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Sins of The Flesh #1
The Librarian of Soul
Augustine Ravenscroft-
Immortality is stale. For decades, I have been a paragon of self-control, never once allowing my sands to feast on the humans that surround me, tempt me.
Until her.
Every rule-abiding grain of sand in my body wants to swallow her whole, in her dreams and the mortal world. Her golden aura and honey scent drive me to the brink until I am breaking every order that has kept our monstrous community safe for centuries just to feel her joy and taste her arousal.
Joanna Cole-
My life is stagnating. I’m stuck in a rut of trying to please everyone, but this only leads to more work and sleepless nights. The library is the only place I find solace.
And see him.
It’s ridiculous to have a crush on the librarian I have never spoken to, but he is the man of my dreams. Until one night, the dark and lustful dreams turn into reality. He wants to claim me, and I want him to own me.
When chance encounters don’t add up and old fae magic threatens my life, my only option is to trust Augustine and the new world of secrets and deception he has shown me.
The Librarian of Souls is the first in a series of soft dark* interconnected standalones that feature Plus Size and LGBTQ+ characters finding their one.
*Author's Note: For all tropes, tags, and CWs, check out my website!
Immortality is stale. For decades, I have been a paragon of self-control, never once allowing my sands to feast on the humans that surround me, tempt me.
Until her.
Every rule-abiding grain of sand in my body wants to swallow her whole, in her dreams and the mortal world. Her golden aura and honey scent drive me to the brink until I am breaking every order that has kept our monstrous community safe for centuries just to feel her joy and taste her arousal.
Joanna Cole-
My life is stagnating. I’m stuck in a rut of trying to please everyone, but this only leads to more work and sleepless nights. The library is the only place I find solace.
And see him.
It’s ridiculous to have a crush on the librarian I have never spoken to, but he is the man of my dreams. Until one night, the dark and lustful dreams turn into reality. He wants to claim me, and I want him to own me.
When chance encounters don’t add up and old fae magic threatens my life, my only option is to trust Augustine and the new world of secrets and deception he has shown me.
The Librarian of Souls is the first in a series of soft dark* interconnected standalones that feature Plus Size and LGBTQ+ characters finding their one.
*Author's Note: For all tropes, tags, and CWs, check out my website!
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2023
269 people are currently reading
1859 people want to read
About the author
Ash Raven
11 books198 followersAsh Raven is an indie author who specialises in spicy monster and alien romances that focus on plus-size and LGBTQ+ leads who get the love of a lifetime. They strive to write stories that are inclusive and real, with a touch of magic and a boat load of spice. When they are not writing, they are cuddling with their two orange cats and drinking oat mochas through a straw.
Born and raised in Indiana, they have been living their own insta-love romance in London, UK since 2015.
Born and raised in Indiana, they have been living their own insta-love romance in London, UK since 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
November 2, 2023
Pleasant surprise
I loved this book. It was a really interesting take on the boogeyman and if you are looking to start in the monster romance genre, I would recommend this. This book will now be my go to recommendation for newbies. The chemistry between Joanna and Augustine is chef's kiss.
The world building is great, I felt like I was really there and could picture the City perfectly. The pacing was great and the plot and spice was perfectly in my opinion really well balanced. I felt like the author tied up all the loose ends well.
Joanna hit a little to close to home. With me also being plus sized and struggling with my own insecurities, I felt that the author handled it with care and delicacy. I felt like Augustine was building her up and helping her grow. He let her take the lead and I really appreciate that. This is honesty a great read! I devoured it. Please give it a go!
I loved this book. It was a really interesting take on the boogeyman and if you are looking to start in the monster romance genre, I would recommend this. This book will now be my go to recommendation for newbies. The chemistry between Joanna and Augustine is chef's kiss.
The world building is great, I felt like I was really there and could picture the City perfectly. The pacing was great and the plot and spice was perfectly in my opinion really well balanced. I felt like the author tied up all the loose ends well.
Joanna hit a little to close to home. With me also being plus sized and struggling with my own insecurities, I felt that the author handled it with care and delicacy. I felt like Augustine was building her up and helping her grow. He let her take the lead and I really appreciate that. This is honesty a great read! I devoured it. Please give it a go!
September 5, 2023
She is simply too delicious to ignore.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I blushed so much.
In this book we are following Joanna (human) and Augustine (sandman).
And let me tell you something, this alluring man is a dream partner (kind, caring, attentive, handsome and powerful) and add to this mix that he is a librarian with glasses and mustache. Giiiirl😳 He is even calling us His Queen. What a man.
But let’s start from the beginning. They met in a library and obsessed with each other from afar then one night dream connected them. And it continued for some time, he knew that he invaded her dream, she thought that he is just fruit of her imagination and tired mind.
But one night everything changes, it was so hot and dreamy and life changing. Their relationship started. Rocky but so sweet and healing.
In the background we have world full of paranormals who are kinda hiding from humans and trying to regulate all this hidden affairs. So intriguing and fun, so many secrets and mysteries, can’t wait to read next novellas in this series. Maybe more about out sour demon? Or lovely fae girl? Or shy ghoul? So many great characters to read about!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I blushed so much.
In this book we are following Joanna (human) and Augustine (sandman).
And let me tell you something, this alluring man is a dream partner (kind, caring, attentive, handsome and powerful) and add to this mix that he is a librarian with glasses and mustache. Giiiirl😳 He is even calling us His Queen. What a man.
But let’s start from the beginning. They met in a library and obsessed with each other from afar then one night dream connected them. And it continued for some time, he knew that he invaded her dream, she thought that he is just fruit of her imagination and tired mind.
But one night everything changes, it was so hot and dreamy and life changing. Their relationship started. Rocky but so sweet and healing.
In the background we have world full of paranormals who are kinda hiding from humans and trying to regulate all this hidden affairs. So intriguing and fun, so many secrets and mysteries, can’t wait to read next novellas in this series. Maybe more about out sour demon? Or lovely fae girl? Or shy ghoul? So many great characters to read about!
February 28, 2024
Dirty talk on point
I always stan a good villain romance and this is 100% villainous. Augustine is a snobby boogeyman/sandman who “accidentally” bonds with Joanna in her dreams. He is a dirty talking extraordinaire. Joanna is an overworked people pleaser who doesn’t see herself as worthy of anything good. Augustine’s controlling nature helps her find herself and she tempers his…. proclivities. But let’s be honest, he’s a villain that stays a villain in the “I’ll burn down the world for you” kinda way.
The prose in this book was awesome. It was engaging without being excessively wordy. I highly recommend if you like your MMCs morally black.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: murder, gore, physical assault, homophobia, mention of cannibalism, depression, dubcon
I always stan a good villain romance and this is 100% villainous. Augustine is a snobby boogeyman/sandman who “accidentally” bonds with Joanna in her dreams. He is a dirty talking extraordinaire. Joanna is an overworked people pleaser who doesn’t see herself as worthy of anything good. Augustine’s controlling nature helps her find herself and she tempers his…. proclivities. But let’s be honest, he’s a villain that stays a villain in the “I’ll burn down the world for you” kinda way.
The prose in this book was awesome. It was engaging without being excessively wordy. I highly recommend if you like your MMCs morally black.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: murder, gore, physical assault, homophobia, mention of cannibalism, depression, dubcon
August 28, 2023
I was intrigued in the concept of this book, but it just wasn’t for me. There was really no build up to the spice, it happened almost instantly despite them never talking to each other. I was also very bored by their day to day lives. Her being constantly stressed about work and him in his little monster meetings were just dull and I think I just needed more.
Also, I knew I was going in for spice and definitely appreciated it, but I’m sorry him having quills just really threw me off?? I had no idea how to picture that… but to each their own I guess.
Also, I knew I was going in for spice and definitely appreciated it, but I’m sorry him having quills just really threw me off?? I had no idea how to picture that… but to each their own I guess.
September 29, 2023
NO SE ENTIENDE LO QUE DECIS NENITA NO SE ENTIENDE QUE CARAJO PASO AL FINAL NO ENTIENDO NO SE ENTIENDE QUE ES ELLA NO LO QUE RESULTO PASAR NI QUE PASO CON EL LABURO NO SE ENTIENDE
October 17, 2023
This reminded me so much Catherynne Valente's writing. It's soft and hazy and sad and sensual. A fated mates romance with a wonderful twist. And a woman who is so much more than she thinks she is. I loved this so so much.
August 13, 2023
I loved this book. Usually, books focus on the fmc with the love interest as secondary characters. This almost felt more the mmc as the primary focus even though the plot centered around the fmc. It is dual first person perspective and it definitely felt like two different narrations.
Augustine is the monster of my dreams. Joanna was a little flat and I would have liked to see more growth in her. Their chemistry was amazing and the spice was great.
Augustine is the monster of my dreams. Joanna was a little flat and I would have liked to see more growth in her. Their chemistry was amazing and the spice was great.
November 19, 2023
Not a bad book but it is so hard for me to get into books that jump right into the spice. Like, I end up feeling detached the whole time after. Especially, if it doesn’t have much plot later and is mostly just spicy scenes longer than any scene with actual plot. I know a lot of people who love books like this however! This might be for you.
August 12, 2023
Oh Augustine
He is the bestest well-spoken cinnamon roll ever.
He really is the absolute sweetest and dreamiest.
This is such a cool urban fantasy, The different interwoven journeys of each character or the glimpses we get to see set the stage.
I really enjoyed this one.
He is the bestest well-spoken cinnamon roll ever.
He really is the absolute sweetest and dreamiest.
This is such a cool urban fantasy, The different interwoven journeys of each character or the glimpses we get to see set the stage.
I really enjoyed this one.
October 22, 2023
I really thought I was going to not fuck with the Boogeyman... But I was so wrong 😂
-Dark academia vibes
-BDSM positive kink representation
-Plus size FMC
I found this was an easy read, and I loved it.
-Dark academia vibes
-BDSM positive kink representation
-Plus size FMC
I found this was an easy read, and I loved it.
October 30, 2023
This was absolutely a great book. A workaholic plus sized FMC meet immortal, serious, accented, librarian MMC? It was just so cute, cozy, healing, but also sexy and toe-curling.
THESE QUOTES YALL I- I damn near highlighted the whole book. It’s just so good.
THESE QUOTES YALL I- I damn near highlighted the whole book. It’s just so good.
November 2, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I devoured it in about 2 days and I wish there was more. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in this series, even if it will be different characters. I adore this author and the plus sized and queer representation
September 30, 2023
Kinda cringe, kinda cute. Kinda boring, kinda interesting. Had some questions answered, while also leaving a bunch unanswered. Overall just meh for me, 3.25.
August 14, 2023
The Bogeyman and the Worker Bee
Joanna is working herself to the bone and is under appreciated by her boss. Her only delight comes from visiting the library and the mysterious handsome librarian. Augustine has been alive longer than humanity, but something about Joanna intrigues and draws him in like never before. I loved their unconventional romance, and how Augustine helped change Joanna’s ugly duckling perception of herself so that saw she was a goddess, just as Augustine saw her. Gory and graphic, romantic and primal, I loved all aspects of this book.
March 3, 2024
"The Librarian Of Souls," by Ash Raven
@Ash | Alien + Monster Romance
Originally, I started reading this just for shits and giggles. BUT it honestly was an insanely good read from start to finish. Joanna and Augustine were unlike any relationship that I have ever read before, and I enjoyed their story. The romance was beyond steamy and
having a plus size FMC was so good to
see and read about. Augustine was THE MAN and I thoroughly enjoyed
the chase and sparks between them. The dream state fantasy was new and written so well. I was full immersed and
almost craving honey myself. It's soft and hazy and sad and sensual. A fated mates romance with a wonderful twist. A woman who is so much more than she thinks she is, and she finds out her worth.
STAR Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE Rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
✨TROPES ✨
-Boogeyman librarian hero
-Plus size heroine
-Spicy Dreams
-Accidentally mating
-Touch her and die
-Power exchange dynamic
-CNC, collaring, special peen and more
@Ash | Alien + Monster Romance
Originally, I started reading this just for shits and giggles. BUT it honestly was an insanely good read from start to finish. Joanna and Augustine were unlike any relationship that I have ever read before, and I enjoyed their story. The romance was beyond steamy and
having a plus size FMC was so good to
see and read about. Augustine was THE MAN and I thoroughly enjoyed
the chase and sparks between them. The dream state fantasy was new and written so well. I was full immersed and
almost craving honey myself. It's soft and hazy and sad and sensual. A fated mates romance with a wonderful twist. A woman who is so much more than she thinks she is, and she finds out her worth.
STAR Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE Rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
✨TROPES ✨
-Boogeyman librarian hero
-Plus size heroine
-Spicy Dreams
-Accidentally mating
-Touch her and die
-Power exchange dynamic
-CNC, collaring, special peen and more
January 29, 2024
solid framework for a great story
Wanted to love this but requires extensive additions and editing. Not enough backstory, jumped in without explaining the world they’re living in or how they came to be. Story jumped around like crazy leaving me to fill in many pieces that would have made this read a 10. The first time the characters get together in the dreamworld the story makes you think it’s really the first time together. But later in the book around 50% in the mail lead mentions that he’s been visiting her for up to a year in her dreams. I’m still confused . Honestly even the character descriptions left me wondering what exactly they looked like in their human and monster forms. Don’t even get me started on the monster council meetings… AA for eating humans? It took me 66% of the book to even realize that’s what the meeting was. Ultimately, I was not able to finish this story. Bailed about 67% in skipped to the last few pages and came here, a person who never writes reviews, leaving this extensive review. Hopeful for the future of this author.
Wanted to love this but requires extensive additions and editing. Not enough backstory, jumped in without explaining the world they’re living in or how they came to be. Story jumped around like crazy leaving me to fill in many pieces that would have made this read a 10. The first time the characters get together in the dreamworld the story makes you think it’s really the first time together. But later in the book around 50% in the mail lead mentions that he’s been visiting her for up to a year in her dreams. I’m still confused . Honestly even the character descriptions left me wondering what exactly they looked like in their human and monster forms. Don’t even get me started on the monster council meetings… AA for eating humans? It took me 66% of the book to even realize that’s what the meeting was. Ultimately, I was not able to finish this story. Bailed about 67% in skipped to the last few pages and came here, a person who never writes reviews, leaving this extensive review. Hopeful for the future of this author.
November 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️
Plot - 2/5
Characters - 2/5
Spice - 🌶️
I liked the idea of this book - a boogeyman falls for an overworked human and proceeds to become utterly obsessed with her. It sounds right up my alley. Unfortunately, the timeline of the book could be a little confusing at times. During the first chapter, Joanna and Augustine are getting it on in the dreamworld but he has apparently been visiting her for a year already?
I also struggled with how easily Joanna seems to accept everything about the Boogeyman and monster world. While it should've been refreshing that she was so accepting of it all, it kind of just felt like we were missing scenes where they discuss what this means for her (for example, she is now apparently going to be immortal??). The conflict is quite confusing but predictable and wrapped up all too quickly for my liking and the introductions of multiple other beasts just get confusing as the story continues.
Plot - 2/5
Characters - 2/5
Spice - 🌶️
I liked the idea of this book - a boogeyman falls for an overworked human and proceeds to become utterly obsessed with her. It sounds right up my alley. Unfortunately, the timeline of the book could be a little confusing at times. During the first chapter, Joanna and Augustine are getting it on in the dreamworld but he has apparently been visiting her for a year already?
I also struggled with how easily Joanna seems to accept everything about the Boogeyman and monster world. While it should've been refreshing that she was so accepting of it all, it kind of just felt like we were missing scenes where they discuss what this means for her (for example, she is now apparently going to be immortal??). The conflict is quite confusing but predictable and wrapped up all too quickly for my liking and the introductions of multiple other beasts just get confusing as the story continues.
April 16, 2024
DFN al 9%, indifendibile
October 20, 2023
⭐4.75 🌶️4/5
I need to read everything Ash wants to tell about this world, I'm obsessed. It has a lot of cozy vibes and at the same time it's a little dark. And with everything about the library and the old buildings, it has a dark academy touch that I loved.
Literally goosebumps with everything Augustine said, I don't have enough post to add them all. Blond book boyfriend winning my heart and soul again.
I'm very fond of Joanna and I'm so proud of her development. Although my girl needed more therapy than a good d!ck but the result has been the same so everything is fine😌
Spicy dreams? Plus spicy scenes in the library? PLUS all the praise and his monster features😏? I was exploding, sweating, dying🥵
The secondary characters were wonderful, I want Kragnash for myself😌🤭
I need to read everything Ash wants to tell about this world, I'm obsessed. It has a lot of cozy vibes and at the same time it's a little dark. And with everything about the library and the old buildings, it has a dark academy touch that I loved.
Literally goosebumps with everything Augustine said, I don't have enough post to add them all. Blond book boyfriend winning my heart and soul again.
I'm very fond of Joanna and I'm so proud of her development. Although my girl needed more therapy than a good d!ck but the result has been the same so everything is fine😌
Spicy dreams? Plus spicy scenes in the library? PLUS all the praise and his monster features😏? I was exploding, sweating, dying🥵
The secondary characters were wonderful, I want Kragnash for myself😌🤭
January 28, 2024
This book is so delightfully odd! I’m confused by the world building but in a way that’s ok. I feel like I’m learning about it alongside Joanna, the human FMC. There are these amazing hints dropped in the world building that are either the sign of a newbie author or THE SIGN OF GENIUS because, boy, did they keep my interest.
Strong “touch her and die” energy. Sexy “I will worship you” scenes.
I’m downloading the next book in the series now!
Strong “touch her and die” energy. Sexy “I will worship you” scenes.
I’m downloading the next book in the series now!
March 13, 2024
"I want her to call me everything, to call me hers. I want her sweet lips to whisper for her god and for her to mean me." - Page 73
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a beautiful, detailed book. The picture that was painted for each of the MMC and the FMC drew me in quickly and I loved reading their story; it has a great plot, but is also very spicy. I related to Joanna in a deep, spiritual level. The hard working, worth-based-on-your-productivity thought process is very unhealthy and I'm glad Joanna found Augustine and Augustine found Joanna. The obsession, the pining, the mutual attraction. Highly recommend this book, I'm reading the second book in The Sins of the Flesh Series right now.
The boogeyman is a new monster for me, but I'm sold. For me, it's similar to shadow daddies. Sand daddies are now an obsession of mine and I need more. Augustine is a snobby 'librarian' who is an excellent dirty talker and is the type of partner who would burn down the world for 'his queen', which of course we love that.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dirty Quote to Close Out my Review:
"'Darling.' I press slow kisses across her cheek until I can whisper directly into her ear, letting the monster slip out. 'I am going to devour your sweet cunt until I can bathe in your released, until you are trembling and begging me to stop.'"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a beautiful, detailed book. The picture that was painted for each of the MMC and the FMC drew me in quickly and I loved reading their story; it has a great plot, but is also very spicy. I related to Joanna in a deep, spiritual level. The hard working, worth-based-on-your-productivity thought process is very unhealthy and I'm glad Joanna found Augustine and Augustine found Joanna. The obsession, the pining, the mutual attraction. Highly recommend this book, I'm reading the second book in The Sins of the Flesh Series right now.
The boogeyman is a new monster for me, but I'm sold. For me, it's similar to shadow daddies. Sand daddies are now an obsession of mine and I need more. Augustine is a snobby 'librarian' who is an excellent dirty talker and is the type of partner who would burn down the world for 'his queen', which of course we love that.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dirty Quote to Close Out my Review:
"'Darling.' I press slow kisses across her cheek until I can whisper directly into her ear, letting the monster slip out. 'I am going to devour your sweet cunt until I can bathe in your released, until you are trembling and begging me to stop.'"
October 10, 2023
So sexy
I absolutely loved this story! Such a strong example of a relationship that builds you up and really sees you. Awesome!
I absolutely loved this story! Such a strong example of a relationship that builds you up and really sees you. Awesome!
October 14, 2025
I know this is based off of Tom Sturridge’s Dream, I just can’t prove it yet
October 19, 2023
Nice and spicy 🥵 I really enjoyed the representation in this book and how well thought out Augustine was. I felt that Joanna didn’t really have much personality until the last chapter, which was disappointing. I think this book says so much more beyond being a workaholic! Would recommend!
January 2, 2024
very much obsessed with Augustine Raverncroft.
November 23, 2023
Finished this book and immediately reviewed it in a message to at least two friends and updated on here. It was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥😩🥵 sultry seductive quotes just 🥵 🥵 🥵 with just enough plot without having like a huge world building. No lack of sexy scenes like by the time you’re like Ughhhhh to much plot it would get steamy again at least a short scene.
“No games,” he says. “When I own you here, worship you, I do not want there to be any doubt. Every word is true. As soft and vicious as they may be, they are real. You will never doubt me.”
This book was the best choice for a do nothing trip.
“No games,” he says. “When I own you here, worship you, I do not want there to be any doubt. Every word is true. As soft and vicious as they may be, they are real. You will never doubt me.”
This book was the best choice for a do nothing trip.
January 28, 2024
I couldn't tell you what the plot of this was. Gun to my head i couldn't tell you anything about it except there was a library and a douchebag boss. HOWEVER, The spice was spicing so hard i had to have a breather and go eat some crackers. This would be a 3.5/5 if i could give half stars but the spice was so good i decided on a 4 instead of a 3
March 14, 2025
A steamy monster romance that has anxiety and plus sized representation. For the most part it is a cozy read with a little bit of suspense with some sickeningly sweet scenes that will make you melt just like the spicy ones do. I will definitely be rereading this one in the future.
December 31, 2023
Nice balance but a little confusing at the end
I liked the pace and the balance of smut in the book. But the ending was a bit confusing and rushed for me. I still recommend
I liked the pace and the balance of smut in the book. But the ending was a bit confusing and rushed for me. I still recommend
September 2, 2025
This had a lot of promise but seemed to drag at times and was slightly confusing. Too much office not enough kink
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews