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Duskwalker Brides #4
A Soul to Guide
All Raewyn ever wanted was to go home.
After accidentally creating a portal to another realm, Raewyn finds herself trapped in a world she’s struggling to navigate. Desperate to find those with magic who can help her, she sets out on a dangerous journey to another town.
Unfortunately, on her travels, she learns there are bigger and scarier monsters than the Demons she knows of – and one of them won’t let her get away.
All Merikh ever wanted was to escape.
For a hundred and eighty years, Merikh has been hunting for a way off Earth. He doesn’t care who he has to eat, kill, or maim to get what he wants. So, when his prey ends up being a lost Elf, he realises this is his opportunity.
She’s prettier than any creature he’s ever seen, and so damn perfect that it’s impossible to resist her otherworldly lure.
But Merikh destroys everything he touches. Will he be able to overcome years of hatred and anger to allow himself to get close to her, or will he lose her in the process?
After accidentally creating a portal to another realm, Raewyn finds herself trapped in a world she’s struggling to navigate. Desperate to find those with magic who can help her, she sets out on a dangerous journey to another town.
Unfortunately, on her travels, she learns there are bigger and scarier monsters than the Demons she knows of – and one of them won’t let her get away.
All Merikh ever wanted was to escape.
For a hundred and eighty years, Merikh has been hunting for a way off Earth. He doesn’t care who he has to eat, kill, or maim to get what he wants. So, when his prey ends up being a lost Elf, he realises this is his opportunity.
She’s prettier than any creature he’s ever seen, and so damn perfect that it’s impossible to resist her otherworldly lure.
But Merikh destroys everything he touches. Will he be able to overcome years of hatred and anger to allow himself to get close to her, or will he lose her in the process?
485 pages, Hardcover
First published June 20, 2023
2168 people are currently reading
13378 people want to read
About the author
Opal Reyne
21 books5,869 followersOpal Reyne is an Australian Author who has been a fan of the Adult Paranormal Romance genre from the moment she picked up a book of it - and has never looked back.
She loves everything spicy, smutty,and everything boarder-line monster loving. She started writing because of her love of the written word, and because she wanted to build a diverse world of mythological creatures, while also showing the beauty of all ethnicities of humanity. She thrives to produce a plot driven, character developing book while sprinkling in enchanting imagery.
-Duskwalker Brides a series that features a very real monster who never turns into a handsome prince.
-Witch Bound is a series of Dragon-shifter males falling for their species enemies, Witches!
-She currently has a completed series called 'A Pirate Romance duology'.
As of the 20th of June 2022, The Aedus Chronicles has been unpublished. Thank you to all the readers who enjoyed the series, and Opal may look into revising them in the future.
She loves everything spicy, smutty,and everything boarder-line monster loving. She started writing because of her love of the written word, and because she wanted to build a diverse world of mythological creatures, while also showing the beauty of all ethnicities of humanity. She thrives to produce a plot driven, character developing book while sprinkling in enchanting imagery.
-Duskwalker Brides a series that features a very real monster who never turns into a handsome prince.
-Witch Bound is a series of Dragon-shifter males falling for their species enemies, Witches!
-She currently has a completed series called 'A Pirate Romance duology'.
As of the 20th of June 2022, The Aedus Chronicles has been unpublished. Thank you to all the readers who enjoyed the series, and Opal may look into revising them in the future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,241 reviews
July 9, 2023
Lord have Mercy! The sheer appreciation I have for Opal Reyne and this series is mind-boggling. The plot and Duskwalker world are captivating, the touch of action and gore bring it to a whole other level. Add in the monster fucking, dirty talk, tongue usage, and so many fluids; what more could I ask for! The connection and build-up between Merikh and Raewyn gave me all I needed in the romance department, and the worldbuilding and further potential sent me over the edge. I am so excited to see where the rest of the series goes and if Jabez will be redeemed.
June 20, 2023
Eeeeeekkkk
I tell y’all what. This that book rec y’all wenches been looking for and I ain’t even playing. Action, adventure, true love, magic, and tentacle peen that could put Cthulhu to shame. Fk some men. Give me one these and me and my love box are set 4 life.
Anyone who’s read the duskwalkers knows the rule is you are what you eat and lawd honey do these monsters luv them some poonani. Sorrows and prayers to your coochie Raewyn cuz we already know the business but omg you guys. 🥺
I licked this one first and he’s mine but I’ll share. He’s big and mean and snarky and brilliant. Just a large misunderstood fluff ball under all that A hole. I loves him long time sigh. She fell thru a portal working with magic and Merikh being the sweet soul that he is only wants to help her get home too… After rearranging her guts a bit and realizing she’s the one 🤭
Fookin A I want more. And how this one ties in with the first. 🤯 Read it. Just read it.
#booksthatmakeangelspptingle
I tell y’all what. This that book rec y’all wenches been looking for and I ain’t even playing. Action, adventure, true love, magic, and tentacle peen that could put Cthulhu to shame. Fk some men. Give me one these and me and my love box are set 4 life.
Anyone who’s read the duskwalkers knows the rule is you are what you eat and lawd honey do these monsters luv them some poonani. Sorrows and prayers to your coochie Raewyn cuz we already know the business but omg you guys. 🥺
I licked this one first and he’s mine but I’ll share. He’s big and mean and snarky and brilliant. Just a large misunderstood fluff ball under all that A hole. I loves him long time sigh. She fell thru a portal working with magic and Merikh being the sweet soul that he is only wants to help her get home too… After rearranging her guts a bit and realizing she’s the one 🤭
Fookin A I want more. And how this one ties in with the first. 🤯 Read it. Just read it.
#booksthatmakeangelspptingle
September 20, 2023
There is nothing like reading 360 pages and seeing you’re only 50% of the way through the book. I was fighting for my life, but don’t get it twisted—I was having a grand ole time.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Raewyn “Rae” Daefaren (490) | Merikh (300+)
FEATURES
∘ monster x elf romance
∘ grumpy/deadly mmc
∘ he is “annoyed” by her but loves her company
∘ plans to murder her but accidentally falls in love
REVIEW
I’ve noticed that Opal Reyne tends to write lovable characters who do something off-putting (lowkey vile) that it takes away from their characterization. For example (without any spoilers): Raewyn ran from Merikh after taking something from him, leaving him vulnerable. The action seemed so at odds with who she was, and yet the moment tainted the rest of the novel (not majorly, but enough).
That aside, I loved the dynamic of the main characters. Merikh’s quick-to-anger temperament could’ve easily made him unlikable, but we see his anger is mostly directed at himself and a result of his upbringing. I adored Raewyn’s charm, and usually I hate miscommunication, but their miscommunications worked SO WELL. Even though they hurt each other, the reader understands the intent of both characters.
I wish we’d gotten to see more closure between the main characters and their respective family, especially Raewyn. Mentioning her estranged brother but not seeing him again was unexpected. Merikh’s difficulty with his parents was explored really well, although I’m shocked he didn’t have more interactions with his brothers.
A Soul to Guide is the most informational book of the series. Through Raewyn, we learn a lot more about the series antogonist, and through Merikh, we learn about the history of the Duskwalkers. The worldbuilding is top-tier, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the (hopefully long) series when they come out.
OW/OM DRAMA none
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA — no epilogue
POV dual / third person
SPICE LEVEL 4.5 / 5
RATING 4.5 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Raewyn “Rae” Daefaren (490) | Merikh (300+)
FEATURES
∘ monster x elf romance
∘ grumpy/deadly mmc
∘ he is “annoyed” by her but loves her company
∘ plans to murder her but accidentally falls in love
REVIEW
I’ve noticed that Opal Reyne tends to write lovable characters who do something off-putting (lowkey vile) that it takes away from their characterization. For example (without any spoilers): Raewyn ran from Merikh after taking something from him, leaving him vulnerable. The action seemed so at odds with who she was, and yet the moment tainted the rest of the novel (not majorly, but enough).
That aside, I loved the dynamic of the main characters. Merikh’s quick-to-anger temperament could’ve easily made him unlikable, but we see his anger is mostly directed at himself and a result of his upbringing. I adored Raewyn’s charm, and usually I hate miscommunication, but their miscommunications worked SO WELL. Even though they hurt each other, the reader understands the intent of both characters.
I wish we’d gotten to see more closure between the main characters and their respective family, especially Raewyn. Mentioning her estranged brother but not seeing him again was unexpected. Merikh’s difficulty with his parents was explored really well, although I’m shocked he didn’t have more interactions with his brothers.
A Soul to Guide is the most informational book of the series. Through Raewyn, we learn a lot more about the series antogonist, and through Merikh, we learn about the history of the Duskwalkers. The worldbuilding is top-tier, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the (hopefully long) series when they come out.
OW/OM DRAMA none
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA — no epilogue
POV dual / third person
SPICE LEVEL 4.5 / 5
RATING 4.5 / 5
June 22, 2023
4.5 stars🩷 I can’t even put a single coherent thought together rn. Raewyn actually thought things through which was so fucking nice to have for a fmc. Merikh is the meanest and grumpiest grump and I love him and he deserves all the love in the world🥲 I think my ONLY real complaint is no cameos of the other couples💔💔 I miss them sm
June 17, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
Every time I get to read about Duskwalkers 😂
This is one of my favorite books by Opal. The spice, grumpy/sunshine trope and the representation are top-notch. Merikh is one of my favorites if not my favorite, duskwalker. He was such an interesting character to read about. I didn't realize I loved the grumpy/sunshine trope so much until I finished this book and wanted my own Merikh.
Raewyn was such a fun charachter! It was eye-opening to read from her perspective and how she navigated the new world she was in. Raewyn and Merikh were so perfect together, and I wish this book went on longer. I LOVED that we were able to see a new world and explore it a little bit!
This book kept me on my toes most of the time, and I really appreciate that! The only issue I had with this book was that I wish we had spent more time in Elysian. I would have loved to see Merikn's interactions with the Elysian's people and experiences. I feel like we were cut off right when it was getting good!
Overall, this book was great, and I can't wait to see what's in store for our other duskwalkers!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
Every time I get to read about Duskwalkers 😂
This is one of my favorite books by Opal. The spice, grumpy/sunshine trope and the representation are top-notch. Merikh is one of my favorites if not my favorite, duskwalker. He was such an interesting character to read about. I didn't realize I loved the grumpy/sunshine trope so much until I finished this book and wanted my own Merikh.
Raewyn was such a fun charachter! It was eye-opening to read from her perspective and how she navigated the new world she was in. Raewyn and Merikh were so perfect together, and I wish this book went on longer. I LOVED that we were able to see a new world and explore it a little bit!
This book kept me on my toes most of the time, and I really appreciate that! The only issue I had with this book was that I wish we had spent more time in Elysian. I would have loved to see Merikn's interactions with the Elysian's people and experiences. I feel like we were cut off right when it was getting good!
Overall, this book was great, and I can't wait to see what's in store for our other duskwalkers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2023
3.25/5 ⭐️s
The last 200 pages were close to a five star read for me, but a solid chunk of this book felt impossible to get through. I wish this had more heavy editing to slim it down a bit.
Merikh is a grumpy teddy bear, and I love him. Raewyn annoyed me at times, but I appreciated her optimism and acceptance of Merikh. Their relationship was very hot cold for me with a bit TOO much of the miscommunication trope thrown in. But they definitely won me over in the end!
We also got a ton of additional world-building and answers to the history of the Mavka in this book. Some of it felt worthwhile, and I appreciated getting those answers. A lot of the Elysian magic/world-building felt dense and clunky…almost like taking a science class taught by a boring lecturer. Again, I think stronger editing would’ve helped here.
With the end of this story (and Opal’s author note at the end of the book), I’m not sure where this series is heading anymore. I’m still along for the ride, but I’m less invested than I was at the beginning of this read.
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
The last 200 pages were close to a five star read for me, but a solid chunk of this book felt impossible to get through. I wish this had more heavy editing to slim it down a bit.
Merikh is a grumpy teddy bear, and I love him. Raewyn annoyed me at times, but I appreciated her optimism and acceptance of Merikh. Their relationship was very hot cold for me with a bit TOO much of the miscommunication trope thrown in. But they definitely won me over in the end!
We also got a ton of additional world-building and answers to the history of the Mavka in this book. Some of it felt worthwhile, and I appreciated getting those answers. A lot of the Elysian magic/world-building felt dense and clunky…almost like taking a science class taught by a boring lecturer. Again, I think stronger editing would’ve helped here.
With the end of this story (and Opal’s author note at the end of the book), I’m not sure where this series is heading anymore. I’m still along for the ride, but I’m less invested than I was at the beginning of this read.
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
January 6, 2024
ೃ⁀➷ “I want you to be my beacon on the days the darkness wishes to take hold of me again.”
I haven’t read a grumpyxsunshine book in a minute, but this was amazing. I love how even when Merikh was skeptical of Raewyn, he still cared for her, healed her wounds, and protected her. And he when called her starshine🥹. Raewyn is possibly one of my fav fmc I love a woman in stem ofc. It was nice seeing the representation for her character and how bubbly she was. Her curiosity was so refreshing to see, and overall, I think it’s going to be tough to find a book in this series to top them. Anyway, even though I typically hate miscommunication, can I say this book did it really well? The miscommunication was not dragged out, which I lovedddd. Overall, these two have a special place in my heart, and seeing their love blossom was fun to see❤️.
PS the spice🤭😵💫
: ̗̀➛Pre-Review:
I've been wanting to start this for months so let's goooo!
I haven’t read a grumpyxsunshine book in a minute, but this was amazing. I love how even when Merikh was skeptical of Raewyn, he still cared for her, healed her wounds, and protected her. And he when called her starshine🥹. Raewyn is possibly one of my fav fmc I love a woman in stem ofc. It was nice seeing the representation for her character and how bubbly she was. Her curiosity was so refreshing to see, and overall, I think it’s going to be tough to find a book in this series to top them. Anyway, even though I typically hate miscommunication, can I say this book did it really well? The miscommunication was not dragged out, which I lovedddd. Overall, these two have a special place in my heart, and seeing their love blossom was fun to see❤️.
PS the spice🤭😵💫
: ̗̀➛Pre-Review:
I've been wanting to start this for months so let's goooo!
August 28, 2023
Overall Rating: 5/5
Number Of Pages: 681 pages
Genre: Monster Erotica
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, hidden identity, I hate everyone in the world but you, forced proximity, powerful magic, monsters and slowburn romance
Trigger Warnings: mental health and suicidal thoughts
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review: Aaaahhh! I have been waiting ages for an enemies to lovers in this world!! I was freaking obsessed. Loved every second. I love love slow burn romance but there was enough spice to have me fanning myself! The chemistry was so beautifully done and the natural progression was done to perfection. This is exactly how romances should be done and especially how grumpy sunshine should be done.I honestly loved every second of this book. I literally devoured it in a day.
Number Of Pages: 681 pages
Genre: Monster Erotica
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, hidden identity, I hate everyone in the world but you, forced proximity, powerful magic, monsters and slowburn romance
Trigger Warnings: mental health and suicidal thoughts
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review: Aaaahhh! I have been waiting ages for an enemies to lovers in this world!! I was freaking obsessed. Loved every second. I love love slow burn romance but there was enough spice to have me fanning myself! The chemistry was so beautifully done and the natural progression was done to perfection. This is exactly how romances should be done and especially how grumpy sunshine should be done.I honestly loved every second of this book. I literally devoured it in a day.
January 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Será este mi año de los Monster romance 🌚☝🏻
Raewyn una elfa crea por accidente un portal a la tierra y no sabe cómo regresar a su mundo, ella es ciega así que esto le dificulta más encontrar una salida hasta que se topa con Merikh un duskwalker que busca una salida de ese mundo, por lo deciden trabajar juntos para poder dejar la tierra.
Uyy, tengo mucho que decir sobre esta historia.
Tenía un poco de miedo ya que a Merikh no lo conocimos, se menciona una que otra vez pero sus hermanos lo describen como alguien "malo" así que temia el como se iba a comportar perooo hasta eso era medio hable, si es gruñón y engaño a Rae en varias cositas al inicio pero estaba desesperado por salir.
Ya que conozco bien su historia la verdad si sufrió mucho, siendo el primero de todos los duskwalker había muchas cosas que se desconocían sobre ellos y pues a prueba y error, además cuando nos contaron el suceso que hizo que se rompiera la conexión con su mamá se me hizo súper triste 😢 pero siento que aún así le faltó algo a todo esto, yo pensé que siendo un libro largo él iba a tener un cierre con su familia o algo pero no, eso no me gustó mucho, sentí incompleto todo este asunto.
Ahora Rae me cayó muy bien, la verdad me encantó conocer más sobre los elfos y conocer la historia del "villano" ya que él es elfo, estaba súper interesa y ver cómo es que la tierra llegó a como está ahora, a veces era medio infantil como un poco mimada su actitud pero no me molestaba, lo de la discapacidad siento que lo manejo bien, no soy experta pero sentí que todo cuadraba y que la autora se había informado.
Ahora como pareja me desesperaron un poco por qué muchos de los problemas que tenían era por falta de comunicación y eso que estaban solo ellos dos, siempre suponían cosas del otro sin tomarse la molestia de hablarlo y terminaba todo mal 🫠 pero bueno, cosas que pasan.
Será este mi año de los Monster romance 🌚☝🏻
Raewyn una elfa crea por accidente un portal a la tierra y no sabe cómo regresar a su mundo, ella es ciega así que esto le dificulta más encontrar una salida hasta que se topa con Merikh un duskwalker que busca una salida de ese mundo, por lo deciden trabajar juntos para poder dejar la tierra.
Uyy, tengo mucho que decir sobre esta historia.
Tenía un poco de miedo ya que a Merikh no lo conocimos, se menciona una que otra vez pero sus hermanos lo describen como alguien "malo" así que temia el como se iba a comportar perooo hasta eso era medio hable, si es gruñón y engaño a Rae en varias cositas al inicio pero estaba desesperado por salir.
Ya que conozco bien su historia la verdad si sufrió mucho, siendo el primero de todos los duskwalker había muchas cosas que se desconocían sobre ellos y pues a prueba y error, además cuando nos contaron el suceso que hizo que se rompiera la conexión con su mamá se me hizo súper triste 😢 pero siento que aún así le faltó algo a todo esto, yo pensé que siendo un libro largo él iba a tener un cierre con su familia o algo pero no, eso no me gustó mucho, sentí incompleto todo este asunto.
Ahora Rae me cayó muy bien, la verdad me encantó conocer más sobre los elfos y conocer la historia del "villano" ya que él es elfo, estaba súper interesa y ver cómo es que la tierra llegó a como está ahora, a veces era medio infantil como un poco mimada su actitud pero no me molestaba, lo de la discapacidad siento que lo manejo bien, no soy experta pero sentí que todo cuadraba y que la autora se había informado.
Ahora como pareja me desesperaron un poco por qué muchos de los problemas que tenían era por falta de comunicación y eso que estaban solo ellos dos, siempre suponían cosas del otro sin tomarse la molestia de hablarlo y terminaba todo mal 🫠 pero bueno, cosas que pasan.
June 18, 2023
• Monster Romance
• Monster Peen
• Knotting
• GrumpyXSunshine
• Disability Rep
• Primal Kink
An absolute masterpiece. Jesus Christ this book was so good. I don’t know how you managed to knock it out of the park every single time. This series just gets better the further we get into it.
I told myself I was going to brace myself and take this story slow because I always miss this world when it’s gone but once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I ignored all responsibilities and bribed my children with bubble machines, chalk, movies, etc— whatever would keep them busy! Lol
In this book we get to see further into their world and more details of exactly how everything came to be the way it is. So many unanswered questions were answered and everything unfolded perfectly. I was SCREAMING at the plot twist, SCREAMING. I had to sit my phone down and walk away for a minute to gather myself because omg it crushed me.
I love Merikh, he’s such a grumpy dick in the best ways. And Raewyn, she gave absolutely no fucks with a smile on her face the entire time. They’re perfect, absolutely perfect for each other! Poor Merikh has been through so much, looked at himself as monster and a villain, he definitely deserved someone soft and sweet like Raewyn.
The scene in the lab when Cleth walked in took me out 😂 I also really enjoyed the interaction with the twins, they’re so goofy I love it and can’t wait to see more of them! And the smut 🥵 The way he just threw her around like a rag doll, the way he didn’t treat her as if she was a delicate being and took her rough and hard. Ugh, so hot!
Although the book is thick I was shocked when it ended, it felt like it was too soon. Not plot wise but because I wasn’t ready to be done, I wasn’t ready to let them go. I stared at the last page for a solid minute in shock. How am I supposed to move on? 😩
I say this every time I read a book from this series but I cannot wait for the next book!
August 19, 2023
Worst book of the series. It has two major problems. It's 300 pages too long and the heroine was very unlikable.
The first half of the book was basically them just walking around. The scene with the holy people was interesting, but too short. Just pages and pages of nothing happening. The demons are basically a non threat at this point, so there was no danger, urgency, tension, or conflict whatsoever to drive the story forward. It was super boring, and the interactions between the main characters was not interesting enough to carry the book.
The heroine was pretty terrible. The author mentioned more than once that it was a grumpy/sunshine pairing, but that's not what she wrote. It was actually a grumpy/brat pairing. Since this was not a bdsm story where that dynamic can actually work, it was just 600 pages of the heroine acting like a selfish, immature brat. The characters had no chemistry, it just felt so very forced.
I have mixed feelings on her blindness. It felt like just a plot device most of the time. I think it's because the heroine never struggles with it. I mean, she was literally dropped into a hostile and foreign environment without any of her navigation aides and it was no issue.
The attempt to make the main villain more likable was clumsy. He's a good threatening and charismatic villain. Let him just be a villain.
The best part of the book is the last 100 pages when the story is in the elf world. It was an interesting new environment, and there was conflict with the locals. Weirdly, I thought the story ended too soon at that point. The whole book would have been much better if it had mostly taken place there than the human world.
The first half of the book was basically them just walking around. The scene with the holy people was interesting, but too short. Just pages and pages of nothing happening. The demons are basically a non threat at this point, so there was no danger, urgency, tension, or conflict whatsoever to drive the story forward. It was super boring, and the interactions between the main characters was not interesting enough to carry the book.
The heroine was pretty terrible. The author mentioned more than once that it was a grumpy/sunshine pairing, but that's not what she wrote. It was actually a grumpy/brat pairing. Since this was not a bdsm story where that dynamic can actually work, it was just 600 pages of the heroine acting like a selfish, immature brat. The characters had no chemistry, it just felt so very forced.
I have mixed feelings on her blindness. It felt like just a plot device most of the time. I think it's because the heroine never struggles with it. I mean, she was literally dropped into a hostile and foreign environment without any of her navigation aides and it was no issue.
The attempt to make the main villain more likable was clumsy. He's a good threatening and charismatic villain. Let him just be a villain.
The best part of the book is the last 100 pages when the story is in the elf world. It was an interesting new environment, and there was conflict with the locals. Weirdly, I thought the story ended too soon at that point. The whole book would have been much better if it had mostly taken place there than the human world.
July 1, 2023
I enjoy this series as a whole, solely based on the story, not the writing. I feel like every book could be halved, the amount of detail, rambling on and over explanation which seems to almost break the fourth wall ruins it for me. We don't need half a page of Raewyn washing her hair!
July 29, 2023
Oh my, this was excellent. When scientist and Elf Raewyn accidentally opens a portal and is pulled into Earth, she doesn’t know what adventure awaits her in her quest to return. She just knows she needs help, deciding to ask Merikh whom she’s soon to discover is not human but a Duskwalker. Yeah, he kinda set that up, along with plans to eat her and consume her magic. Lol.
A sunshine meets grumpy monster romance, and while there are a lot of funny events, the heart-warming, playful, and emotional moments are what make the story. Ok, the spice is hot, too, along with learning about the newly expanded world and characters: Duskwalkers, demons, Elves, and others. The story is also so beautifully and sensitively inclusive with diversity and assessibility, representation without pretense. Raewyn’s visual impairment is depicted so naturally as a characteristic without particular limitation. She’s also charming, intelligent, and spirited to the grumpy Merikh who just wants to leave Earth.
I loved the day to day, the discovery, the main characters’ dynamic. I still laugh about Raewyn playfully growling at an ominous and miffed Merikh innocently safe in his presence, her chatter, with his hiding his amusement behind grumpiness. At the same time, I was moved by Merikh’s past and family, his disguised fit in society, and his humanity. Ultimately, a grizzly bear in dad bod turns teddy bear in this romance of all time.
The revisiting of characters from past series and more importantly meeting key figures of the future created a compelling plot and visually-stimulating, complex world: the Veil, Raewyn’s home, the forest, and Merikh’s home base.
Slow burn; multiple, third person, limited points of view; and while long, this tale was one the best yet. The fiercest of fierce Merikh became a cinnamon roll and completely enamored with his chosen bride, Raewyn.
A sunshine meets grumpy monster romance, and while there are a lot of funny events, the heart-warming, playful, and emotional moments are what make the story. Ok, the spice is hot, too, along with learning about the newly expanded world and characters: Duskwalkers, demons, Elves, and others. The story is also so beautifully and sensitively inclusive with diversity and assessibility, representation without pretense. Raewyn’s visual impairment is depicted so naturally as a characteristic without particular limitation. She’s also charming, intelligent, and spirited to the grumpy Merikh who just wants to leave Earth.
I loved the day to day, the discovery, the main characters’ dynamic. I still laugh about Raewyn playfully growling at an ominous and miffed Merikh innocently safe in his presence, her chatter, with his hiding his amusement behind grumpiness. At the same time, I was moved by Merikh’s past and family, his disguised fit in society, and his humanity. Ultimately, a grizzly bear in dad bod turns teddy bear in this romance of all time.
The revisiting of characters from past series and more importantly meeting key figures of the future created a compelling plot and visually-stimulating, complex world: the Veil, Raewyn’s home, the forest, and Merikh’s home base.
Slow burn; multiple, third person, limited points of view; and while long, this tale was one the best yet. The fiercest of fierce Merikh became a cinnamon roll and completely enamored with his chosen bride, Raewyn.
June 22, 2023
I had no idea on what to expect with our big grumpy duskwalker, but opal absolutely blew my mind.
Merikh and Raewyn’s story was the best version of a grumpy sunshine I have ever read and I love that Opal includes representation and disability rep in all of her books.
Like usual, I flew through this book and I was emotionally attached to both characters and was emotionally upset when I knew the book was coming to an end.
So many things were further explained in this book and we even learned new and shocking things that made me even more excited for the rest of the series.
Merikh and Raewyn’s story was the best version of a grumpy sunshine I have ever read and I love that Opal includes representation and disability rep in all of her books.
Like usual, I flew through this book and I was emotionally attached to both characters and was emotionally upset when I knew the book was coming to an end.
So many things were further explained in this book and we even learned new and shocking things that made me even more excited for the rest of the series.
December 7, 2023
I survived the Great War lmao
In all honesty this was a remarkable fantasy monster romance. I love the duskwalkers. This one was so long though I had to fight to finish it haha. And that is 100% a ME problem. Opal’s series, I believe, is excellent for those who want a complex plot with their monster smut. The magic system is so intriguing and complex and different. I also enjoyed the rep in this one. I am not part of the black or disabled communities, so I can’t and won’t speak for them, but it seemed to be done with care from what I could tell.
Live laugh love Opal Reyne
In all honesty this was a remarkable fantasy monster romance. I love the duskwalkers. This one was so long though I had to fight to finish it haha. And that is 100% a ME problem. Opal’s series, I believe, is excellent for those who want a complex plot with their monster smut. The magic system is so intriguing and complex and different. I also enjoyed the rep in this one. I am not part of the black or disabled communities, so I can’t and won’t speak for them, but it seemed to be done with care from what I could tell.
Live laugh love Opal Reyne
September 28, 2024
Jestem w miłości. Pomijając pierwszą część, która wzięła mnie totalnie z zaskoczenia, to jak dotąd moja ulubiona książka w tej serii. Ma wszystko, co kocham - w dużej mierze jest to powieść drogi, z fantastyczną bohaterką i nie miej wspaniałym Duskwalkerem u jej boku, świetną (w mojej opinii) reprezentacją, powoli rozwijającym się romansem, magią i szczęśliwym zakończeniem. To jest moje cozy fantasy!
Raewyn jest elfką, która podczas eksperymentu z magią przypadkowo tworzy portal i trafia na Ziemię. Ludzie, delikatnie mówiąc, nie mają o elfach najlepszego zdania, więc musi się ona ukrywać, co nie jest łatwe, zważywszy na to, że znalazła się w kompletnie obcym miejscu, a jest osobą niewidomą. Gotowa jest zrobić wszystko byle tylko móc wrócić do domu. Merikh to najstarszy Duskwalker, zaskakująco ludzki (choć może nie jest to aż tak zaskakujące, patrząc na to, ilu zjadł ludzi), wredny, marudny i okrutny, choć to wszystko jest tylko formą obrony, bo w środku to miękka, słodka bułeczka, która wspaniale sprawdza się jako przewodnik Rae po Ziemi. Razem tworzą duet idealny. Czy ja wcześniej twierdziłam, że Faunus jest moim ulubionym Duskwalkerem? Właśnie został z tego miejsca relegowany. Ajm sori, ale prawdopodobnie każdy przegrałby w starciu z postacią, która z wierzchu jest szorstka jak papier ścierny, a ukrywa serce ze złota. Jestem prostą dziewczyną, zawsze na ten motyw polecę.
Kocham to jak autorka rozbudowuje ten świat. Nie spodziewałam się zupełnie historii Jabeza i tego, jak będzie powiązany z Raewyn. Nie mam pojęcia, co wydarzy się dalej, ale skoro tu szczęśliwe zakończenia są zawsze gwarantowane (dzięki Bogu!), to mogę się spodziewać porządnego trzęsienia ziemi. Już się nie mogę doczekać!
Raewyn jest elfką, która podczas eksperymentu z magią przypadkowo tworzy portal i trafia na Ziemię. Ludzie, delikatnie mówiąc, nie mają o elfach najlepszego zdania, więc musi się ona ukrywać, co nie jest łatwe, zważywszy na to, że znalazła się w kompletnie obcym miejscu, a jest osobą niewidomą. Gotowa jest zrobić wszystko byle tylko móc wrócić do domu. Merikh to najstarszy Duskwalker, zaskakująco ludzki (choć może nie jest to aż tak zaskakujące, patrząc na to, ilu zjadł ludzi), wredny, marudny i okrutny, choć to wszystko jest tylko formą obrony, bo w środku to miękka, słodka bułeczka, która wspaniale sprawdza się jako przewodnik Rae po Ziemi. Razem tworzą duet idealny. Czy ja wcześniej twierdziłam, że Faunus jest moim ulubionym Duskwalkerem? Właśnie został z tego miejsca relegowany. Ajm sori, ale prawdopodobnie każdy przegrałby w starciu z postacią, która z wierzchu jest szorstka jak papier ścierny, a ukrywa serce ze złota. Jestem prostą dziewczyną, zawsze na ten motyw polecę.
Kocham to jak autorka rozbudowuje ten świat. Nie spodziewałam się zupełnie historii Jabeza i tego, jak będzie powiązany z Raewyn. Nie mam pojęcia, co wydarzy się dalej, ale skoro tu szczęśliwe zakończenia są zawsze gwarantowane (dzięki Bogu!), to mogę się spodziewać porządnego trzęsienia ziemi. Już się nie mogę doczekać!
March 17, 2025
After accidentally creating a chaos portal and being unceremoniously plopped onto Earth, Elf and scientist Raewyn is hiding out in a human town desperate to find someone who will help guide her to a temple where hopefully the Anzúli priests & priestesses can aide her in getting back home. Why does she need a guide? Well for one she doesn’t know where anything is on this planet and two she was blinded years ago when an experiment went horribly wrong. It’s here in this human town that she meets Merc, this giant hella grumpy dude. He agrees to be her guide but he’s harboring a monstrous secret.
I have a new favorite Duskwalker yall. I have loved them all so far but Merikh and Magnar from A Soul To Heal are now in my top two. I loved the almost roadtrip vibes the beginning of this book gave. I loved that we finally get to learn more about this Duskwalker that is feared among demons and other Duskwalkers. We also get more backstory on a certain villainous side character. All of this combined just made for a very rich reading experience.
If you love grumpy/sunshine then you are gonna eat this up and leave no crumbs. Merikh is the literal definition of “asshole to everyone around him but shows her kindness & affection”. He is the oldest of the Duskwalkers and he’s also the most developed. He’s highly intelligent and he keeps himself safe by having a huge wall around his heart. He’s been disappointed by everyone: humans, his parents, his brothers, & demons. So he keeps everyone away and has learned to become numb to it all. Everyone sucks in his eyes so to say he’s not used to being vulnerable is an understatement. He’s also dealing with quite a bit of self hatred. Raewyn is the type of person that wants to see the good in everyone. She enjoys pushing Merikh’s buttons and his one word responses or grunts makes her smile. The world might look at Merikh and see a monster but she sees down to the very heart of him.
5⭐️
4🔥
What to expect:
Blind Elf FMC
Grumpy Duskwalker
Monster
MF
Slow burn
He’s got a dad bod and we love it
Running from him turns into primal play
He uses her thighs to get off
Knotting
TW/CW: as with all books in this series there’s violence, blood, discussion of eating humans, depictions of depression & mental health, discussion of childhood trauma, discussion of losing a loved one, vivid memory of bullying and violence in a school with young children (and the MC has an emotional attachment to the perpetrator)
I have a new favorite Duskwalker yall. I have loved them all so far but Merikh and Magnar from A Soul To Heal are now in my top two. I loved the almost roadtrip vibes the beginning of this book gave. I loved that we finally get to learn more about this Duskwalker that is feared among demons and other Duskwalkers. We also get more backstory on a certain villainous side character. All of this combined just made for a very rich reading experience.
If you love grumpy/sunshine then you are gonna eat this up and leave no crumbs. Merikh is the literal definition of “asshole to everyone around him but shows her kindness & affection”. He is the oldest of the Duskwalkers and he’s also the most developed. He’s highly intelligent and he keeps himself safe by having a huge wall around his heart. He’s been disappointed by everyone: humans, his parents, his brothers, & demons. So he keeps everyone away and has learned to become numb to it all. Everyone sucks in his eyes so to say he’s not used to being vulnerable is an understatement. He’s also dealing with quite a bit of self hatred. Raewyn is the type of person that wants to see the good in everyone. She enjoys pushing Merikh’s buttons and his one word responses or grunts makes her smile. The world might look at Merikh and see a monster but she sees down to the very heart of him.
5⭐️
4🔥
What to expect:
Blind Elf FMC
Grumpy Duskwalker
Monster
MF
Slow burn
He’s got a dad bod and we love it
Running from him turns into primal play
He uses her thighs to get off
Knotting
TW/CW: as with all books in this series there’s violence, blood, discussion of eating humans, depictions of depression & mental health, discussion of childhood trauma, discussion of losing a loved one, vivid memory of bullying and violence in a school with young children (and the MC has an emotional attachment to the perpetrator)
January 29, 2025
Ця серія все краще і краще, мені дуже подобається сам задум.💎
Пара: Меріх & Рейвін
Тропи:
⋆ monster Romance
⋆ monster & elf
⋆ grumpy & sunshine
⋆ вимушена близкість
⋆ slowburn
⋆ сліпа героїня
⋆ рrimal kink
Усе, чого прагнула Рейвін, — це повернутися додому.
Випадково відкривши портал у зовсім інший вимір, Рейвін опиняється у світі, де все здається чужим і небезпечним. Зневірившись знайти чаклунів, які могли б допомогти їй повернутися, Рейвін вирушає в ризиковану подорож до далекого міста. Щоб повернутись додому.
Проте під час цієї подорожі вона усвідомлює, що існують істоти значно жахливіші, ніж демони, яких вона знала раніше. І одна з таких істот не збирається дати їй шанс на втечу.
Меріх сто вісімдесят років він шукав шлях із Землі, і тепер готовий піти на все заради досягнення своєї мети. Його не спиняє ні вбивство, ні руйнування — усе заради омріяної втечі. Тому, коли на його шляху з’являється загублена ельфійка, він розуміє, що це його шанс.
Рейвін неймовірна: її краса неземна, її присутність майже магічна, а її досконалість змушує його втрачати контроль.
Вони ідеальні, абсолютно ідеальні один для одного!😍
В цій книзі ще більше світобудови, мені це прям шалено сподобалось.
Не вистачило взаємодії з іншими героями, очікувала Орфея, але те що з'явились близнюки теж мене порадувало.
Рекомендую!❤️🔥
Пара: Меріх & Рейвін
Тропи:
⋆ monster Romance
⋆ monster & elf
⋆ grumpy & sunshine
⋆ вимушена близкість
⋆ slowburn
⋆ сліпа героїня
⋆ рrimal kink
Усе, чого прагнула Рейвін, — це повернутися додому.
Випадково відкривши портал у зовсім інший вимір, Рейвін опиняється у світі, де все здається чужим і небезпечним. Зневірившись знайти чаклунів, які могли б допомогти їй повернутися, Рейвін вирушає в ризиковану подорож до далекого міста. Щоб повернутись додому.
Проте під час цієї подорожі вона усвідомлює, що існують істоти значно жахливіші, ніж демони, яких вона знала раніше. І одна з таких істот не збирається дати їй шанс на втечу.
Меріх сто вісімдесят років він шукав шлях із Землі, і тепер готовий піти на все заради досягнення своєї мети. Його не спиняє ні вбивство, ні руйнування — усе заради омріяної втечі. Тому, коли на його шляху з’являється загублена ельфійка, він розуміє, що це його шанс.
Рейвін неймовірна: її краса неземна, її присутність майже магічна, а її досконалість змушує його втрачати контроль.
Вони ідеальні, абсолютно ідеальні один для одного!😍
В цій книзі ще більше світобудови, мені це прям шалено сподобалось.
Не вистачило взаємодії з іншими героями, очікувала Орфея, але те що з'явились близнюки теж мене порадувало.
Рекомендую!❤️🔥
dnf
June 23, 2023DNF @ 20%
Not working for me.
I’m not the biggest fan of huffing, puffing and stomping in anger. The dialogue also isn’t working for me so I’m gonna end it here.
Not working for me.
I’m not the biggest fan of huffing, puffing and stomping in anger. The dialogue also isn’t working for me so I’m gonna end it here.
July 26, 2023
this series is fire but each book is consistently 300 pages too long. like there is no world in which you need 700 pages to write unhinged monster smut😂
February 7, 2025
Rating: 5 Stars.
Steam: 0 out of 10.
Triggers: gore and the author has a list
Love Triangle: No
Cheating: No
HEA: Yes
I won't be classifying the steam because I skipped all the sex scenes. I liked this world a lot and read it because of the story.
More detailed review to come
Steam: 0 out of 10.
Triggers: gore and the author has a list
Love Triangle: No
Cheating: No
HEA: Yes
I won't be classifying the steam because I skipped all the sex scenes. I liked this world a lot and read it because of the story.
More detailed review to come
July 14, 2023
The most disappointing thing about this book was getting to the end and finding out that there are (at least) two more planned for this series.
I should be super excited about this series continuing, but with the way this book dragged on, I might just dip out now. Which, honestly, is a huge bummer because the fantasy world being built here is fascinating. I've made it this far but, unfortunately, the author isn't making me want to come back for more at this point. This book dragged on and the tiny bits of story we actually got regarding the Elves and demons seemed really forced. It felt as if even the author isn't sure where to go with it. Gotta have some kind of story in your smut I suppose.
Add to that an incredibly whiny and unprofessional author's note at the beginning and I was not impressed. Yelling at your reader right off the bat about why you use the letter "u" in "colour" or "favourite," doesn't excuse the lack of editing happening here. I don't know how many times simple words like "to" or "and" were just completely missing, but it was enough that it was a noticeable pattern. We're at book four. At this point, the people who have made it this far should expect that kind spelling and overuse off the word "cunt" without you having to put in that note.
Don't belittle your reader. It doesn't do you any favors.
I should be super excited about this series continuing, but with the way this book dragged on, I might just dip out now. Which, honestly, is a huge bummer because the fantasy world being built here is fascinating. I've made it this far but, unfortunately, the author isn't making me want to come back for more at this point. This book dragged on and the tiny bits of story we actually got regarding the Elves and demons seemed really forced. It felt as if even the author isn't sure where to go with it. Gotta have some kind of story in your smut I suppose.
Add to that an incredibly whiny and unprofessional author's note at the beginning and I was not impressed. Yelling at your reader right off the bat about why you use the letter "u" in "colour" or "favourite," doesn't excuse the lack of editing happening here. I don't know how many times simple words like "to" or "and" were just completely missing, but it was enough that it was a noticeable pattern. We're at book four. At this point, the people who have made it this far should expect that kind spelling and overuse off the word "cunt" without you having to put in that note.
Don't belittle your reader. It doesn't do you any favors.
November 9, 2023
The grumpiest grump ever. But so soft and gushy for his bride.
Lots of misunderstanding due to different customs and urges but we learn to communicate eventually.
This book explains a lot more background and we finally see the Elf realm. Very cool!
Can't wait for the next one!
4 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
Lots of misunderstanding due to different customs and urges but we learn to communicate eventually.
This book explains a lot more background and we finally see the Elf realm. Very cool!
Can't wait for the next one!
4 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
September 17, 2023
Highlights:
The beginning of this story was very different than the previous books in this series and I enjoyed that. A lot if different world building involved. Raewyn is our fmc this book and is totally different than the previous heroines. I loved we finally learned more about the elves and magic of these worlds. Merikh is such a grump. He reminded me of Sandor Clegane who I adore. While I wasn't always a fan of his in this book, by the end I really liked them together and was happy with the direction this book too. I am very happy that we got a lot more overarching plot development this book especially with Jabez, the demon king. My previous critiques were that he fell very flat but this book expanded this character a lot.
Lowlights:
The beginning was a bit grueling to get through but that improved about 25% into the book. I didn't love Merikh. I'm always 50/50 on whether I'm going to like a grumpy male lead and he tended to be more dislike than like for me. He was so sensitive but so bad tempered and bad at communication. I understand why but that doesn't make me like him more. I would've been so tired of his temper tantrums by the second cold shoulder-avoidant shit he was doing over and over. I have to bring the Katerina thing up again because we got more of her characterization that she's just an evil insane person and then immediate sympathetic arc for Jabez. I'm still so annoyed about how the book's narrative dealt with her character even 2 whole books later.
Horn Level: 5/5🌶️
Format:
Ebook — Kindle Unlimited
The Rating
I give this book a 4/5🌟 rating. The slowness of the beginning had a purpose but it made really getting into the story hard. Once the plot picks up, I really liked this story! I can't wait for the next one.
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
The beginning of this story was very different than the previous books in this series and I enjoyed that. A lot if different world building involved. Raewyn is our fmc this book and is totally different than the previous heroines. I loved we finally learned more about the elves and magic of these worlds. Merikh is such a grump. He reminded me of Sandor Clegane who I adore. While I wasn't always a fan of his in this book, by the end I really liked them together and was happy with the direction this book too. I am very happy that we got a lot more overarching plot development this book especially with Jabez, the demon king. My previous critiques were that he fell very flat but this book expanded this character a lot.
Lowlights:
The beginning was a bit grueling to get through but that improved about 25% into the book. I didn't love Merikh. I'm always 50/50 on whether I'm going to like a grumpy male lead and he tended to be more dislike than like for me. He was so sensitive but so bad tempered and bad at communication. I understand why but that doesn't make me like him more. I would've been so tired of his temper tantrums by the second cold shoulder-avoidant shit he was doing over and over. I have to bring the Katerina thing up again because we got more of her characterization that she's just an evil insane person and then immediate sympathetic arc for Jabez. I'm still so annoyed about how the book's narrative dealt with her character even 2 whole books later.
Horn Level: 5/5🌶️
Format:
Ebook — Kindle Unlimited
The Rating
I give this book a 4/5🌟 rating. The slowness of the beginning had a purpose but it made really getting into the story hard. Once the plot picks up, I really liked this story! I can't wait for the next one.
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
October 29, 2023
3.5⭐
I wanted to really adore this book but I just can't 😢
🧶I enjoyed all the additional information we got about the world and how it answered most of the questions I've had as a reader since the first book. The trope of grumpy x sunshine was also executed fairy well
🧶Now, I found myself not able to connect with the characters the way I had with the previous ones which was frustrating. I like Raewyn and Merikh well enough but I didn't feel the romantic aspect between them at all and therefore didn't care that much about them. Raewyn also mentioned several times how she's the only one who can calm Merikh down and to me that read as him being a project she can work on. As if he's in need of fixing and only she can achieve that which is something I read in romance novels 10 years ago, honestly, and don't want today...
Additionally, this book just felt weird? The reading experience was alright but something was off about it
All in all, this was fine but the weakest in the series so far imo right next to the second book
I wanted to really adore this book but I just can't 😢
🧶I enjoyed all the additional information we got about the world and how it answered most of the questions I've had as a reader since the first book. The trope of grumpy x sunshine was also executed fairy well
🧶Now, I found myself not able to connect with the characters the way I had with the previous ones which was frustrating. I like Raewyn and Merikh well enough but I didn't feel the romantic aspect between them at all and therefore didn't care that much about them. Raewyn also mentioned several times how she's the only one who can calm Merikh down and to me that read as him being a project she can work on. As if he's in need of fixing and only she can achieve that which is something I read in romance novels 10 years ago, honestly, and don't want today...
Additionally, this book just felt weird? The reading experience was alright but something was off about it
All in all, this was fine but the weakest in the series so far imo right next to the second book
August 31, 2025
I had not expected that after the last one, which I loved, I would enjoy this as much. It can’t really top a soul to touch, but this one was also sublime. The characters and their arcs, the worldbuilding, and the romance are just amazing. The storyline throughout the books is also getting more and more interesting, and I love seeing other characters from the other books. When I started this book, o thought they were just some fun, silly books, but I really love them!
June 28, 2023
didn’t really enjoy. found the fmc kinda annoying. she was TOO sunshiney, if that makes sense. also the dialogue was kinda stilted. and it was too modern compared to the other books, with the phrasing. liked the mmc though.
September 8, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
«I want you to be my beacon on the days the darkness wishes to take hold of me again.”
Another book in the series that I enjoyed a lot! ❤️
«I want you to be my beacon on the days the darkness wishes to take hold of me again.”
Another book in the series that I enjoyed a lot! ❤️
June 20, 2023
i love how opal utilized her sensitivity readers to depict how one can rely on their other senses after losing their sight. raewyn's perspective on the new world the one she was literally pulled in to and how she navigates it was very enlightening. the beginning was a bit slow, but it helped readers acclimate to the way rae describes the world without being able to see it.
merikh was a grumpy pants ‘i hate everyone but you’ character! i loved him dearly.. although no one has been able to top orpheaus cute cinnamon ways, merikh is a close second!
there was some filler in the book, and in my honest opinion i think that if there was less of it, we could have gotten more on the ending. because the way it just stops ?! criminal !!! 😭🤣
thank you opal and your team for the arc, these thoughts are my honest opinion.
p.s.
i’m ready for the twins 😌😌
merikh was a grumpy pants ‘i hate everyone but you’ character! i loved him dearly.. although no one has been able to top orpheaus cute cinnamon ways, merikh is a close second!
there was some filler in the book, and in my honest opinion i think that if there was less of it, we could have gotten more on the ending. because the way it just stops ?! criminal !!! 😭🤣
thank you opal and your team for the arc, these thoughts are my honest opinion.
p.s.
i’m ready for the twins 😌😌
October 25, 2023
I am still completely enchanted by this book series. From the beginning, like in the previous books, I felt so much for both of them. Rae and Merikh are extraordinary - but I write that with every book, don't I?
My reviews are getting boring, but luckily for me, Opal's books aren't 🔥
With every book I think that the climax has now been reached, but Opal surprises me every time.
I'm soaking up every bit of information about the Realms and am already looking forward to the next book.
My reviews are getting boring, but luckily for me, Opal's books aren't 🔥
With every book I think that the climax has now been reached, but Opal surprises me every time.
I'm soaking up every bit of information about the Realms and am already looking forward to the next book.
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