage. I guess it was just wishful thinking, because what I got instead was the age old hey let me ask my male friend how to seduce this other male but wait my friend wants me trope.
As the second in the series, Snows Submission continues with the heat and erotic scenes. However, I found myself disenchanted with Snow. I felt like she could have been a stronger lead and I wasnt happy with how she handled the situation. At the same time, I understand the predicament she was in and furious with those who put her there.
That being said, I wont ruin anything for you.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated All Grown Up in Books
Jan 3, 2018 (Updated Jan 3, 2018)
Entertaining, a more realistic Sex and the City
This is a fictional but all too real account of one woman’s voyage through life, battered by family, societal pressures and her own inner demons. Andrea, the character at the heart of the book, is absolutely clear that she does not want a child of her own.
Her life is spread eagled across the pages for the reader to pick over. Each chapter is a snapshot of an episode in her life, whether it is looking back over some of her chaotic childhood years - Dad was a drug user who died too early; Mum, once on her own again, runs bi-monthly dinner parties in the 1990s attended by only men, who of course try and hit on Andrea, a teenager at the time; or whether it is an examination of her relationships with her friends, lovers and acquaintances who pass through her life now.
Andrea also has a brother who in turn has a daughter, only tiny, who was born with a congenital problem and her life expectancy is only around four years. Yet, our self absorbed protagonist does not really visit to offer support because she is so wrapped up in her own world. She simply does not have the mental capacity and resources to give to her brother and little niece.
This is an interesting read, on-point in many ways – it smacks of New York and of lives lived in the city, Freudian Angst, neuroses and all the shtick of metropolitan Manhattan. At times, it did feel a little cliched but may be we all repeat the same patterns?
Her life is spread eagled across the pages for the reader to pick over. Each chapter is a snapshot of an episode in her life, whether it is looking back over some of her chaotic childhood years - Dad was a drug user who died too early; Mum, once on her own again, runs bi-monthly dinner parties in the 1990s attended by only men, who of course try and hit on Andrea, a teenager at the time; or whether it is an examination of her relationships with her friends, lovers and acquaintances who pass through her life now.
Andrea also has a brother who in turn has a daughter, only tiny, who was born with a congenital problem and her life expectancy is only around four years. Yet, our self absorbed protagonist does not really visit to offer support because she is so wrapped up in her own world. She simply does not have the mental capacity and resources to give to her brother and little niece.
This is an interesting read, on-point in many ways – it smacks of New York and of lives lived in the city, Freudian Angst, neuroses and all the shtick of metropolitan Manhattan. At times, it did feel a little cliched but may be we all repeat the same patterns?
Lottie disney bookworm (1056 KP) rated Promises and Pixie Dust in Books
Jun 17, 2021
Thank you to the gorgeously talented Elle and Robin for granting me the opportunity to read their beautiful book in exchange for an honest review.
Promises and Pixie Dust is the first Thumbelina retelling I have seen in the current MASSIVE trend of retellings.
Initially this magical tale featured within the Enchanted Kingdoms collection of retellings but Elle and Robin have now released Lina upon the world as the debut novel in “The Unfabled Series”.
Naturally, a Thumbelina story by Elle and Robin is never going to be your average retelling and, when the story opens on "Lina" drinking pints in 'The Poisoned Apple', it is safe to say that this novel will be just as brilliant as their other works.
At a whole 12 cm tall, Lina has never entirely fit in with the world around her. Everything she owns is adapted to fit her size and she has never met anyone similar to herself. After the death of her mother Lina is determined to find someone else of her kind and, along with her childhood friend Edrich, journeys into the Enchanted forest in search of answers.
Edrich is an unwilling companion to put it mildly and the relationship between him and Lina is very intriguing for the reader. Elle and Robin purposefully drip feed us information regarding the friends and the challenges they have faced up to this point but the undercurrent of tension between the pair make it clear that there is more than friendship and obligation at play here.
This doesn't mean that the reader is not entirely unsympathetic to Edrich's frustration with Lina though. She is often sickeningly chirpy and optimistic with no sense of danger. At the end of the day though, a tiny woman whose mood shows on her skin and rides a hedgehog is a winner in any story.
Promises and Pixie Dust also hints heavily at a recent backstory involving Edrich as he experiences flashbacks and guilt linked to his current line of work. I really hope Edrich gets the chance to tell his own story as I know Piper and Neira will.
I really appreciated the little changes between the Enchanted Kingdoms story and The Unfabled series version. Poor Edrich was very difficult to love in the previous version but has definitely been hit with the empathy stick in recent months! Once his circumstances are (forcibly) changed Edrich almost has a newfound respect for Lina and even before this he isn’t as condescending as his Enchanted Kingdoms counterpart was – I no longer want to punch him in the face anyway so that’s a bonus!
Elle and Robin also developed the world of the fairies a little more, providing more of an insight into their dependence on woodland creatures and even inventing a new sport! The imagery here was so beautiful that I was desperate for illustrations to accompany it.
If you are a fan of retellings, Once Upon a Time, fairies and friends to lovers storylines then this is the tale for you. Promises and Pixie Dust has a freshly manicured hedgehog, a villain with a heart and the best curse words ever imagined.
Frolicking centaurs it's a good read!
Promises and Pixie Dust is the first Thumbelina retelling I have seen in the current MASSIVE trend of retellings.
Initially this magical tale featured within the Enchanted Kingdoms collection of retellings but Elle and Robin have now released Lina upon the world as the debut novel in “The Unfabled Series”.
Naturally, a Thumbelina story by Elle and Robin is never going to be your average retelling and, when the story opens on "Lina" drinking pints in 'The Poisoned Apple', it is safe to say that this novel will be just as brilliant as their other works.
At a whole 12 cm tall, Lina has never entirely fit in with the world around her. Everything she owns is adapted to fit her size and she has never met anyone similar to herself. After the death of her mother Lina is determined to find someone else of her kind and, along with her childhood friend Edrich, journeys into the Enchanted forest in search of answers.
Edrich is an unwilling companion to put it mildly and the relationship between him and Lina is very intriguing for the reader. Elle and Robin purposefully drip feed us information regarding the friends and the challenges they have faced up to this point but the undercurrent of tension between the pair make it clear that there is more than friendship and obligation at play here.
This doesn't mean that the reader is not entirely unsympathetic to Edrich's frustration with Lina though. She is often sickeningly chirpy and optimistic with no sense of danger. At the end of the day though, a tiny woman whose mood shows on her skin and rides a hedgehog is a winner in any story.
Promises and Pixie Dust also hints heavily at a recent backstory involving Edrich as he experiences flashbacks and guilt linked to his current line of work. I really hope Edrich gets the chance to tell his own story as I know Piper and Neira will.
I really appreciated the little changes between the Enchanted Kingdoms story and The Unfabled series version. Poor Edrich was very difficult to love in the previous version but has definitely been hit with the empathy stick in recent months! Once his circumstances are (forcibly) changed Edrich almost has a newfound respect for Lina and even before this he isn’t as condescending as his Enchanted Kingdoms counterpart was – I no longer want to punch him in the face anyway so that’s a bonus!
Elle and Robin also developed the world of the fairies a little more, providing more of an insight into their dependence on woodland creatures and even inventing a new sport! The imagery here was so beautiful that I was desperate for illustrations to accompany it.
If you are a fan of retellings, Once Upon a Time, fairies and friends to lovers storylines then this is the tale for you. Promises and Pixie Dust has a freshly manicured hedgehog, a villain with a heart and the best curse words ever imagined.
Frolicking centaurs it's a good read!
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Anything That Isn't This in Books
Jun 24, 2019
Well this was a surprising read. Not just a typical YA dystopian novel, but a peculiar, artistic novel complete with illustrations throughout.
For some reason, I wasn't expecting the strange world that Priestley created in this book. The Grey is suffocating Frank, the Ministry controlling his every decision. Most people are okay with it, comfortable in the routine provided. But Frank wants more.
First, Frank is obsessed with a girl from his school. Even after they graduate, he is desperate to be with her - he believes they're 'fated'. But after a while, he realises that maybe she's not quite right for him.
This combines two typical YA romance plots - the "unpopular boy gets the cool girl" and also the "childhood friends become lovers" plot. I think it's a bit unusual to mix the two, but I didn't find anything spectacular about this aspect of the novel.
The whole book has a very strange abstract sort of feel to it; I was unsure at times whether to actually take what he was saying at face value or take it as a metaphor. There are loads of weird myths that are thrown around, many of which play a big role later in the book.
The friendship with Scape was interesting; it kind of just happened out of the blue and ended in a similar way. And Mr Vertex was a weird character - it was obvious there was something strange about him, and I felt he really added to the abstract feel created.
The book kind of felt grey, but not in a bad way - as in, I felt how Frank felt about his life. I was pretty shocked by how dark it got at the end, quite suddenly. The ending was a bit of a whirlwind, followed by a moment of calm. The calmness was nice, an interesting ending that left your imagination running wild.
I didn't really enjoy this book at first but I did eventually get into it, and quite liked it. I definitely liked the unique feel it had, almost like Coraline. 3.5 stars.
For some reason, I wasn't expecting the strange world that Priestley created in this book. The Grey is suffocating Frank, the Ministry controlling his every decision. Most people are okay with it, comfortable in the routine provided. But Frank wants more.
First, Frank is obsessed with a girl from his school. Even after they graduate, he is desperate to be with her - he believes they're 'fated'. But after a while, he realises that maybe she's not quite right for him.
This combines two typical YA romance plots - the "unpopular boy gets the cool girl" and also the "childhood friends become lovers" plot. I think it's a bit unusual to mix the two, but I didn't find anything spectacular about this aspect of the novel.
The whole book has a very strange abstract sort of feel to it; I was unsure at times whether to actually take what he was saying at face value or take it as a metaphor. There are loads of weird myths that are thrown around, many of which play a big role later in the book.
The friendship with Scape was interesting; it kind of just happened out of the blue and ended in a similar way. And Mr Vertex was a weird character - it was obvious there was something strange about him, and I felt he really added to the abstract feel created.
The book kind of felt grey, but not in a bad way - as in, I felt how Frank felt about his life. I was pretty shocked by how dark it got at the end, quite suddenly. The ending was a bit of a whirlwind, followed by a moment of calm. The calmness was nice, an interesting ending that left your imagination running wild.
I didn't really enjoy this book at first but I did eventually get into it, and quite liked it. I definitely liked the unique feel it had, almost like Coraline. 3.5 stars.