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Fear, and Other Love Languages
Any day now, the dreams will catch up to Elia.
But Elia's too busy trying not to get fired to let recurring nightmares distract them. If they could only figure out what their creepy boss wants from them, they might actually get some sleep.
Because their dreams are just dreams...right?
But when Elia finally meets the nightmarish creatures who have been torturing them for years, they question the lines they thought existed between dreams and reality, fear and power, and love and torment.
Warning: This 15k erotic horror novelette is a Nbi/F/M romance between a human, their nightmare, and their night terror. It is intended only for adult audiences. Reader discretion is advised.
Content warnings are listed in the book's front matter and on the author's website.
57 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2021
18 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
About the author
Aveda Vice
11 books401 followersAveda Vice (any pronouns) is a pansexual author of unconventional kink and monstrous romances. In their books, you’ll find a fondness for queer creatures, polyamorous love, and grumpy girls. She falls down rabbit holes, decorates every day like it’s Halloween, and is going to hell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
dnf
October 17, 2021thank you to the author for the ARC copy unfortunately it’s a dnf at 35%
It’s just really not doing it for me but if the idea of a erotic nightmare novella speaks to you, give it a shot!
It’s just really not doing it for me but if the idea of a erotic nightmare novella speaks to you, give it a shot!
September 11, 2021
when your nightmares finally ask you if you want to play with them... yes pls. fear, and other love languages is a short monster romance novella that deserves the fire emoji. SO HOT! SO STEAMY! but also very spooky. perfect for the fall, especially october, so i hope you all have this on your tbr.
elia has been tormented by their nightmares for so many years but now things are different. their nightmares want more... and elia is tempted to say yes to everything they are offering.
non-binary/female/male polyam relationship inside the mc's dreams where things get hot and heavy but also the terror of the nightmares is !!! i had my heart in my throat for some parts. the anticipation to something bad happening or something good is wow. you never expect what is going to come next.
elia has been tormented by their nightmares for so many years but now things are different. their nightmares want more... and elia is tempted to say yes to everything they are offering.
non-binary/female/male polyam relationship inside the mc's dreams where things get hot and heavy but also the terror of the nightmares is !!! i had my heart in my throat for some parts. the anticipation to something bad happening or something good is wow. you never expect what is going to come next.
October 14, 2021
I finished this a few days ago and delayed writing my review because I just. This whole thing was so weird in the best ways.
What if your nightmares became real beings that could do all kinds of things to you?
This novella explores that and in such a small page count it really packs a punch. I found myself just wowed by the whole concept of this book.
ARC Provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
What if your nightmares became real beings that could do all kinds of things to you?
This novella explores that and in such a small page count it really packs a punch. I found myself just wowed by the whole concept of this book.
ARC Provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2022
I just couldn't get into this. Took me three days to read, even though it is so short. I think it was the way we were just dropped into the story with very little history or knowledge of the MC's personality or desires. Sometimes that can work but it probably would have been better here with a little more context. It just comes out of nowhere and doesn't make any sense in the beginning when and how their lust is suddenly sparked.
The sex scenes were pretty great regardless and I liked the interactions between the creatures and the MC. Also the creatures were described so well, especially Terror. Had some creepy moments.
I really enjoyed the ending. It was very much deserved
What I didn't like about the ending, however, was the last line. By all appearances shown here, it seems they live alone. So. I'm confused! It really ruined it for me.
The sex scenes were pretty great regardless and I liked the interactions between the creatures and the MC. Also the creatures were described so well, especially Terror. Had some creepy moments.
I really enjoyed the ending. It was very much deserved
What I didn't like about the ending, however, was the last line. By all appearances shown here, it seems they live alone. So. I'm confused! It really ruined it for me.
October 12, 2021
At this point, I’ll immediately read absolutely anything that this author puts out 😍
October 13, 2021
Fear, and Other Love Languages balances seduction and terror on a masterful knife's edge. I adored how this story had a non-binary, autistic main character. I mean, wow, have I ever seen myself represented in a book before? It's so on-brand for me to find a character I see myself in, in a monsterfucking book. This book features a Nbi/F/M trio with a human, a nightmare, and a night terror! The smut is frightening and hot? Amazing. Would definitely recommend this to people who need more smutty monster books in their life. It's the spooky sexy season!
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Follow me on my Blog, Twitter, and Instagram.
February 25, 2023
Elia has been tortured by their nightmares for years on end. But now that they are done running the creatures in their dreams have to find new ways to frighten them. And this time it will be so much more pleasurable than being chased through a corn fiel.
Just like in Feed: An Erotic Monster Romance I really liked Aveda Vice’s writing. It transported the fear our main character felt expertly and Terror and Mare actually frightened me at times. That fear and the feeling of knowing something’s there but not knowing what it is were my favorite parts of the novella.
The smut was as hot as be expected with Aveda Vice but I didn’t like it as much as in Feed. Probably because I didn’t feel as attached to the characters as I wanted to be and as I know is possible.
Nonetheless, Fear, and Other Love Languages: An Erotic Horror Monster Romance was a hot read.
—> 3 stars
Just like in Feed: An Erotic Monster Romance I really liked Aveda Vice’s writing. It transported the fear our main character felt expertly and Terror and Mare actually frightened me at times. That fear and the feeling of knowing something’s there but not knowing what it is were my favorite parts of the novella.
The smut was as hot as be expected with Aveda Vice but I didn’t like it as much as in Feed. Probably because I didn’t feel as attached to the characters as I wanted to be and as I know is possible.
Nonetheless, Fear, and Other Love Languages: An Erotic Horror Monster Romance was a hot read.
—> 3 stars
September 18, 2021
"quiet, kitten. people will think you're talking in your sleep."
Fear, and Other Love Languages is an erotic horror monster romance short story about elia, their nightmare, and their night terror. named appropriately: mare & terror. elia has been plagued with an reoccurring dream since they were little and when they finally confront the monsters in the dream it leads to some sexy times.
like every story by Aveda Vice, i really enjoyed this. i think it was a good mix of creepy and romantic. this one in particular did feel very dream-like, perfect for reading on a fall day. my only complaint is, i want more haha. more from this world, more from these characters, more more more.
this copy was received in exchanged for an honest review.
Fear, and Other Love Languages is an erotic horror monster romance short story about elia, their nightmare, and their night terror. named appropriately: mare & terror. elia has been plagued with an reoccurring dream since they were little and when they finally confront the monsters in the dream it leads to some sexy times.
like every story by Aveda Vice, i really enjoyed this. i think it was a good mix of creepy and romantic. this one in particular did feel very dream-like, perfect for reading on a fall day. my only complaint is, i want more haha. more from this world, more from these characters, more more more.
this copy was received in exchanged for an honest review.
September 30, 2024
This was intense AF and a perfect horror romance read for spooky season. Elia was neurodivergent coded and in denial about fear turning them on. Their escapades in their dreams with Mare and Terror were hot and dark. What Mare and Terror were willing to do for them was the icing on the cake.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: Sexual harassment, body horror, threats, torture, Mention of death
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: Sexual harassment, body horror, threats, torture, Mention of death
October 3, 2021
Erotic Nightmare // cw for a boss who is guilty of sexual misconduct.
December 22, 2021
Hmm. Different for sure. The terror kink was interesting but not really my thing. Cool nightmare beings though!
February 3, 2023
holy moly.
I loved every single second of this. The mix of fear and arousal, constantly felt by Elia. Terror. Whew. Man’s hot as HELL.
I loved every single second of this. The mix of fear and arousal, constantly felt by Elia. Terror. Whew. Man’s hot as HELL.
September 23, 2021
When you finally work up the nerve to confront your nightmares, only to find out that they want to play a different game altogether.
Make sure you read the content warnings before reading this book.
If you decide not to and there’s something you don’t like in the book please don’t blame the author.
They put their heart and soul in their work & don’t need your negative feedback.
This was fantastic. I love how Aveda manages to pack so much into her short erotic story.
I got this arc free in exchange for an honest review.
Make sure you read the content warnings before reading this book.
If you decide not to and there’s something you don’t like in the book please don’t blame the author.
They put their heart and soul in their work & don’t need your negative feedback.
This was fantastic. I love how Aveda manages to pack so much into her short erotic story.
I got this arc free in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2021
Growing up in the midwest, let me tell you: corn fields are absolutely nightmarish and scary.
Our enbie protagonist has been having a very hard time in life as of late, only made worse by an all-too-real nightmare they've been plagued by since they were young. When they decide to face their monsters, it goes places they were not expecting.
Or realized they wanted.
And their monsters are more than happy to play a different game.
This erotic short is so deliciously atmospheric and creepy—both in Elia's waking hours and their dreams. Perfect for the Spooky High Holy Season which we are now entering.
My only complaint is I wish there were more and it had pushed just a little further, but Fear is a very satisfying quick read that I will be revisiting both in the near future and beyond, every time the weather starts to turn chilly as summer fucks off for another year.
There's an extensive list of kinks and possible triggers in the written description. Make sure to read it if you're unsure if this is for you.
I am a member of the author's Patreon and was provided an ARC without expectation of review. I was more than happy to leave one.
Our enbie protagonist has been having a very hard time in life as of late, only made worse by an all-too-real nightmare they've been plagued by since they were young. When they decide to face their monsters, it goes places they were not expecting.
Or realized they wanted.
And their monsters are more than happy to play a different game.
This erotic short is so deliciously atmospheric and creepy—both in Elia's waking hours and their dreams. Perfect for the Spooky High Holy Season which we are now entering.
My only complaint is I wish there were more and it had pushed just a little further, but Fear is a very satisfying quick read that I will be revisiting both in the near future and beyond, every time the weather starts to turn chilly as summer fucks off for another year.
There's an extensive list of kinks and possible triggers in the written description. Make sure to read it if you're unsure if this is for you.
I am a member of the author's Patreon and was provided an ARC without expectation of review. I was more than happy to leave one.
September 21, 2021
arc provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review
“Do you want your monsters to destroy you?”
Aveda has done it again with an absolutely remarkable horror novella full of creepy characters, a most haunting atmospheric setting and a relationship that you most definitely end up rooting for.
I never thought that I would find a nightmare and a night terror attractive but if anyone could do so, it was definitely Aveda! In this novella, we follow Elia who has been suffering from nightmares and night terrors their entire life. But one night.. the nightmare seems a lot more real.
If you like some great smut mixed in with horror— you need this in your life. The creep factor with the love interests was done so perfectly. We know they aren’t human and that’s reflected in their shadows and inhuman shapes and morphing but at the same time, they are so captivating and honestly— hot! Especially when Elia is between them. Both figuratively and literally.
I couldn’t get enough of this story and devoured it in one sitting. You all need this in your life this Halloween, trust me! I can’t wait to see what beautiful monstrosities Aveda cooks up next. This was such a great addition to monster romance!
5/5⭐️
For a full list of trigger warnings, content warning and a list of kinks— check out Aveda’s website!
“Do you want your monsters to destroy you?”
Aveda has done it again with an absolutely remarkable horror novella full of creepy characters, a most haunting atmospheric setting and a relationship that you most definitely end up rooting for.
I never thought that I would find a nightmare and a night terror attractive but if anyone could do so, it was definitely Aveda! In this novella, we follow Elia who has been suffering from nightmares and night terrors their entire life. But one night.. the nightmare seems a lot more real.
If you like some great smut mixed in with horror— you need this in your life. The creep factor with the love interests was done so perfectly. We know they aren’t human and that’s reflected in their shadows and inhuman shapes and morphing but at the same time, they are so captivating and honestly— hot! Especially when Elia is between them. Both figuratively and literally.
I couldn’t get enough of this story and devoured it in one sitting. You all need this in your life this Halloween, trust me! I can’t wait to see what beautiful monstrosities Aveda cooks up next. This was such a great addition to monster romance!
5/5⭐️
For a full list of trigger warnings, content warning and a list of kinks— check out Aveda’s website!
October 8, 2022
Neat story concept but it hits the uncanny valley of erotic and scary for me. Neither here nor there. Which alone wouldn't warrant 1 star but the gender neutral use of they the entire story drove me up a wall.
It would have been better using "you" instead and just leaving your discerning features ambiguous so the reader could fill in their own preferred gender. The parts where the monsters interact with the MCs clit was just another thing drawing me out of the mood and story.
I applaud the author for trying something outside the box, but I've discovered through this piece that I really don't care for an entire story told in the "they" perspective.
It would have been better using "you" instead and just leaving your discerning features ambiguous so the reader could fill in their own preferred gender. The parts where the monsters interact with the MCs clit was just another thing drawing me out of the mood and story.
I applaud the author for trying something outside the box, but I've discovered through this piece that I really don't care for an entire story told in the "they" perspective.
October 3, 2021
When confronting your nightmares leads to the last thing you ever expected. Aveda Vice is an author who knows how to blend horror and romance in masterful ways, and I’m so glad this ended up being published outside the monster anthology. It’s absolutely brilliant, a cathartic story of triumphing over some fears and embracing others, and a perfect spooky season read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 31, 2021
That was... something 😅 Easily the strangest monster romance I've read.
Read
January 27, 2022This was weird AF, but in a good way
October 16, 2021
Thanks to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Full review on my blog!
A fun, horrifying, sexy story. This was my first time dipping my toes in erotic horror, and let me tell you, it was a fantastic time that’s left me wanting more of this genre. This novella combined the horrifying nature of nightmares and night terrors with some frankly sexy scenes perfectly. Not only that but the representation was fantastic in more ways than one.
Full review on my blog!
A fun, horrifying, sexy story. This was my first time dipping my toes in erotic horror, and let me tell you, it was a fantastic time that’s left me wanting more of this genre. This novella combined the horrifying nature of nightmares and night terrors with some frankly sexy scenes perfectly. Not only that but the representation was fantastic in more ways than one.
November 16, 2021
Can I just say, this title is my favorite of all time. Fear as a love language? A concept I didn't realize I wanted or needed but sign me up!
'Fear and Other Love Languages' is a monster erotic horror romance between a nonbinary human, their nightmare, and their night terror (Nbi/F/M, respectively.) Our protagonist Elia is just trying to survive their everyday life, if only the nightmare they've had since forever would just let them sleep long enough to function. However these monsters have other plans and one night, Elia finally meets their nightmare and night terror.... and these monsters want to play. Both Nightmare and Terror promising torment far worse than anything Elia could imagine, if only they knew the type of "torture" these monsters would have in store. 😏
Kinks featured in this book include: BDSM, humiliation, primal play, fear play, pain play, dirty talk, begging, restraint, humiliation, breath play/choking, fingering, PIV, oral sex/cunnilingus, teasing, blood play, sharp object play, monster anatomy involved in sex acts, Light consensual non-consent, somnophilia and pet play.
👀 Doesn't that sounds like one hell of a good time? And boy did this book DELIVER. It was so atmospheric in its horror, i felt fear so viceral during certain scenes and add to that the erotic elements ...and it was hot as fuck. 😳 Aveda Vice weaves such a seamless blend of horror and eroticism it's absolutely intoxicating. It leaves you both satisfied, while somehow also wanting more. This book is erotic horror monster romance excellence. Top tier spooky vibes and hard kinks.
This book made my dark little heart so happy. If like me, you too, are a spooky bitch who loves monster romances and wants more horror with your spice, this will be right up your alley.
'Fear and Other Love Languages' will be released on October 1st, so please pick up a copy not only because i need Aveda Vice to write more of this but also because I need erotic horror to be bigger than it is. I need my fix, so please just read it and create a demand for it 😩
I received an ARC of this book via the author, however this doesn't influence my rating or review in any way. My opinion is still my own. 🥰
⚠️ Trigger Warnings for: sexual harassment, body horror, threats, torture, mention of death and ofcourse: monster-fucking -- which is obvious but incase you missed it. ⚠️
'Fear and Other Love Languages' is a monster erotic horror romance between a nonbinary human, their nightmare, and their night terror (Nbi/F/M, respectively.) Our protagonist Elia is just trying to survive their everyday life, if only the nightmare they've had since forever would just let them sleep long enough to function. However these monsters have other plans and one night, Elia finally meets their nightmare and night terror.... and these monsters want to play. Both Nightmare and Terror promising torment far worse than anything Elia could imagine, if only they knew the type of "torture" these monsters would have in store. 😏
Kinks featured in this book include: BDSM, humiliation, primal play, fear play, pain play, dirty talk, begging, restraint, humiliation, breath play/choking, fingering, PIV, oral sex/cunnilingus, teasing, blood play, sharp object play, monster anatomy involved in sex acts, Light consensual non-consent, somnophilia and pet play.
👀 Doesn't that sounds like one hell of a good time? And boy did this book DELIVER. It was so atmospheric in its horror, i felt fear so viceral during certain scenes and add to that the erotic elements ...and it was hot as fuck. 😳 Aveda Vice weaves such a seamless blend of horror and eroticism it's absolutely intoxicating. It leaves you both satisfied, while somehow also wanting more. This book is erotic horror monster romance excellence. Top tier spooky vibes and hard kinks.
This book made my dark little heart so happy. If like me, you too, are a spooky bitch who loves monster romances and wants more horror with your spice, this will be right up your alley.
'Fear and Other Love Languages' will be released on October 1st, so please pick up a copy not only because i need Aveda Vice to write more of this but also because I need erotic horror to be bigger than it is. I need my fix, so please just read it and create a demand for it 😩
I received an ARC of this book via the author, however this doesn't influence my rating or review in any way. My opinion is still my own. 🥰
⚠️ Trigger Warnings for: sexual harassment, body horror, threats, torture, mention of death and ofcourse: monster-fucking -- which is obvious but incase you missed it. ⚠️
October 1, 2021
***Received ARC in exchange for voluntary review
Elia has been having bad dreams all their life and tonight Nightmare and Terror are going to push them to their limits.
Aveda doesn’t disappoint with this short spooky spicy read. The sex is hot and y’all know I love a good poly read with some monster fucking! The kink is everything and I love how Aveda uses non-binary characters!!!
Be sure to check CWs before starting this 🧡🖤
Elia has been having bad dreams all their life and tonight Nightmare and Terror are going to push them to their limits.
Aveda doesn’t disappoint with this short spooky spicy read. The sex is hot and y’all know I love a good poly read with some monster fucking! The kink is everything and I love how Aveda uses non-binary characters!!!
Be sure to check CWs before starting this 🧡🖤
October 1, 2021
I've read monster romances before but none like this. The monsters are more than supernatural creatures: they're the nightmare and night terror that have haunted Elia for years. One night their games take on a twist and Elia is tormented a new way. Aveda Vice crafts a wonderfully spooky and sensual atmosphere in this short erotic novel that has non-binary representation and is perfect if you're looking for a creepy but steamy read. I'll admit I got a bit confused as to what the monsters were supposed to look like and the mechanics of certain scenes but still really enjoyed the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2021
TW: Scary Situations, Sexual harassment in the work place
Ever what would happen if your nightmares wanted to torment you in a different way? Then took revenge are your sleezebag of a boss who tried the "If you want to keep your job, you'll have sex with me" line? Well read this book and you'll find out. I wish all my nightmares were as steamy as this was.
Ever what would happen if your nightmares wanted to torment you in a different way? Then took revenge are your sleezebag of a boss who tried the "If you want to keep your job, you'll have sex with me" line? Well read this book and you'll find out. I wish all my nightmares were as steamy as this was.
October 2, 2021
Aveda Vice does not disappoint, but this book is a lot more abstract than her previous ones (at least that I've read). That said, it's not abstract in a bad way.
I was very curious to see how they would incorporate a personified version of Nightmare and Night Terror as antagonistic forces who are also the love interests of main character Elia-- and Vice did so very sexily!
I really enjoyed how Vice set up the premise, and, almost did a bait-and-switch of who the *real* monster was. Mare and Terror are like if Chaos from the animated Sinbad movie and Hexxus from Ferngully wanted to both terrorize and bang you-- in the most consensual and spooky way possible. Elia is a very relatable character, and I enjoyed seeing how their real-world conflict gets resolved.
Some of my favorite quotes to whet your whistle:
"The slash of Terror's mouth grows until a smirk takes the rest of his face captive. 'But perhaps they'd prefer to be taken apart another way.'
'Is that so, little human?' Mare's words curl against the side of Terror's throat. She turns her attention to Elia once more, shuddering as Terror spirals his shadows between her thighs. 'Do you want your monsters to destroy you?'"
"It's a sickening sign: that the only thing getting them off are monstrous delights, in-human creatures, and thinly-veiled threats."
"Elia fights to keep their eyes on the creatures lapping up their fear and desire. A perfection combination-- like the three of them. 'Perhaps we could come to... some sort of agreement. A different form of torment."
October 1, 2021
Aveda Vice continues to deliver with this delightfully queer erotic horror short.
I don't love horror and that does extend to my erotica preferences, but anything Vice touches is gold and FOLL is no exception. The imagery was evocative and enticing, the writing style perfectly captured the fear, arousal, and haziness of the dream world, and the concept is so unique. I loved the idea of a safe kind of fear (and fear as a love language), the reminders that Elia was ultimately in control and consenting, and the way Mare and Terror were legitimately protective and caring while also being, you know, actual monsters.
And, of course, the smut was excellent quality, because Vice can write nothing less. The dominant dialogue was hot as hell, and while some of the kinks innate to erotic horror were not my personal bag, they were executed perfectly. The tender affection between Mare and Terror was a delightful bonus, and the ending (no spoilers) was SO immensely satisfying.
If you love erotic horror, you'll love this short. Just read the warnings thoroughly first; this one is more intense than Vice's previous works!
I don't love horror and that does extend to my erotica preferences, but anything Vice touches is gold and FOLL is no exception. The imagery was evocative and enticing, the writing style perfectly captured the fear, arousal, and haziness of the dream world, and the concept is so unique. I loved the idea of a safe kind of fear (and fear as a love language), the reminders that Elia was ultimately in control and consenting, and the way Mare and Terror were legitimately protective and caring while also being, you know, actual monsters.
And, of course, the smut was excellent quality, because Vice can write nothing less. The dominant dialogue was hot as hell, and while some of the kinks innate to erotic horror were not my personal bag, they were executed perfectly. The tender affection between Mare and Terror was a delightful bonus, and the ending (no spoilers) was SO immensely satisfying.
If you love erotic horror, you'll love this short. Just read the warnings thoroughly first; this one is more intense than Vice's previous works!
October 1, 2021
“We told you, little pet: you’re ours. No one torments you but us.”
OMG! This was such a delight to read. There were so many lines I highlighted and loved. My most favorite part about this were the characters and their personalities. Mare and Terror were different monsters that both delighted in scaring Elia but they were so careful and possessive in their own way.
Mare is such a horrific delight and I couldn’t help but love how happy she’d get just being her monstrous self. Telling Elia to ride like their life depended on it. 😮💨
Terror seems the more quieter of the two who feeds off of Mares energy and it’s ironically very wholesome!
I kept rooting for Elia and this main character didn’t disappoint at all. They had just a little bit of bite and defiance and it made it all the more sweeter.
“It’s a sickening sign: that the only thing getting them off are monstrous delights, inhuman features, and thinly veiled threats”
Honestly, what more do you need in a monster erotica?! The relationship between the three were so intricately made and Aveda’s writing is really effortless (meaning that it’s so seamless).
Also fuck Micheal.
OMG! This was such a delight to read. There were so many lines I highlighted and loved. My most favorite part about this were the characters and their personalities. Mare and Terror were different monsters that both delighted in scaring Elia but they were so careful and possessive in their own way.
Mare is such a horrific delight and I couldn’t help but love how happy she’d get just being her monstrous self. Telling Elia to ride like their life depended on it. 😮💨
Terror seems the more quieter of the two who feeds off of Mares energy and it’s ironically very wholesome!
I kept rooting for Elia and this main character didn’t disappoint at all. They had just a little bit of bite and defiance and it made it all the more sweeter.
“It’s a sickening sign: that the only thing getting them off are monstrous delights, inhuman features, and thinly veiled threats”
Honestly, what more do you need in a monster erotica?! The relationship between the three were so intricately made and Aveda’s writing is really effortless (meaning that it’s so seamless).
Also fuck Micheal.
September 21, 2021
I highly recommend Fear, and Other Love Languages. It did a great job getting me ready for spooky season.
There is much to like! Here’s a few points:
1. Despite being relatively short, it doesn’t feel unfinished and it answered all the questions it posited.
2. Enby representation, whaaat?
3. The monsters in this story are not in-name-only. They are properly monstrous. I got strong gothic horror/Dead by Daylight/Guillermo del Toro vibes from both.
4. Vice bluntly explores the ways arousal and fear get tangled up together. But at the same time, consent remains a strong theme throughout the different encounters.
5. The way Vice handled a parallel plot between Elia’s monsters and their waking world situation stuck with me the most. Without diving into any details, I will say I was extremely satisfied with the way it was resolved.
In conclusion, Vice spins a good yarn. Read this! Mind the warnings. And read Vice’s other work too. :)
I was provided this ARC for reviewing purposes. My opinion is my own.
There is much to like! Here’s a few points:
1. Despite being relatively short, it doesn’t feel unfinished and it answered all the questions it posited.
2. Enby representation, whaaat?
3. The monsters in this story are not in-name-only. They are properly monstrous. I got strong gothic horror/Dead by Daylight/Guillermo del Toro vibes from both.
4. Vice bluntly explores the ways arousal and fear get tangled up together. But at the same time, consent remains a strong theme throughout the different encounters.
5. The way Vice handled a parallel plot between Elia’s monsters and their waking world situation stuck with me the most. Without diving into any details, I will say I was extremely satisfied with the way it was resolved.
In conclusion, Vice spins a good yarn. Read this! Mind the warnings. And read Vice’s other work too. :)
I was provided this ARC for reviewing purposes. My opinion is my own.
September 30, 2021
I liked that the scenes in this story were nb/f/m; not just two independent partners.
*Spoilers* the positive ending where Elia was able to transform her fears into a positive thing was a plus.
my criticisms:
I Would have loved more hints of Elia feeling desire along with their fear. The transition from being horrified to be aroused felt sudden.
While both Mare and Terror are able to change forms and could probably get into impossible positions, I wish they were described in more detail, as I often struggled to visualize what was happening.
The monsters claim they weren't trying to traumatize Elia and yet they were so afraid of the nightmares that they were unable to get enough sleep to function. It felt strange that Elia's life was so negatively affected by their dreams, then they happily embraced the monsters upon first meeting.
It would have been nice to get more insight about the origin of the monsters and their purpose.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*Spoilers* the positive ending where Elia was able to transform her fears into a positive thing was a plus.
my criticisms:
I Would have loved more hints of Elia feeling desire along with their fear. The transition from being horrified to be aroused felt sudden.
While both Mare and Terror are able to change forms and could probably get into impossible positions, I wish they were described in more detail, as I often struggled to visualize what was happening.
The monsters claim they weren't trying to traumatize Elia and yet they were so afraid of the nightmares that they were unable to get enough sleep to function. It felt strange that Elia's life was so negatively affected by their dreams, then they happily embraced the monsters upon first meeting.
It would have been nice to get more insight about the origin of the monsters and their purpose.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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