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- g e n r e - /fantasy | /romance — — — — — — -t a g s- /drama, /dark-suspense, /series, /morally-grey, /mystery, /supernatural ______ Lenore Nox's "Grimoire’s Bride" had a killer premise and moments of fun, steamy energy, but it didn’t come together as a full story for me. If you’re here just for spice and a badass heroine, you might enjoy it more. But as a reader who loves when romance and fantasy world-building weave together seamlessly, I felt let down. The story drops you straight into the world, and honestly, I felt lost from the start. The magic system wasn’t really explained, and the world-building felt like something I was supposed to know already. I even double-checked to see if I had missed a previous book, but no, it just never gave me the grounding I needed. Due to this, the plot felt messy and confusing, more like a series of disconnected events than one smooth story. The romance was the part that kept me hanging on. The female main character has that strong, powerful energy I love in dark romance heroines, and by the second half, her chemistry with the grimoire’s keeper finally pulled me in. The spice was definitely there, steamy, bold, and different from the usual monogamy, but it sometimes felt like it was dropped in without enough emotional build-up. I wanted more time with the couple’s relationship, more of that slow, dangerous tension that makes dark romance so addictive. In conclusion, when I picked up “ Grimoire’s Bride ” by Lenore Nox , I was so excited. The premise sounded perfect for me: a witch tied to a cursed grimoire, forbidden magic, and the promise of a dark, twisted romance. As someone who loves dark romance with fantasy vibes, this book had everything I thought I wanted. Yet the actual reading experience was incredibly distant from what I expected. By the end, I was invested enough to care about where it would all lead, but I was still confused about the bigger picture. The world and the magic felt under-explained, and the plot kept jumping in ways that made it hard to stay fully immersed. -r a t i n g- { ★★☆☆☆ } You can steal this read over on Amazon . ( This book was received as an ARC from NetGalley, and this is an honest review. ) You can also read this review on Goodreads or NetGalley !

- g e n r e - /fantasy | /romance — — — — — — -t a g s- /drama, /enemies-to-lovers, /dark-suspense, /marking-bonding-imprinting, /series ______ Riedl's "A Weave of Lies" had me hooked from the start. It has everything I hunger for in a dark fantasy romance- sorcery, mystery, danger, and that delicious enemies-to-lovers spark. The story opens with Semras, a witch living quietly in the woods, while her world turns upside down when Inquisitor Estevan Velten shows up at her door. Surprise, surprise- he’s not there to burn her, but to consult her on a murder. The romance between Semras and Estevan is one of the best parts. He’s broody, dangerous, and full of secrets. She’s cunning, strong, fierce, and kind in her own way. Their relationship starts with suspicion, tension and a lot of lies. That pull between “can I trust him?” and “I can’t stop being drawn to him” is what makes your chest tight while you’re whispering “just kiss already”. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done well here; there’s banter, push and pull, trust being built slowly and painfully. It’s dangerous, intoxicating, and layered with secrets, but it also feels earned, as their chemistry grows in a way that feels both messy and inevitable. The world-building is rich and atmospheric. It's full of shadowy woods, dangerous magic, and an Inquisition that feels both terrifying and real. The murder mystery keeps the story moving, while the romance provides all the sparks and shadows in between. I loved how the murder mystery threads through the romance. It kept me guessing while the relationship kept me turning the pages. A couple of pacing choices made me wish for just a bit more breathing space between twists. There were moments I felt a bit lost, as I wanted more time with certain moments. The pacing is uneven: some sections drag as the setup is laid out, and other parts zoom by with big reveals. And due to all the lies and secrets, I had to backtrack or reread to make sure I understood who was hiding what. At times, I wished for more clarity of the stakes and emotional buildup, because some of the tension didn’t land as hard as it could have. In conclusion, “ A Weave of Lies ” by E. M. Riedl is a satisfying read for anyone who loves witchy dark fantasy with spice, enemies turned lovers, and mystery. It’s not flawless in plot flow, but it delivers crazy tension, interesting characters, and romantic moments that sting in a good way. Personally, I already know I’ll be reaching for the next book the moment it’s out. If you love dark fantasy with spice and unforgettable chemistry, this one’s worth picking up. - r a t i n g - { ★★★★☆ } You can steal this read over on Amazon . (This book was received as an ARC from NetGalley, and this is an honest review.) You can also read this review on Goodreads  or NetGalley !

- g e n r e - /erotica | /romance — — — — — — -t a g s- /drama, /modern-contemporary, /graphic-novel, /dark-suspense, /sci-fi, /thriller, /morally-grey — — — — — — ❗ Trigger   Warnings : rape/non-consensual sex, sexual content, erotic horror themes, and violence (blood)❗ ______ Maria Llovet’s "Artificial" is a dark and stylish dive into love, desire, and control. It is an interesting, sexy, and scary ride. If you enjoy artwork + drama + moral questions, this one hits a lot of those buttons. The story follows Clara, a fashion stylist who has grown disillusioned with relationships and turns to an exclusive service that allows her to design the perfect partner- an android tailored exactly to her tastes. At first, the connection feels exciting, almost liberating, but it quickly slips into something far more dangerous. The android begins to malfunction, its devotion twisting into obsession, and Clara finds herself trapped in a nightmare of her own making. The book’s greatest strength lies in its visuals. Llovet’s art is moody, sensual, and charged with tension, perfectly balancing intimacy and unease. The premise is equally strong, raising compelling questions: Can a constructed fantasy ever replace a real connection? What happens when the idealised lover you build refuses to let go? Where the story falters is in its speed. Clara, while sympathetic, isn’t deeply fleshed out yet, and the narrative sometimes rushes from moments of passion to sudden threat without enough buildup. The issue also ends abruptly, more as a tease of what’s to come than a fully satisfying chapter; it has a lot of potential, though. In conclusion, “ Artificial ” by Maria Llovet is captivating in its mix of eroticism and horror. It doesn’t fully deliver on all depth yet, but it does enough in tone, visuals, and tension to be worth reading, especially if you like stories that mix romance and horror, and don’t mind being unsettled. It lingers in that dangerous space where fantasy becomes frightening, and it’s hard to look away. For readers drawn to unsettling stories that blur the line between love and fear, this is a strong beginning. - r a t i n g - { ★★★☆☆ } You can steal this read over on Amazon . (This book was received as an ARC from NetGalley, and this is an honest review.) You can also read this review on Goodreads or NetGalley !

- g e n r e - /erotica | /romance — — — — — — -t a g s- /bdsm, /dom-sub-universe , /dominate-and-submit-series, /drama, /fantasy, /fated-lovers, /marking-bonding-imprinting, /modern-contemporary, /series, /social-gap ______ "I Want You to Own Me" by Eve Healy presents an intriguing and darker exploration of the BDSM world, offering a nuanced portrayal of the Dom/Sub dynamic. This BL romance novel delves into heavy themes that may not appeal to all readers; regardless, it features a compelling grumpy-Sub and sunshine-Dom pairing, culminating in a tender and captivating power exchange. Anthony, a young man from a family that always presumed he would be a Dominant (Dom), faces a dramatic upheaval when blood tests reveal his true nature as a Submissive (Sub). In an instant, his anticipated future is obliterated, erasing his position in the family business and severing his familial and social ties. Thrust into a life of submission with barely any training, Anthony finds himself despising this new existence—until he is unexpectedly claimed by a new Dom with whom he forms a profound connection. The gender concept is engaging, and the writing is excellent. Despite moments of secondhand embarrassment during Anthony's training, I found myself deeply engrossed, especially with the endearing relationship between Anthony and Noah. Although some characters' features, like Noah's fang, are emphasised to the point of obsession, it serves to illustrate the narrator's fixation, which I found entertaining. This book is charming and well-written, though it should be approached as a light novel rather than a literary masterpiece. It is an inviting and pleasant work of erotic boys' love fiction. This gay novel, in my opinion, excels due to its striking contrast between the darker aspects of submission and the uplifting heights of destined domination. This dynamic enhances the reader's appreciation of the intricate role reversal, making the novel's exploration of the BDSM world both tantalising and resonant. I thoroughly enjoyed " I Want You to Own Me " by Eve Healy and now eagerly anticipate more romances set in the Dom/Sub universe. This novel has undoubtedly introduced me to another author to admire. - r a t i n g - { ★★★★☆ } You can steal this read over on Amazon or Books2read . (This book was received as an ARC from NetGalley, and this is an honest review.) You can also read this review on Goodreads !

- g e n r e - /fantasy | /romance — — — — — — -t a g s- /drama, /enemies-to-lovers, /fated-lovers, /marking-bonding-imprinting, /series, /morally-grey ______ Veronica Lancet’s "Barbi and The Villain" is an enthralling dive into a richly crafted fantasy world that leaves readers breathless and yearning for more. The novel weaves a tale of unexpected romance, thrilling plot twists, and profound character development that captivates from the first page to the last. At the heart of the story is Barbi, a protagonist who defies the typical damsel-in-distress trope. Thrown into her favourite fictional world, Barbi finds herself betrayed by the supposed hero and locked away in a dungeon. This unexpected twist of fate leads her to an accidental mating with the very villain she once feared. Lancet masterfully crafts a narrative where the lines between good and evil blur, and readers find themselves questioning their own perceptions of morality and love. One of the standout elements of the novel is Barbi’s journey. Her struggles with fake friends and indifferent parents, who constantly belittle her intelligence and worth, are deeply relatable. These aspects of her character evoke a strong emotional response, as readers root for her to rise above the toxic influences in her life. Lancet does a remarkable job of portraying Barbi’s resilience and growth, transforming her from a perceived weakling into a formidable and self-assured woman. The chemistry between Barbi and the villain is electric, their interactions charged with tension and unexpected tenderness. Lancet excels in building a romance that is both unconventional and compelling, as the villain’s raw and unapologetic nature contrasts sharply with Barbi’s initial innocence. This dynamic creates a captivating push-and-pull that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. However, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can be uneven, with certain plot points feeling rushed while others drag on. Additionally, a few secondary characters lack the depth and development seen in the main protagonists, which can leave readers wanting more from these interactions. Despite these minor issues, the overall narrative remains strong and engaging. The shock of the ending is a testament to Lancet’s ability to craft a story that defies expectations. Just when readers believe they have the plot figured out, she delivers a surprising and thought-provoking twist, ensuring that the story lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. In conclusion, " Barbi and The Villain " by Veronica Lancet is a dark and captivating tale that explores the complexities of love, identity, and redemption. Lancet’s storytelling prowess shines through, making this novel a must-read for fantasy romance fans. Despite a few pacing issues, the book’s rich characters and unexpected twists make it a standout addition to the genre. - r a t i n g - { ★★★★☆ } You can steal this read over on Amazon . ( Sincere thanks to the Author for entrusting us with an ARC of this irresistible read~ 💟 ) You can also read this review on Goodreads !

- g e n r e - /fantasy | /romance — — — — — — -t a g s- /drama, /supernatural, /mystery, /paranormal, /dark-suspense, /thriller ______ Elizabeth Stoots’ debut novel, "Blood Luster," is an enthralling blend of romance, mystery, and supernatural intrigue that grips the reader from the very first page. At a concise 220 pages, this fast-paced novel packs a significant punch, weaving a tale full of unexpected twists and turns. The story follows Magnolia Sutherland, a woman haunted by nightmarish memories and seeking closure from her past. Returning to her birthplace to uncover the truth about her mother's death, Magnolia encounters her ex, Ricky, rekindling unresolved feelings. Simultaneously, her enigmatic new neighbor, Benjamin, stirs emotions within her that she never knew existed. This dynamic sets the stage for a captivating love triangle that adds layers of complexity to Magnolia's journey. Stoots excels in creating a rich and immersive world, introducing readers to the Genovo clan, who see Magnolia as crucial to their survival. The plot thickens as the rival Gallentine clan shows an unnatural interest in her, leading to a high-stakes conflict that keeps the reader on edge. The tension between Ricky and Benjamin, the rival clans, and Magnolia's internal struggles culminate in a shattering climax that leaves readers breathless. One of the novel's strengths lies in its well-developed characters, each bringing their own unique flavor to the story. Magnolia's evolution from a haunted woman to someone who finds herself in the midst of chaos is both compelling and relatable. The romantic elements are skillfully interwoven with the overarching mystery, making for a story that is as emotionally engaging as it is suspenseful. While the novel’s brevity contributes to its brisk pace, it occasionally leaves some plot points feeling a bit rushed. However, the complexity of the characters and the unexpected plot developments more than compensate for this minor flaw. " Blood Luster " by Elizabeth Stoots is a remarkable debut that promises even more excitement in its sequels. The ending leaves readers with lingering questions, eagerly anticipating what’s to come. Elizabeth Stoots has crafted a tale that is sure to satisfy fans of romance, mystery, and supernatural fiction alike. - r a t i n g - { ★★★★☆ } You can steal this read over on Amazon . (This book was received as an ARC from NetGalley, and this is an honest review.) You can also read this review on Goodreads !