Cynfulbooks
I'm not crying, you are. 🥹
Black Knight by Rina Kent was incredibly emotional. Zander and Kimberly's passion was consuming. From childhood best friends helping each other cope, to sudden hatred with an unknown cause, to palpable longing and heartbreak. The emotional trauma they experienced was heartbreaking. This book was raw and real and the emotions consumed me.
The audiobook, narrated by Shane East and Keira Stevens was perfection. They nailed the emotional intensity and passion. I was captivated.
Loved the story and connection between the MCs. I'm so glad it was more than just a quick instalove HEA.
The Pleasure Protocol was a very spicy read! For the first time, I understood the appeal of collared pet play. 🔥🔥 Nikolai was incredibly attentive and caring, before, during, and after scenes. His possessiveness, while accepting of her lifestyle, was incredibly hot. They were honest and open-minded regarding sex and sexuality. The way they delved into the emotional aspects of dom/sub/kink play, including subdrop, was excellent.
The authors did a great job blending their voices into a cohesive story. Admittedly, I had a hard time getting into the book initially, mostly because of the third-person POV and a little repetitiveness in the beginning. However, I truly grew to love Nikolai and Corinne and their encounters/relationship. The Pleasure Protocol was a really good read that I highly recommend if you like smut!
𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒓: Given ARC to read for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
I don't know if I overlooked it or just forgot or it wasn't mentioned, but I didn't realize Bloodlust was going to be a duology. So the cliffhanger was unexpected and disappointing for me.
✨️What I liked:
• Sebastian's sarcasm
• Seb & Leona's banter in the beginning
• Found Family dynamic w/ Seb, Victor, & Charlotte
• Vic & Charlie's emotional awareness and support of Seb's anxiety and feelings
He Sees You When You're Sleeping by Haley Tyler is a short and easy Christmas novella that will have you thinking twice about mall Santas. From sleigh reins and garland to sugar cookies and candy canes, Santa brings in all the Christmas accessories to make Noelle's encounter extra naughty. I'd be happy being on his naughty list.
I enjoyed the smut but found the post-O emotional declarations extreme and unrealistic. I suggest knowing a man's name before using those three little words. Also, side note, if you plan to use candy canes for an “icy” feeling, consider picking up Vagisil for after.
Overall, the novella wasn't bad. At 57 pages, give it a try and let me know your thoughts.
Want to know why Riven Kozlov brutally beat up a referee in Pucking Obsessed? Here is your chance to get his POV in this delightful dark novella, Burn It Down by London Snow.
Riven Kozlov is an over-the-top obsessed MMC. The target of his obsession? Lakynn Kozlov, his adopted sister. Riven and Lakynn are attached to each other, and while they don't fully cross a line growing up due to being told it's wrong, they can't deny their attraction and connection.
Their adopted parents are controlling manipulators who put their adopted children through unspeakable things. Until false promises lead Riven to snap. He proves he will do anything to have Lakynn.
If you like dark gray possessive MMCs, you will love Burn It Down. He calls her "mine" no less than 21 times! 🥵 Personally, I wanted a little more suffering during the revenge scene, but that's just me.
Originally posted at www.instagram.com.
Your Pucking Mom by Vee Taylor was great! I absolutely loved Auburn and Ledger. Ledger is an absolute head-over-heels, cinnamon roll for Auburn. Auburn learns to overcome her tragic past and live for herself.
Auburn was a young single mom to Austin, a NHL rookie who couldn't stay out of trouble and need mommy to rescue him. She grew up with a narcissistic mother who constantly belittled her. Auburn put her life on hold for Austin. Until she unknowingly met Ledger, the captain of Austin’s new team. Ledger was transfixed at first sight.
To avoid problems for Austin, they agreed to keep their relationship a casual secret. But when does that ever work out?
Originally posted at www.instagram.com.
Love Fast by Louise Bay was really cute. I really liked Rosey and Byron. I enjoyed their connection as well as their individual journey to happiness. Byron was searching for validation from his hometown. Rosey was searching for independence. Neither were looking for it, but they found love in each other. I only wish the ending had more depth from a romantic couple standpoint. I loved Rosey's growth and how she overcame her toxic mother.
The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor. I absolutely loved it.
Originally posted at www.instagram.com.
When Hearts Remember by Victoria Lum was sentimental and deeply moving. It gives The Vow vibes but even more romantically and fatefully entagled. This book is cry-in-public beautiful.
I was entranced by the depth of Ethan's love for Lexy. His gut-wrenching pain and longing were palpable as it lept of the pages. He was so forlorn. My heart quivered for him throughout the entire book.
Lexy's journey to self-discovery or re-discovery was intense and emotional. She truly struggled with the emptiness of losing her memories. Her rediscovery was powerful and beautiful as she uncovered the depth of Ethan's love for her and of their love for each other.
I loved reading along and experiencing their journal journey along with them. Their banter and riddles were adorable. Their lovestory was written in the stars.
Originally posted at www.instagram.com.
Nia's Resolve was like reading a RomCom I could watch over and over! Nia and Caspian are lovable characters with palpable chemistry. They both had to overcome heartbreak and trust issues from a childhood of abandonment. The question was, could they do it together, or would it tear them apart?
In this
Queen of Shadows was good but soo long. It took me a while to get through it because my attention wasn't cemented in this book like it was for others in the series. I feel like there was a lot of building then the climax was too fast and underwhelming.
I absolutely hated Chaol in this book. He was so rude and deliberately hurtful toward Celaena. He blamed her for everything and didn't take the time to explain what had happened in Rifthold nor listen to what she had been through while away. Then to throw the Eye of Elena at her... “There hasn't been a we for a while, Celaena—” oof! And then proceed to call her a monster.
Celaena/Aelin has a new love in every book! I wonder how long Rowan will last.
I really loved Aelin standing tall and embracing her power/ royalty. She gave an impressive speech to the people of Rifthold.