readingreaper finished reading and wrote a review...
Where do I even start? the world, main plot, sub plots, plot twists, and tension?! the betrayal and love? I waited WAY too long to read this series but I don't regret a dang thing!
I'd highly recommend this series if you want a fantasy world to escape to.
also I'll be team Grim until I die and even then... shadow daddy for life!
readingreaper started reading...

Skyshade (Lightlark, #3)
Alex Aster
readingreaper started reading...

The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom, #1)
Rachel Gillig
readingreaper finished reading and wrote a review...
Thank you so much for the ARC! I love Greer's work and was obsessed from the second I saw the reveal for Unveil. I am voluntarily leaving my own honest review.
I have to say that the Appalachian vibe in this book was chef's kiss. It was gritty, raw, and perfect for all that family drama. It was a unique setting that I feel complimented both her writing style and the plotline well.
Orion? OBSESSED with him... I ate that up. 🙈 It kept me hooked the whole way through!
Chech the TW because there are heavy topics, MH rep, and more.
readingreaper finished reading and wrote a review...
I’ve always love the phantom of the opera, and getting a dark romance retelling?! This is what dreams are made of. The mental health rep in this book was wonderful and the FMC may go through it but she’s still strong in her own ways. The MMC is dark and dangerous - only revealing himself to her and I just love that. I will say that I’ve been reading these as the mood strikes and completely out of order but you truly can’t go wrong with them.
El’s Scales: Plot: 4/5 Characters: 4/5 Spice level: 2/5 Overall: 4/5 (I will absolutely be getting a paperback!)
Safety note/potential spoiler: TW for a murder by h@nging, though it is not too detailed and not a main character. Do check the TW as there are further notes from Greer ❤️
readingreaper finished reading and wrote a review...
I enjoyed this read quite a bit and as a new to me author I didn't know what to expect. I will say that I was expecting it to be much darker but I'm not disappointed in the dsrkenss department. 3.5⭐ ☺️
readingreaper started reading...

Once You're Mine (Possessing Her, #1)
Morgan Bridges
readingreaper finished reading and wrote a review...
It's finally time for me to share my thoughts on DLM, so buckle up!
I just want to start off by saying that I think CJ has really grown as an author, each book while completely unique is true to her voice. Her prose, depth, and flow as a writer has only grown with each release that I've read since her debut.
DLM does have The Jester, and it was a great safe exposure to one of my heaviest TW. With DLM it's a very specific kind of dark.
Pitch black? yes Darker than dark? yes Redeemable actions? nope Fluffy and sweet? nope Horror erotica? yes Connection & emotion? yes Plot? of course
There are complex situations at play throughout the story with dark twists around each corner, and you can't help but to keep scrolling.
I loved how CJ included mental health topics even with all the darkness going on, showing that no matter what world we are reading in - that mental health matters and exists for everyone.
I loved the chemistry between the main characters and especially between the band (Delirium Muse) members. It's electric, toxic, and HOT 🥵
Please be sure to check the CW on CJ's site as the list is long and EXTREMELY heavy/dark.
I need book 2!
readingreaper finished a book

Us Dark Few (Us Dark Few #1)
Alexis Patton
readingreaper started reading...

Us Dark Few (Us Dark Few #1)
Alexis Patton
readingreaper finished reading and wrote a review...
This was such a great read in between my darker reads. I was hoping for something with electric chemistry, a bit of action, spice, and a good plot. I have to say, Clio didn't disappoint!
I really enjoyed the dynamics within the trio and how different each character was, and Clio made sure nobody gets left out. As a non-binary individual I'm always looking for more books with relatable rep and this one is delightful.
If you're looking for something a bit more on the sweet side, take a chance! 🖤
Shout out to my friend who recommended I read this - you know who you are and I'm so glad I listened 🖤
readingreaper finished reading and wrote a review...
Scarlett has always been one of my favourite authors. Each new release packs a punch, and honestly, this one didn't miss either! It's full of femme rage & packed full of the themes I know and love. Lilith would be SO proud, and I think this is a beautiful way to show how religion, lore, and history always have multiple versions. I have my own fair share of religious trauma, and genuinely loved how this was written. <3
This is a romantasy with a few twists, and it's truly unique. I would highly recommend this as your next read if you're a romantasy lover. This isn't just a love story, it's a reclaiming of power, a tango of spice & fear. And I ate every last crumb.
Please check the CW/TW before diving in as there are some dark/sensitive topics.
Bonus: chemistry was on point, memorable side characters & found family, fluid writing and great world building, and perfectly spicy!
I received an arc copy on Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review (thank you!!)
Note: A blog post will follow in the coming days as well
readingreaper started reading...

Terror at the Gates (Blood of Lilith, #1)
Scarlett St. Clair
readingreaper finished reading and wrote a review...
Where do I even start...Holly what did you put in this one?! Maklr was raw, unfiltered, and authentic throughout which made the characters feel so very real. The story also showed a vulnerable side but not weakness - the FMC has been through it and to me the MMC really showed her that it’s okay to let go just a bit while you heal and fight those demons, but also that she wasn’t at all alone.
From pacing to writing, storyline, and then chemistry - it all feels natural. Even if they aren’t from the same race, planet, or belief system it’s like warm caramel and salt. It just fits - perfecty, might I add.
Nell (FMC) hits home in so many ways, including the pain and worries. Maklr (MMC) doesn’t try to change her, he tries to help her and to keep her safe.
An O per day keeps the Dr away - unless you’re dating them am I right?!
El’s scales Plot: 4.5/5 - perfect for a quick read! Characters: 5/5 - LOVE these two. Spice: 3.75/5 - really good, open door spice. Overall: 5/5 - I genuinely loved the escape!
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my own honest review voluntarily
readingreaper finished reading and left a rating...
readingreaper finished reading and wrote a review...
Talon and Scythe have serious tension from the start, and I absolutely loved the enby rep. I will absolutely be checking out more of Maddox's work!
You already know how much I love my E2L, forced prox, and tension-filled romances. Well, this one was awesome! In Of Silver and Curses, they've got a complicated past, and watching them circle each other with all that quiet tension and attraction was everything!!! The romance builds slowly but hits hard when it finally breaks through, with just the right mix of heat and emotion. I will say that at some times I felt the pacing left me in a bit of a lull at times where I nearly took a snack break - but the characters had me inhaling the book and I am so glad I read this!
The world is rich and full of magic, curses, and characters you love, and maybe some you hate to love - that's up to you. I really appreciated how naturally Talon's nonbinary identity was written into the story, without it ever feeling forced or overly explained. It just fit. This book gave me all the queer romantasy vibes I love. Intense, tender, a little unhinged, and totally satisfying.
The spice was spicing and I can't wait to reread and add this to my physical shelf!
4 very pleased stars from me <3
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest review! Thank you for the ARC.
readingreaper finished reading and wrote a review...
I read this on KU while listening to the audiobook, and I am UNWELL! What am I supposed to do with my life now?! I didn't even realize how consumed I was by the audiobook/ebook until I got to the end.
The narrators did such a great job of bringing the story to life, and it felt like it could even be a movie if you let your brain wander just a bit! 😄
THEY USED WHAT FOR LUBE?! (iykyk)
If you like audiobooks, dream eater vibes, monsters, Why-choose with MM content included (It was HOT and detailed to the perfect level for me), amazing writing, and voice narration - LET THIS BE THE ONE YOU GET!!!! Check out the content warnings before you dive, but definitely give it a shot. The vulnerability in the characters, even through their 'monster' was perfect and each character was unique. Oh what it'd be like to be loved by them ❤️
I'd highly recommend an immersive read. I don't know how I waited so long to read this!
Spice: 4/5 Plot: 5/5 Characters: 4.5/5 Overall: Loved it, inhaled it, and I can't wait to see what is next. I will be checking out JR's work because this was truly great. #topshelfsmut
NOTE: I received an ALC and this is my own honest and unapologetic review - Thank you!
readingreaper started reading...

The Hunt in Elusion (Fractured Ever Afters, #1)
M.L. Philpitt
readingreaper finished a book

Primal Hunger: A Monster Romance
Harper A. Brooks
readingreaper started reading...

Primal Hunger: A Monster Romance
Harper A. Brooks