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With A Vengeance
Kye Lovato left their hometown in search of a better future, but when their estranged mother passes away, they return to their parish to settle her affairs. Even though Kye escaped their traumatic past, being back in swampy Madison, Louisiana only worsens their debilitating depression, increases their dissociative episodes, and intensifies the intrusive voice plaguing their every thought.
The moment Kye steps foot into their childhood home, they know something is wrong. That night, they come face to face with the shadowy presence driving them mad: the handsome demon duke, Eli, who offers them an irresistible deal. In exchange for their soul, Eli will give them pain, pleasure, and power.
Kye set a path for themself—live fast, die young—and Eli seems like the perfect exit route. With nothing to lose, they agree.
But after an impromptu visit from a local ICE agent, Kye forms an unlikely friendship with their mother’s bookkeeper and stumbles into an insidious mystery surrounding their family’s homegrown alebrije business. Met with ghosts, displaced employees, and a garage filled with unfinished artwork, Kye can’t help but wonder. . . What was their mother hiding? And why is a rogue officer interested in Lovato Alebrijes?
Kye is possessed, unkempt, and chasing death, but as stubborn as they are, they’re the only person left alive who can resurrect the family business and carry the Lovato legacy, and their only ally is the demon possessing them.
The moment Kye steps foot into their childhood home, they know something is wrong. That night, they come face to face with the shadowy presence driving them mad: the handsome demon duke, Eli, who offers them an irresistible deal. In exchange for their soul, Eli will give them pain, pleasure, and power.
Kye set a path for themself—live fast, die young—and Eli seems like the perfect exit route. With nothing to lose, they agree.
But after an impromptu visit from a local ICE agent, Kye forms an unlikely friendship with their mother’s bookkeeper and stumbles into an insidious mystery surrounding their family’s homegrown alebrije business. Met with ghosts, displaced employees, and a garage filled with unfinished artwork, Kye can’t help but wonder. . . What was their mother hiding? And why is a rogue officer interested in Lovato Alebrijes?
Kye is possessed, unkempt, and chasing death, but as stubborn as they are, they’re the only person left alive who can resurrect the family business and carry the Lovato legacy, and their only ally is the demon possessing them.
322 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2022
69 people are currently reading
2232 people want to read
About the author
Freydís Moon
15 books524 followersFreydís Moon (they/them) is a bestselling, award-winning author, diviner, and creator with an affinity for quirky, speculative storytelling. A lover of culture, mysticism, history, and language, they constantly find themself lost in a book, trying their hand at a new recipe, or planning a trip to a faraway place.
Content Warnings are available for prose and poetry on their Carrd and inside each book. Read with care.
This account is not actively managed by the author. Please use the contact available on their Carrd or reach out via Twitter with any questions regarding their work/creative opportunities.
Content Warnings are available for prose and poetry on their Carrd and inside each book. Read with care.
This account is not actively managed by the author. Please use the contact available on their Carrd or reach out via Twitter with any questions regarding their work/creative opportunities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
April 21, 2024
it breaks my heart to change the review, but I feel sick. Genuinely, how dare you? How does something this beautiful and tender come from a place of such deception?
For context, just go to twitter/Instagram for this author's name.
For context, just go to twitter/Instagram for this author's name.
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April 21, 2024rating/review removed
May 12, 2023
4.5 stars. Ah yes my favorite trope. When the religious trauma is so bad you stop fighting the demons and let them ravage you instead 😈
April 29, 2024
04/29/24: Changed Rating
03/21/23:Trans Rights Readathon 2023:
I won't lie, it took me quite a while to get into the book.
It's a far cry from most similar books I've read, both lyrically and thematically.
Yes, Eli is a demon and Kye is a human, but other than that, it's so much more.
Depression, dark thoughts and family drama at the highest level. Please read the TWs, Freydís is serious about them.
Racism, cultural appropriation, transphobia - sometimes hard to bear.
Still with a fantastic ending which is actually a fresh start and I love it.
The smut is extraordinary - raw and authentic.
Kye is non-binary and it was so good to read about a person who feels so similar as myself. We're not exactly the same of course but way more than every cis person I read about.
Eli is a perfect balance between sadistic asshole and vulnerable lover. I would call his "Daddy", even if Kye won't.
-
“I know, I know. Maybe not now, maybe not ever, but the church is here if you need it. Come for communion, come for confession, come for silence.” (Priest)
Tell him you only come for me. (Eli in Kyes head)
-
03/21/23:Trans Rights Readathon 2023:
I won't lie, it took me quite a while to get into the book.
It's a far cry from most similar books I've read, both lyrically and thematically.
Yes, Eli is a demon and Kye is a human, but other than that, it's so much more.
Depression, dark thoughts and family drama at the highest level. Please read the TWs, Freydís is serious about them.
Racism, cultural appropriation, transphobia - sometimes hard to bear.
Still with a fantastic ending which is actually a fresh start and I love it.
The smut is extraordinary - raw and authentic.
Kye is non-binary and it was so good to read about a person who feels so similar as myself. We're not exactly the same of course but way more than every cis person I read about.
Eli is a perfect balance between sadistic asshole and vulnerable lover. I would call his "Daddy", even if Kye won't.
-
“I know, I know. Maybe not now, maybe not ever, but the church is here if you need it. Come for communion, come for confession, come for silence.” (Priest)
Tell him you only come for me. (Eli in Kyes head)
-
August 19, 2022
I could easily spend hours writing a review for With A Vengeance but no matter how much I spew words of adoration, nothing will do this book justice.
I don’t often get giddy at books, maybe it’s because I mostly only read horror, but there’s been few books that have made me giddy, but this one had me rolling with giddiness.
I swear I’ll come back with a longer review, but I need to reread it before I fully commit to writing one as of right now, I’m full of joy and an intense need for fictional demonic men to raw dog me
INSTA | TWITTER
I don’t often get giddy at books, maybe it’s because I mostly only read horror, but there’s been few books that have made me giddy, but this one had me rolling with giddiness.
I swear I’ll come back with a longer review, but I need to reread it before I fully commit to writing one as of right now, I’m full of joy and an intense need for fictional demonic men to raw dog me
INSTA | TWITTER
September 6, 2024
NOTE: this edit was originally written and claimed as five stars [REDACTED], I won’t be reading anymore from this author
i don’t have coherent enough thoughts or words for how I feel about this book but just know it altered my brain chemistry Roman-empire style, like This is the book that I’ll think about for the next foreseeable months, my silly goofy little self ate this UP
edit: I’ve had to (unfortunately) redact part of this review bc Goodreads is cracking down on removing reviews apparently 🤷♀️
i don’t have coherent enough thoughts or words for how I feel about this book but just know it altered my brain chemistry Roman-empire style, like This is the book that I’ll think about for the next foreseeable months, my silly goofy little self ate this UP
edit: I’ve had to (unfortunately) redact part of this review bc Goodreads is cracking down on removing reviews apparently 🤷♀️
February 24, 2024
5 stars~
Again, this is for the messy latine queers with religious trauma...it might as well have had a neon sign on it saying "FOR YOU".
It had no business being this good at exploring grief, gender, religion, immigration, and sex with such Dreamy prose? I don't know but I've enjoyed every story i've read by Freydís so clearly i'm their demographic.
Again, this is for the messy latine queers with religious trauma...it might as well have had a neon sign on it saying "FOR YOU".
It had no business being this good at exploring grief, gender, religion, immigration, and sex with such Dreamy prose? I don't know but I've enjoyed every story i've read by Freydís so clearly i'm their demographic.
April 8, 2024
Listen - it’s not all my kink, but it’s also not not all my kink… you feel me?
December 22, 2022
holy shit Holy Shit HOLY SHIT!? this was so good
March 18, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Is it demon smut? Yes. Does it contend with trauma, complex family dynamics, religious trauma, grief, learning how to accept love, and much more? Also yes. The way consent is discussed and navigated is also very interesting. Well-written, lots if thematic stuff happening, and kinda weird *chef's kiss*
Is it demon smut? Yes. Does it contend with trauma, complex family dynamics, religious trauma, grief, learning how to accept love, and much more? Also yes. The way consent is discussed and navigated is also very interesting. Well-written, lots if thematic stuff happening, and kinda weird *chef's kiss*
April 12, 2024
“You asked what it’s like to fall from grace, but you already know the feeling. My father abandoned me—our father. But I could’ve stayed, could’ve been obedient. I chose to fall; you chose to leave. You asked me how that works, and it’s really fuckin’ simple. I saw the fault in something infallible—a lot of us did—and I thought I’d be better suited with the sinners. That’s all.”
freydís moon NEVER disappoints 🫦🤌
freydís moon NEVER disappoints 🫦🤌
July 18, 2022
ARC Review
This book was so Good!! This was my first time reading a book with a an enby main character and I feel that the author wrote it beautifully. The thing i liked most was the depiction of Kye's internal spiraling, I related to them on a very personal level and connected with the character. On the other hand, the smut !! JAW DROPPING AND SCORCHING HOT! my heart was pounding, my bosom was heaving, it was perfect and 😍chefs kiss. 10/10 would recommend and will deff re- read. (POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD )Only reason thing I wish was different was that Eli and Kye and took a little more time taking revenge on Agent Gilbert and that it was more detailed, I also wanted the agents wife to get what she deserved, since she's kind of the whole reason the agent was harassing Kye and even Rosa in the first place
This book was so Good!! This was my first time reading a book with a an enby main character and I feel that the author wrote it beautifully. The thing i liked most was the depiction of Kye's internal spiraling, I related to them on a very personal level and connected with the character. On the other hand, the smut !! JAW DROPPING AND SCORCHING HOT! my heart was pounding, my bosom was heaving, it was perfect and 😍chefs kiss. 10/10 would recommend and will deff re- read. (POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD )Only reason thing I wish was different was that Eli and Kye and took a little more time taking revenge on Agent Gilbert and that it was more detailed, I also wanted the agents wife to get what she deserved, since she's kind of the whole reason the agent was harassing Kye and even Rosa in the first place
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2024
Eli + Kye = power couple goals
3.5⭐️
3.5⭐️
July 27, 2022
Un très grand merci à l’auteur.e pour ce magnifique ARC et pour sa confiance.
Phénoménal!
Énorme coup de cœur pour ce livre!Délicieusement pêcheur, chaud comme l’enfer et des émotions qui vous déchirent cœur et entrailles.
Kye est de retour dans son ancienne maison d’enfance, remplie de souvenirs doux-amers d’une famille qui l’a blessé et renié. L’atmosphère est épaisse avec de nombreux souvenirs de famille toxiques et la présence rémanente de ses membres.
La présence de Kye en ville amène malheureusement un agent ICE corrompu à venir fouiner du côté du business familial de confection d’alebrijes. D’ailleurs, si vous êtes sensible à certains sujets, n’hésitez pas à lire les trigger warnings. Kye est une personne non-binaire, latino-américaine, attendez-vous donc à du racisme, refus délibéré d’usage du bon pronom et utilisation de l’ancien nom (deadname) pour ne citer que ceux-là.
La résistance de Kye à la vie est usée jusqu’à la corde, iel est une âme torturée, passée par trop de mauvaises expériences. Étonnamment, c’est Eligos, un démon, qui tire Kye du gouffre sombre dans lequel iel s’embourbe entre alcool et idées noires. Attention, ce n’est pas le style de démon gentil et repentant, Eli est rude, impénitent, violent et débauché mais il est également patient, prend Kye au sérieux et ne lui fera jamais défection. Il est là pour iel comme personne ne l’a jamais été, lui accordant pouvoir et liberté.
Il pousse Kye dans ses retranchements, à s’épanouir dans le paganisme.
Eli est peut-être un démon mais il est la seule chose tangible, constante et immuable dans l’existence tourmentée et incertaine de Kye.
J’ai adoré leur relation. Leur dynamique peut paraître singulière mais elle leur correspond et est magnifique d’une certaine manière. La force des moments tendres entre eux est d’autant plus époustouflante. Cette histoire a vraiment fait palpiter mon cœur, m’a donné des frissons et fait voler mon esprit en éclats. Elle est remplie d’émotions à vif sublimées par la douleur et la luxure.
Phénoménal!
Énorme coup de cœur pour ce livre!Délicieusement pêcheur, chaud comme l’enfer et des émotions qui vous déchirent cœur et entrailles.
Kye est de retour dans son ancienne maison d’enfance, remplie de souvenirs doux-amers d’une famille qui l’a blessé et renié. L’atmosphère est épaisse avec de nombreux souvenirs de famille toxiques et la présence rémanente de ses membres.
La présence de Kye en ville amène malheureusement un agent ICE corrompu à venir fouiner du côté du business familial de confection d’alebrijes. D’ailleurs, si vous êtes sensible à certains sujets, n’hésitez pas à lire les trigger warnings. Kye est une personne non-binaire, latino-américaine, attendez-vous donc à du racisme, refus délibéré d’usage du bon pronom et utilisation de l’ancien nom (deadname) pour ne citer que ceux-là.
La résistance de Kye à la vie est usée jusqu’à la corde, iel est une âme torturée, passée par trop de mauvaises expériences. Étonnamment, c’est Eligos, un démon, qui tire Kye du gouffre sombre dans lequel iel s’embourbe entre alcool et idées noires. Attention, ce n’est pas le style de démon gentil et repentant, Eli est rude, impénitent, violent et débauché mais il est également patient, prend Kye au sérieux et ne lui fera jamais défection. Il est là pour iel comme personne ne l’a jamais été, lui accordant pouvoir et liberté.
Il pousse Kye dans ses retranchements, à s’épanouir dans le paganisme.
Eli est peut-être un démon mais il est la seule chose tangible, constante et immuable dans l’existence tourmentée et incertaine de Kye.
J’ai adoré leur relation. Leur dynamique peut paraître singulière mais elle leur correspond et est magnifique d’une certaine manière. La force des moments tendres entre eux est d’autant plus époustouflante. Cette histoire a vraiment fait palpiter mon cœur, m’a donné des frissons et fait voler mon esprit en éclats. Elle est remplie d’émotions à vif sublimées par la douleur et la luxure.
May 21, 2024
First reread_august 2022
It's pretty clear that this book has ruined me for all others.
--------------------------------------
Before you read this review I would like to point out that I wrote this with too much passion therefore the,possible, incomprehensibility:D
--------------------------------------
When I started reading I knew, I just knew, I would end up loving it. The author's writing is so easy to love. And I cannot get over how effortlessly beautiful their writing is.
(After exodus and this I'm not sure there's anything they could write that I would not love.)
What I was not expecting however was falling in love with these characters. They're so beautifully written and their dynamic is all I look for while reading romance. And the thing that made them so mesmerizing (not even exaggerating, I literally could not look away. They have a place in my heart as well as my brain FOR EVER.) , was that they are SO REAL. Kye's battle with depression was very moving, I think depression is a hard thing to write about, to capture its weight in words is a hard thing to do especially in a way that , to me at least , felt PERSONAL, taken from the depth of my mind and it was so perfectly portrayed in this book.
Had I not already fallen in love with the characters, the atmosphere building ALONE would have saved this book for me. THIS, this is the feeling I look for when I read. THIS is how swept up in a book I want to be.
The plot also was very well thought out, I did find the ending to be a bit sudden at first but after thinking about it more, I think that it just….WORKS.
Sometimes you just read something and can tell how much passion has gone into it to bring it to existence, when I started this book I knew I'd love it, I did not think it would own me heart and soul like it did, but I guess that's the beauty of being a reader :D
I found a new favorite in this book and I know, and hope, it will make its way into the heart of many readers:)
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC:')
It's pretty clear that this book has ruined me for all others.
--------------------------------------
Before you read this review I would like to point out that I wrote this with too much passion therefore the,possible, incomprehensibility:D
--------------------------------------
When I started reading I knew, I just knew, I would end up loving it. The author's writing is so easy to love. And I cannot get over how effortlessly beautiful their writing is.
(After exodus and this I'm not sure there's anything they could write that I would not love.)
What I was not expecting however was falling in love with these characters. They're so beautifully written and their dynamic is all I look for while reading romance. And the thing that made them so mesmerizing (not even exaggerating, I literally could not look away. They have a place in my heart as well as my brain FOR EVER.) , was that they are SO REAL. Kye's battle with depression was very moving, I think depression is a hard thing to write about, to capture its weight in words is a hard thing to do especially in a way that , to me at least , felt PERSONAL, taken from the depth of my mind and it was so perfectly portrayed in this book.
Had I not already fallen in love with the characters, the atmosphere building ALONE would have saved this book for me. THIS, this is the feeling I look for when I read. THIS is how swept up in a book I want to be.
The plot also was very well thought out, I did find the ending to be a bit sudden at first but after thinking about it more, I think that it just….WORKS.
Sometimes you just read something and can tell how much passion has gone into it to bring it to existence, when I started this book I knew I'd love it, I did not think it would own me heart and soul like it did, but I guess that's the beauty of being a reader :D
I found a new favorite in this book and I know, and hope, it will make its way into the heart of many readers:)
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC:')
August 4, 2022
arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
I already knew that I was going to be a fan of Freydís’ work for life from the moment I finished Exodus 20:3 but With A Vengeance really cemented that in. I will gladly read anything and everything they publish in the future.
With A Vengeance blends cruelty, dark and violent emotions, an inner war with love, healing and worship in such a perfect way. Everything from Kye’s gender and sexuality, to their family history and ghosts and mental health were all done in a dark yet realistic way that tears at your heart but is mended back together in this messy, bloody, beautiful way. I seriously could not get enough of this book and of Freydís writing!
And Eli! I was ready to sell my soul to him from the first time he uttered “easy, baby” to Kye. That is one hot demon, let me tell yall!
This book will not be for everyone but it will be everything to those it is perfect for. For those of us who see ourselves in Kye and feel a sense of comfort and safety within the pages of this book. Truly, a work of art.
I do recommend looking up trigger and content warnings beforehand though as this is a dark romance and contains dark themes and situations! But I highly recommend it if you’re able to give this one a try!
I already knew that I was going to be a fan of Freydís’ work for life from the moment I finished Exodus 20:3 but With A Vengeance really cemented that in. I will gladly read anything and everything they publish in the future.
With A Vengeance blends cruelty, dark and violent emotions, an inner war with love, healing and worship in such a perfect way. Everything from Kye’s gender and sexuality, to their family history and ghosts and mental health were all done in a dark yet realistic way that tears at your heart but is mended back together in this messy, bloody, beautiful way. I seriously could not get enough of this book and of Freydís writing!
And Eli! I was ready to sell my soul to him from the first time he uttered “easy, baby” to Kye. That is one hot demon, let me tell yall!
This book will not be for everyone but it will be everything to those it is perfect for. For those of us who see ourselves in Kye and feel a sense of comfort and safety within the pages of this book. Truly, a work of art.
I do recommend looking up trigger and content warnings beforehand though as this is a dark romance and contains dark themes and situations! But I highly recommend it if you’re able to give this one a try!
Read
April 20, 2024[removed review]
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2022
One of my favorite books of the year, I couldn’t stop reading! If anyone knows how I can get my own sexy demon to intervene in my self-sabotage lmk
Read
June 8, 2024rating removed bc author done fucked up
April 21, 2024
cw: spanish grammar mistakes
puro morbo. te recomiendo terapia y unas clases de español.
puro morbo. te recomiendo terapia y unas clases de español.
August 7, 2023
Is this how a haunting started? With a voice and a presence and a corpse?
If you're looking for a fantastic blend of horror and romance, you have found it with this book. Freydis Moon is a FORCE when it comes to writing stories that are haunting, poignant, and authentic. Our characters Kye (our nonbinary main) and their love interest Eli (a literal demon) pop off the page with every interaction.
“Fuck you.” They hardly spoke, hardly glanced his direction. Just dropped the half-eaten rice container in the bag and left the kitchen. “I’m trying to,” Eli yelled.
Kye's relationship with their family and said family's refusal to accept them as they were plays a huge part of this book. There are painful, messy feelings mixed up with Kye's childhood and now we've got some asshole ICE agent sniffing around their late mother's residence. Enter Eli, who will not only screw the pain away, but do what's necessary when the situation arises. He's cruel, sassy, and I love him.
I have nothing bad to say about this book. It's amazing.
If you're looking for a fantastic blend of horror and romance, you have found it with this book. Freydis Moon is a FORCE when it comes to writing stories that are haunting, poignant, and authentic. Our characters Kye (our nonbinary main) and their love interest Eli (a literal demon) pop off the page with every interaction.
“Fuck you.” They hardly spoke, hardly glanced his direction. Just dropped the half-eaten rice container in the bag and left the kitchen. “I’m trying to,” Eli yelled.
Kye's relationship with their family and said family's refusal to accept them as they were plays a huge part of this book. There are painful, messy feelings mixed up with Kye's childhood and now we've got some asshole ICE agent sniffing around their late mother's residence. Enter Eli, who will not only screw the pain away, but do what's necessary when the situation arises. He's cruel, sassy, and I love him.
I have nothing bad to say about this book. It's amazing.
September 19, 2023
Freydis Moon just does not miss.
This might actually be my favorite from their entire backlist. Eli and Kye's relationship was absolutely perfect. The way that they bantered. The way that they called each other on their bullshit. The understanding and devotion. I'm obsessed.
FRTC
This might actually be my favorite from their entire backlist. Eli and Kye's relationship was absolutely perfect. The way that they bantered. The way that they called each other on their bullshit. The understanding and devotion. I'm obsessed.
FRTC
March 29, 2023
This isn’t just a spicy demon romance (even though Eligos could FCK😉) This book was so much wrapped into a dark, guilt ridden, erotic, vengeful journey that I didn’t want to end!
Our MC Kye is nonbinary and coming back home after about 10 yrs away due to their mother passing. She was the last of their family and there’s a whole lot of trauma surrounding Kye’s upbringing and the funeral situation. While they’re at their childhood home (that’s definitely haunted) the voice in their head turns out to be a demon, well, Duke of Hell to be precise.
Eligos is with kye as they go on the journey of healing and let me tell you, Eligos loves Kye so much, even when they’re being such a pain in the a$$. Eli embraces all of Kye’s personality, the good and bad, and it’s this weirdly wholesome story 🖤
Our MC Kye is nonbinary and coming back home after about 10 yrs away due to their mother passing. She was the last of their family and there’s a whole lot of trauma surrounding Kye’s upbringing and the funeral situation. While they’re at their childhood home (that’s definitely haunted) the voice in their head turns out to be a demon, well, Duke of Hell to be precise.
Eligos is with kye as they go on the journey of healing and let me tell you, Eligos loves Kye so much, even when they’re being such a pain in the a$$. Eli embraces all of Kye’s personality, the good and bad, and it’s this weirdly wholesome story 🖤
April 22, 2024
Due to terrible misconduct, including but not limited to posing as a person of color and a victim of racism, along with varied levels of deceit, I will be going through my reviews of all works by Freydís Moon and dropping my ratings to 2 stars. As a reader and previously strong supporter of their work and someone who had been a part of the street team, I want to apologize. Moving forward, I will be severing connections, deleting as many promotional posts as possible, and will no longer mention or recommend their works.
Read
May 19, 2024In April 2024 information came out about this author that proves they are a white person pretending to be Latine for clout, profit, and so that they can call anyone who disagrees with them racist. They are a bully who uses multiple synonyms to harass other authors and readers. As such, I have removed my review for this and every other book of theirs I have read.
April 21, 2024
4/21/2024: I was recently made aware of the problematic history and this authors connection to Taylor Barton/Jupiter Wyse. I did not know anything about this until I looked into the story after a couple mutuals shared to their IG stories.
I'm not gonna pretend I didn't read their books and enjoyed them but I will no longer support this author.
I'm not gonna pretend I didn't read their books and enjoyed them but I will no longer support this author.
February 29, 2024
The other day I described some aspects of Freydís Moon's writing to some friends and we were all giggling and yelling as if we were 12yos again through my words so like, if that doesn't tell you something already about what they bring to the table, IDK what to tell you, lol.
No, joke, ofc I know what to tell you. Truth is, I can't get enough of their writing and it was incredible to read something lenghtier from them!
With a Vengeance is not as wild as Exodus 20:3 — which, btw, is a bible chapter that reads “You shall have no other gods before me.” And that's just too perfect to not start my proper review on, since With A Vengeance also touches upon worship.
Both books have trans leads, except that this time Kye goes by they/them pronouns, and even though I've read trans leads before, it was my first time reading someone they/them, and that was sososo awesome.
Anyways, back to the writing itself. This one starts with a honest to god punch, the first 5% of the book it was a faceful of beautiful, evocative writing and I had to reread some sentences multiple times, and not because they were hard to understand, but because they deserved to be savoured they were so perfect.
The duality was also insane, the way Eli could be so soft at times had me reeling in the best way
Eli really said "I might be a demon and perform unexpected acts of s&m, but i draw the line at transphobia!!".
The TENDERNESS was killing me it had my squealing, istg. I seriously enjoyed the development of their relationship, which wasn't perfect and did feel some bits were rushed but hey, how am I to know how anyone would behave after having a literal demon inside their head for months, thinking they were crazy all the while, only to find out afterwards that they actually weren't. Though, props to Fryedís for having Kye still taking their meds afterwards!
I've gone in cyrcles in this review, so I just wanna say that the ending truly surprised me, as to also be honest, I hoped it went a different route, but this one was veery satisfying and I remain completely enraptured by everything Freydís Moon writes and will recommend their books to everyone and anyone.
No, joke, ofc I know what to tell you. Truth is, I can't get enough of their writing and it was incredible to read something lenghtier from them!
With a Vengeance is not as wild as Exodus 20:3 — which, btw, is a bible chapter that reads “You shall have no other gods before me.” And that's just too perfect to not start my proper review on, since With A Vengeance also touches upon worship.
Both books have trans leads, except that this time Kye goes by they/them pronouns, and even though I've read trans leads before, it was my first time reading someone they/them, and that was sososo awesome.
Anyways, back to the writing itself. This one starts with a honest to god punch, the first 5% of the book it was a faceful of beautiful, evocative writing and I had to reread some sentences multiple times, and not because they were hard to understand, but because they deserved to be savoured they were so perfect.
The duality was also insane, the way Eli could be so soft at times had me reeling in the best way
“Don’t call me a woman.”
“I didn’t,” Eli said, deadly serious. His smile dropped and his jaw clenched, fiery gaze pinned to them.
Eli really said "I might be a demon and perform unexpected acts of s&m, but i draw the line at transphobia!!".
The TENDERNESS was killing me it had my squealing, istg. I seriously enjoyed the development of their relationship, which wasn't perfect and did feel some bits were rushed but hey, how am I to know how anyone would behave after having a literal demon inside their head for months, thinking they were crazy all the while, only to find out afterwards that they actually weren't. Though, props to Fryedís for having Kye still taking their meds afterwards!
I've gone in cyrcles in this review, so I just wanna say that the ending truly surprised me, as to also be honest, I hoped it went a different route, but this one was veery satisfying and I remain completely enraptured by everything Freydís Moon writes and will recommend their books to everyone and anyone.
December 2, 2022
Okay this is my first romance book not about vampires I've enjoyed so much and my issues are minimal.
Problems:
- We're constantly told how mean and fuckboy and rude Eli is but I swear to christ we never see that on page with his treatment of Kye??
- The "fuck you"/"I'm trying to" is in this book way to much. Like every 25 pages.
- Similarly, the "You die when I say you die" is overused, though it's a metal line to over use
- The description of Esther blushing I don't think is accurate for darkskin like at all, but I might be visualizing it wrong
- a couple silly typos
- I really didn't like the food fight scene idk why but it rubbed me the wrong way
- I don't like the lack of communication before a BDSM scene, I know Eli can read Kyes mind to some extent but that is not foolproof in canon so it's not as risk aware as I'd like going into scenes
- I personally don't love the focus on trauma and coping as the only narrative for edgeplay kinks, but that's a real experience and it's represented well here so that's more a me issue
- Please it is And With Your Spirit now not And Also With You
Things I loved
- One of the best explicit representations of suicidal ideation I've read
- love the complex relationship to gendered body parts, I ate that shit up and it's so real
- The actual plot outside of the romance fucked so hard, I would read a litfic about it, so the added layer of demonic horror and wild sex was fun
- The sex is actually well written
- Showing aftercare and sub-drop really well!!
- I love the demon lore in here
Problems:
- We're constantly told how mean and fuckboy and rude Eli is but I swear to christ we never see that on page with his treatment of Kye??
- The "fuck you"/"I'm trying to" is in this book way to much. Like every 25 pages.
- Similarly, the "You die when I say you die" is overused, though it's a metal line to over use
- The description of Esther blushing I don't think is accurate for darkskin like at all, but I might be visualizing it wrong
- a couple silly typos
- I really didn't like the food fight scene idk why but it rubbed me the wrong way
- I don't like the lack of communication before a BDSM scene, I know Eli can read Kyes mind to some extent but that is not foolproof in canon so it's not as risk aware as I'd like going into scenes
- I personally don't love the focus on trauma and coping as the only narrative for edgeplay kinks, but that's a real experience and it's represented well here so that's more a me issue
- Please it is And With Your Spirit now not And Also With You
Things I loved
- One of the best explicit representations of suicidal ideation I've read
- love the complex relationship to gendered body parts, I ate that shit up and it's so real
- The actual plot outside of the romance fucked so hard, I would read a litfic about it, so the added layer of demonic horror and wild sex was fun
- The sex is actually well written
- Showing aftercare and sub-drop really well!!
- I love the demon lore in here
August 12, 2022
ARC REVIEW
5/5 ⭐ 5/5 🌶
???why are y'all not screaming about this book cos holy fuck (*giggles* "holy fuck", get it? cos- anyways) this is a masterpiece. I rarely have a physical reaction to a book besides the obvious laughing/crying/whatever but somehow the author had me feeling EVERYTHING.
The character development in this? absolute top tier shit. I felt so much and fuck, it hurt but it hurt soo good -I REFUSED to put this down. The emotions, the pain, the heartbreak -I'm in shambles rn lmao.
I truly felt the MC's pain and it's sad that most people feel similar -if not exactly- like this. It portrayed the raw, unfiltered truth about trying to be your true self while battling the image of who your loved ones would rather you be. It shows the misunderstanding that most trans people get from said loved ones and the hurt it causes. It was soul wrenching and you fucking bet I cried for the Kye when they got their happy ending.
The writing was absolutely beautiful. I've read exodus 20:3 so I knew I would love this -and I did! Besides the plot and whatnot, the smut was also freaking hot. like soul melting, panty dropping type.
And It's rare that I find a dark monster romance w a good ass plot so obviously I ate this up lmao.
also, everyone needs an Eli <3
5/5 ⭐ 5/5 🌶
???why are y'all not screaming about this book cos holy fuck (*giggles* "holy fuck", get it? cos- anyways) this is a masterpiece. I rarely have a physical reaction to a book besides the obvious laughing/crying/whatever but somehow the author had me feeling EVERYTHING.
The character development in this? absolute top tier shit. I felt so much and fuck, it hurt but it hurt soo good -I REFUSED to put this down. The emotions, the pain, the heartbreak -I'm in shambles rn lmao.
I truly felt the MC's pain and it's sad that most people feel similar -if not exactly- like this. It portrayed the raw, unfiltered truth about trying to be your true self while battling the image of who your loved ones would rather you be. It shows the misunderstanding that most trans people get from said loved ones and the hurt it causes. It was soul wrenching and you fucking bet I cried for the Kye when they got their happy ending.
The writing was absolutely beautiful. I've read exodus 20:3 so I knew I would love this -and I did! Besides the plot and whatnot, the smut was also freaking hot. like soul melting, panty dropping type.
And It's rare that I find a dark monster romance w a good ass plot so obviously I ate this up lmao.
also, everyone needs an Eli <3
October 18, 2023
I really wanted to like this, it touched on a lot of themes I appreciated like gender, heritage, and the violence perpetrated by law enforcement against minorities. My problem is I didn’t like *how* these themes were explored, this is an introspective character study that really lacked enough external plot to keep me engaged, I think this would have worked better in a novella format. Monster erotica with a demon love interest about a nonbinary person settling their recently deceased mother’s estate.
CWs: suicide attempt, off-page rape, murder, police brutality, death of a parent, transphobia, dysphoria, deadnaming, biting/blood play
CWs: suicide attempt, off-page rape, murder, police brutality, death of a parent, transphobia, dysphoria, deadnaming, biting/blood play
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