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Monstrous Matches #3
Entranced by the Basilisks
A human who opened the wrong magical book, her stern boss, and his “friend” who says he can help…
I’ve been cursed. Not metaphorically. Not, “Oh no! I spilled my coffee!” or “I broke a heel!”
No.
I’ve been cursed by a book and now I’m a danger to everyone I care about.
After finding out that the things that go bump in the night are real a few weeks ago, this is doing nothing for my peace of mind.
Pair it all with the fact that the boss I can hardly speak to seems to be the only one with any answers and the tension between him and the seductive expert he’s brought in…
The outlook for this group project is alarming… but my body is acting like it knows things my mind won’t yet accept.
Entranced by the Basilisks is a standalone monster romance in the same world as Stalked by the Kraken, but best read after Deceived by the Gargoyles. This book has two love interests who are also in a relationship with each other. There will be no choosing between the love interests.
Content Warning: This book includes descriptions of anxiety, snakes, deceptions and manipulations perpetrated by the love interest, and highly inaccurate snake anatomy.
I’ve been cursed. Not metaphorically. Not, “Oh no! I spilled my coffee!” or “I broke a heel!”
No.
I’ve been cursed by a book and now I’m a danger to everyone I care about.
After finding out that the things that go bump in the night are real a few weeks ago, this is doing nothing for my peace of mind.
Pair it all with the fact that the boss I can hardly speak to seems to be the only one with any answers and the tension between him and the seductive expert he’s brought in…
The outlook for this group project is alarming… but my body is acting like it knows things my mind won’t yet accept.
Entranced by the Basilisks is a standalone monster romance in the same world as Stalked by the Kraken, but best read after Deceived by the Gargoyles. This book has two love interests who are also in a relationship with each other. There will be no choosing between the love interests.
Content Warning: This book includes descriptions of anxiety, snakes, deceptions and manipulations perpetrated by the love interest, and highly inaccurate snake anatomy.
398 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2022
1370 people are currently reading
6146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 806 reviews
January 9, 2023
I hope to never become famous enough for my public reading history to matter. This book along with the Minotaur milking one from last year???? Objectively, I look like I should be kept ten feet away from any other living being at all times.
Read
December 31, 2022IT IS LIVE!!
January 19, 2023
This story had some decent ideas, but it felt the characters were simply going through the motions, not much depth or real connection between them. I would have loved deeper character development, as was done with her Gargoyles book.
The sex was really hot in places, but it felt more like slot A in slot B, and make sure to hit all the positions that a thrupple should have.
There was a running allegory throughout the story, with her “curse” that I really liked. How can you hate a part of yourself? What will it take for you to accept you are beautiful just the way you are?
I swallow. “I’m sorry I’ve rejected you,” I say, and the words echo their real meaning. I’m sorry I’ve rejected myself.
BR with fabulous Lana!
The sex was really hot in places, but it felt more like slot A in slot B, and make sure to hit all the positions that a thrupple should have.
There was a running allegory throughout the story, with her “curse” that I really liked. How can you hate a part of yourself? What will it take for you to accept you are beautiful just the way you are?
I swallow. “I’m sorry I’ve rejected you,” I say, and the words echo their real meaning. I’m sorry I’ve rejected myself.
BR with fabulous Lana!
December 8, 2023
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Interesting stuff about the basilisks.
Some parts were interesting.
That the FMC had a great and close relationship with her mother.
➖ What I disliked:
Too much of the story is tell and not shown.
Some parts of the story is rushed while others dragged.
The FMC had some sort of anxiety disorder… but it disappeared when the FMC started having sex with the MMC’s… and then it would all of a sudden reappear again at random moments.
The chemistry in the triad felt forced… there is very little chemistry between the MMC’s and the FMC… but a tiny bit chemistry between both the MMC’s.
The FMC is more a pawn or/and plaything for the MMC’s … especially Ari (who is rather manipulative)… he uses her as a tool to be with and keep and mate with Jasper…. The FMC is more a afterthought to both them.
Some parts of the story and/or the characters did not make sense…
(Jasper is hated and has a very low status among the snake kin… but holds a high and important public position that is very financially reliant on the goodwill from the supernatural world… but also why would the MMC’s bring the FMC to a club that is packed with supernaturals that can discover her curse/blessing of being the chosen… when the MMC’s wanted to keep her safe and others also from her powers until she could control them ?)
The character development needed more depth.
The character description of the FMC was rather lacking … the only real info on her visual appearance was her eye color and hair color everything else was rather vague or just not shown or told.
Some of the sex scenes were hot… others were just formulaic and meh.
One of the MMC’s (Ari) is just too over the top (with his manipulations and "seductions" etc.)
The FMC had a good/close and solid mother-daughter relationship and the mother was part of the story in the beginning but then she just disappears when the FMC moves in with the MMC’s… not any contact or mention? Not even phone calls.
Too much miscommunications/misunderstandings.
The FMC was a little bit too whiny about her curse/blessing.
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Interesting stuff about the basilisks.
Some parts were interesting.
That the FMC had a great and close relationship with her mother.
➖ What I disliked:
Too much of the story is tell and not shown.
Some parts of the story is rushed while others dragged.
The FMC had some sort of anxiety disorder… but it disappeared when the FMC started having sex with the MMC’s… and then it would all of a sudden reappear again at random moments.
The chemistry in the triad felt forced… there is very little chemistry between the MMC’s and the FMC… but a tiny bit chemistry between both the MMC’s.
The FMC is more a pawn or/and plaything for the MMC’s … especially Ari (who is rather manipulative)… he uses her as a tool to be with and keep and mate with Jasper…. The FMC is more a afterthought to both them.
Some parts of the story and/or the characters did not make sense…
(Jasper is hated and has a very low status among the snake kin… but holds a high and important public position that is very financially reliant on the goodwill from the supernatural world… but also why would the MMC’s bring the FMC to a club that is packed with supernaturals that can discover her curse/blessing of being the chosen… when the MMC’s wanted to keep her safe and others also from her powers until she could control them ?)
The character development needed more depth.
The character description of the FMC was rather lacking … the only real info on her visual appearance was her eye color and hair color everything else was rather vague or just not shown or told.
Some of the sex scenes were hot… others were just formulaic and meh.
One of the MMC’s (Ari) is just too over the top (with his manipulations and "seductions" etc.)
The FMC had a good/close and solid mother-daughter relationship and the mother was part of the story in the beginning but then she just disappears when the FMC moves in with the MMC’s… not any contact or mention? Not even phone calls.
Too much miscommunications/misunderstandings.
The FMC was a little bit too whiny about her curse/blessing.
February 23, 2023
This book was it for me. I loved it, Lillian Lark has a way of captivating me and my smutty heart. I would have loved for the angst and tension to have lasted longer, but alas we had to get a steamy tension-filled scene in pretty quickly (can't really complain).
January 13, 2023
Gosh I love these covers so much! Lillian Lark is truly a triple threat author, being able to create them herself.
This book was fun - I mean, it's monsters, it's matchmaking, it's MMF, there's a curse... what more do you want from a monster romance?
Ultimately there was a little something extra missing from this book that set it apart from "OMG I LOVE IT" - but I still enjoyed reading it, would recommend it, and will likely buy a physical copy. My fav is still book 1 in the series, Stalked by the Kraken!
This book was fun - I mean, it's monsters, it's matchmaking, it's MMF, there's a curse... what more do you want from a monster romance?
Ultimately there was a little something extra missing from this book that set it apart from "OMG I LOVE IT" - but I still enjoyed reading it, would recommend it, and will likely buy a physical copy. My fav is still book 1 in the series, Stalked by the Kraken!
January 2, 2023
Sigh. I was tempted to DNF this one but wanted to persevere so my first book of the year wouldn’t be a DNF.
The plot of this was fairly good. But the interactions among the main characters were klunky and awkward. Not sexy.
During sexy times, there was so much feeling shame or embarrassment that I was very turned off. Even after the last sexy scene in the epilogue, one of the main characters is worried. It just felt off.
I didn’t enjoy this as a romance.
Some variation of embarrass is used 21 times in this book. Seven variations of shame. Ten uses of awkward.
Lots of hesitation, fear, uncomfortableness. I didn’t feel warmed up to the idea of them being together.
31 variations of nerves/nervous
48 variations of worry/ied
46 uses of sorry
28 uses of panic(ked)
During a sexy scene "I moan in embarrassment' made me feel so awkward for her. And this is already where she was embarrassed in the last sexy scene before this too.
The plot of this was fairly good. But the interactions among the main characters were klunky and awkward. Not sexy.
During sexy times, there was so much feeling shame or embarrassment that I was very turned off. Even after the last sexy scene in the epilogue, one of the main characters is worried. It just felt off.
I didn’t enjoy this as a romance.
Some variation of embarrass is used 21 times in this book. Seven variations of shame. Ten uses of awkward.
Lots of hesitation, fear, uncomfortableness. I didn’t feel warmed up to the idea of them being together.
31 variations of nerves/nervous
48 variations of worry/ied
46 uses of sorry
28 uses of panic(ked)
During a sexy scene "I moan in embarrassment' made me feel so awkward for her. And this is already where she was embarrassed in the last sexy scene before this too.
December 20, 2022
Lillian Lark is the only author I have ever tried to get an ARC from and I am so glad I did. This was an utterly delightful addition to this universe and I loved reading Emilia’s story.
Do you want cozy monster smut? Lillian Lark is the queen of cozy monster smut with depth and amazing characters and just the right amount of world building and I am so here for it.
I’m going to hold off on any details to avoid spoilers, but damn this was good.
Do you want cozy monster smut? Lillian Lark is the queen of cozy monster smut with depth and amazing characters and just the right amount of world building and I am so here for it.
I’m going to hold off on any details to avoid spoilers, but damn this was good.
February 2, 2023
Loved this kinky and sweet little triad. Lillian Lark never disappoints.
4.5 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
4.5 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
May 6, 2024
3,0 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
March 24, 2023
3.25/5 ⭐️s
I’m so glad reviews are subjective because this book probably would’ve been closer to 4 stars if I wasn’t expecting it to wow me like Deceived by the Gargoyles did.
Overall, I think this story just lacked interesting characters. Emilia and Jasper both felt bland. Ari had potential, but I spent most of the book not trusting him, so it was hard to fall for him in the end. The spice though? As good as ever. Lillian REALLY knows how to write good spice. 🔥🔥
I also wish we’d gotten more focus on Emilia’s gift and how it relates to Ari and Jasper’s world. It was hinted at towards the end, but it felt like the message was muddled when it really did nothing to affect their serpent kin.
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
I’m so glad reviews are subjective because this book probably would’ve been closer to 4 stars if I wasn’t expecting it to wow me like Deceived by the Gargoyles did.
Overall, I think this story just lacked interesting characters. Emilia and Jasper both felt bland. Ari had potential, but I spent most of the book not trusting him, so it was hard to fall for him in the end. The spice though? As good as ever. Lillian REALLY knows how to write good spice. 🔥🔥
I also wish we’d gotten more focus on Emilia’s gift and how it relates to Ari and Jasper’s world. It was hinted at towards the end, but it felt like the message was muddled when it really did nothing to affect their serpent kin.
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
January 5, 2023
brb while i extensively google what the hell extruding means.
just kidding — i think the context clues taught me everything i needed to know: basilisk shifters are hot and talented.
every book lillian drops in this series is simultaneously the hottest thing i’ve ever read while also being the cutest, most wholesome thing i’ve ever read. i think this one was my favorite, though, because it packed an emotional punch that i wasn’t expecting from a sexy snake book.
the FMC of this one is emilia, a restoration expert at a library recovering from some kidnapping-related traumas, while also reeling from the news that there’s a whole magical world of creature-people secretly coexisting with humans. through her work at the library, she has an experience in which she finds herself suddenly very, very different, and forced to come to terms with who she is now. watching emilia over the course of this book learn how to love herself in spite of her own perceived flaws had me choked up. much like emilia after two extruding basilisk c*cks. but i digress.
i’m a crybaby at the best of times, but this was moving. the whiplash of sweating through some particularly explicit DP content to crying in the next one as emilia apologizes to herself in the mirror? i weep.
this was all of the things — hot, sweet, emotional, with complex, interesting characters and a world that feels like a comforting cup of tea after a long day. an easy 5 stars.
just kidding — i think the context clues taught me everything i needed to know: basilisk shifters are hot and talented.
every book lillian drops in this series is simultaneously the hottest thing i’ve ever read while also being the cutest, most wholesome thing i’ve ever read. i think this one was my favorite, though, because it packed an emotional punch that i wasn’t expecting from a sexy snake book.
the FMC of this one is emilia, a restoration expert at a library recovering from some kidnapping-related traumas, while also reeling from the news that there’s a whole magical world of creature-people secretly coexisting with humans. through her work at the library, she has an experience in which she finds herself suddenly very, very different, and forced to come to terms with who she is now. watching emilia over the course of this book learn how to love herself in spite of her own perceived flaws had me choked up. much like emilia after two extruding basilisk c*cks. but i digress.
i’m a crybaby at the best of times, but this was moving. the whiplash of sweating through some particularly explicit DP content to crying in the next one as emilia apologizes to herself in the mirror? i weep.
this was all of the things — hot, sweet, emotional, with complex, interesting characters and a world that feels like a comforting cup of tea after a long day. an easy 5 stars.
March 31, 2023
4 stars
A steamy romance about a book restorer who is accidentally cursed and then ends up in a throuple with her basilisk boss and his basilisk lover.
I’ve discovered my limit on what creatures I can comfortably read about, and snakes is that limit. I don’t know if this is a spoiler, but
But I loved almost everything else about this book (relationship-centric story, cozy feel, relatable characters I would send hugs from a distance), so my 4 stars is equivalent to a 5 stars if I could get over all the snakes.
A steamy romance about a book restorer who is accidentally cursed and then ends up in a throuple with her basilisk boss and his basilisk lover.
I’ve discovered my limit on what creatures I can comfortably read about, and snakes is that limit. I don’t know if this is a spoiler, but
But I loved almost everything else about this book (relationship-centric story, cozy feel, relatable characters I would send hugs from a distance), so my 4 stars is equivalent to a 5 stars if I could get over all the snakes.
dnf
September 4, 2023Around 60% in - and a Dnf for now. I haven't gotten back to it since March or something.
December 7, 2023
3.5 Stars
There was something about this that didn’t completely work for me, I think I just didn’t feel the connection between them as well as I should have, but I still had a lot of fun reading it!
There was something about this that didn’t completely work for me, I think I just didn’t feel the connection between them as well as I should have, but I still had a lot of fun reading it!
January 15, 2025
Medusa syndrome!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🙂🥰😎😄
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Emilia - she works in book restoration, and she opened a magical book that cursed her. Her friend Grace knew right away that Emilia was cursed and brought her to a paranormal matchmaker to help her. Emilia was abducted a few weeks ago and was rescued by gargoyles. That is when she found out that the world wasn’t quite what she thought it was. Her curse is dangerous to her and everyone around her, especially her loved ones. The curse turned her into a Medusa, though she doesn’t know for sure if looking into someone’s eyes will turn them to stone. Though she does need a glamour to make her look human again.
The Heroes: Ari and Jasper - They are both basilisk shifters. Jasper is the director of the library and does his best to fundraise for the upkeep of the building, to keep the walls from falling in. The library has a huge paranormal collection, and they have to spend money to keep it intact. Jasper and Ari have been having a casual relationship for 7 years. Ari has wanted to get serious, and mate, but Jasper can’t because of his reviled family name. Ari deals in trading of rare items, he is successful due to the contacts he has made over decades, and Jasper thinks mating with him will ruin Ari’s business. Ari has already lost his family, and Jasper doesn’t want him to lose anything more.
The Story: Emilia is told that to break the curse she needs to find her mate or find pleasure on a serpent’s tongue. But she is shy and hasn’t really been in to casual sex, so she doesn’t really know if the matchmaker will be able to help her. However, she figures if doing the dirty with a serpent monster will turn the snakes on her head back into hair, it is worth a try. It turns out that her savior is much closer than expected, her boss Jasper and his friend Ari are the ones who can help her with her curse.
The story had some depth to it with the issues in the relationship between Ari and Jasper, and the addition of Emilia into their lives. Plus, it turns out that she wasn’t cursed, she was given a gift from the gods. Of course, she doesn’t see it as a gift, especially after she turns a coworker to stone. I did like the story quite a bit and I loved that Emilia becomes stronger and comes to love the serpents. I also quite liked both Ari and Jasper. You had to feel for Jasper because he was dealt a bad hand with so many of his kind hating him for something his ancestors did. Ari liked to be the dominant in more ways than one, taking control of what he wanted from the start.
This audiobook was done in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Valentina Ortiz and Matthew Thomasin. Valentina has a clear voice, that is very pleasant and expressive, though not one of my favorites. Matthew has a nice deep voice and and is able to use different voice tones for different characters so you can tell between the two main male characters.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🙂🥰😎😄
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Emilia - she works in book restoration, and she opened a magical book that cursed her. Her friend Grace knew right away that Emilia was cursed and brought her to a paranormal matchmaker to help her. Emilia was abducted a few weeks ago and was rescued by gargoyles. That is when she found out that the world wasn’t quite what she thought it was. Her curse is dangerous to her and everyone around her, especially her loved ones. The curse turned her into a Medusa, though she doesn’t know for sure if looking into someone’s eyes will turn them to stone. Though she does need a glamour to make her look human again.
The Heroes: Ari and Jasper - They are both basilisk shifters. Jasper is the director of the library and does his best to fundraise for the upkeep of the building, to keep the walls from falling in. The library has a huge paranormal collection, and they have to spend money to keep it intact. Jasper and Ari have been having a casual relationship for 7 years. Ari has wanted to get serious, and mate, but Jasper can’t because of his reviled family name. Ari deals in trading of rare items, he is successful due to the contacts he has made over decades, and Jasper thinks mating with him will ruin Ari’s business. Ari has already lost his family, and Jasper doesn’t want him to lose anything more.
The Story: Emilia is told that to break the curse she needs to find her mate or find pleasure on a serpent’s tongue. But she is shy and hasn’t really been in to casual sex, so she doesn’t really know if the matchmaker will be able to help her. However, she figures if doing the dirty with a serpent monster will turn the snakes on her head back into hair, it is worth a try. It turns out that her savior is much closer than expected, her boss Jasper and his friend Ari are the ones who can help her with her curse.
The story had some depth to it with the issues in the relationship between Ari and Jasper, and the addition of Emilia into their lives. Plus, it turns out that she wasn’t cursed, she was given a gift from the gods. Of course, she doesn’t see it as a gift, especially after she turns a coworker to stone. I did like the story quite a bit and I loved that Emilia becomes stronger and comes to love the serpents. I also quite liked both Ari and Jasper. You had to feel for Jasper because he was dealt a bad hand with so many of his kind hating him for something his ancestors did. Ari liked to be the dominant in more ways than one, taking control of what he wanted from the start.
This audiobook was done in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Valentina Ortiz and Matthew Thomasin. Valentina has a clear voice, that is very pleasant and expressive, though not one of my favorites. Matthew has a nice deep voice and and is able to use different voice tones for different characters so you can tell between the two main male characters.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
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October 18, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ This was amazing and I want more!
I didn't want this triad's story to end. It's the first book I read from this series, and now I'm highly tempted to make my way back to books #1 and #2 and read them immediately!
Emilia is a book conservator/ restorer who works in a prestigious library. Her boss is a stern man named Mr. Jasper Adder, who unbeknown to her has always been a Basilisk. When he leaves a strange, old book for her to review -not an uncommon occurrence given her occupation- the last thing Emilia expects is for a mysterious power to surge from it, turning her hair into snakes and giving her the power to turn people to stone with her stare. Appalled by her new circumstances, Emilia enrols Jasper and his ex-lover Ari to take steeps into learning how to get rid of the curse.
Aside for a couple grammatical mistakes/ odd choices, this book was sooooo good! I would highly recommend it as a Valentine's Day treat, which is what I've done. It was fluffy and spicy, sweet and angsty, and just the perfect read for those days when you need to take your mind off the real world. Also, there's BDSM monster smut, so really...
It was an overall wondrous experience!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 /5
I didn't want this triad's story to end. It's the first book I read from this series, and now I'm highly tempted to make my way back to books #1 and #2 and read them immediately!
Emilia is a book conservator/ restorer who works in a prestigious library. Her boss is a stern man named Mr. Jasper Adder, who unbeknown to her has always been a Basilisk. When he leaves a strange, old book for her to review -not an uncommon occurrence given her occupation- the last thing Emilia expects is for a mysterious power to surge from it, turning her hair into snakes and giving her the power to turn people to stone with her stare. Appalled by her new circumstances, Emilia enrols Jasper and his ex-lover Ari to take steeps into learning how to get rid of the curse.
Aside for a couple grammatical mistakes/ odd choices, this book was sooooo good! I would highly recommend it as a Valentine's Day treat, which is what I've done. It was fluffy and spicy, sweet and angsty, and just the perfect read for those days when you need to take your mind off the real world. Also, there's BDSM monster smut, so really...
It was an overall wondrous experience!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 /5
January 7, 2023
I love Lillian Lark and I will absolutely continue this series, this just wasn't a favorite for me. I liked the plot and characters, but there was something about it that just didnt connect. I think instead of feeling angsty, the issues they face individually, and as a group, gave the entire story kind of an awkward negative vibe, and I kept waiting for that sizzling tension and hopeful love-conquers-all moment and it just kinda fell flat. I still enjoyed it cause, snake shifters, and can't wait for Hoarded by the Dragon
March 26, 2023
TFW people are outraged over a character's actions but you're thinking, eh, it wasn't that bad? 🤷♀️ This series has had a few manipulative MCs, which I know is a deal breaker for some readers. But I admit I'm a morally grey reader - I will easily forgive almost anything a character does if their goal is to get (or keep) their love interest.
So I really liked this and felt that Ari, Jasper, and Emilia were all relatable characters.
● Emilia has social anxiety, and overall I was happy with its representation. There was no tragic origin for it - it was just a part of her. And her real personality only comes out with people she feels comfortable with, which I really relate to!
● I loved Ari the most, because charmers are my kryptonite. He's also the most dominant, but the power dynamic between them switched sometimes, which was fun.
● Jasper's character arc was touching, and I melted when he discovered how much he loved being needed.
🐍 I struggled a bit with the descriptions of her snake "hair". A few times it verged on body horror for me, but I haven't seen anyone else have this issue, so it's probably just a personal glitch.
other notes:
● This is free on KU, but I mainly listened to the new audiobook. Finally we have a dual narration, and it's a big upgrade from the previous two audiobooks in this series.
● There is a 🥵 bonus epilogue if you sign up for her newsletter.
● To see all my tags, click on the date in the upper right corner of my review. 🔍
So I really liked this and felt that Ari, Jasper, and Emilia were all relatable characters.
● Emilia has social anxiety, and overall I was happy with its representation. There was no tragic origin for it - it was just a part of her. And her real personality only comes out with people she feels comfortable with, which I really relate to!
● I loved Ari the most, because charmers are my kryptonite. He's also the most dominant, but the power dynamic between them switched sometimes, which was fun.
● Jasper's character arc was touching, and I melted when he discovered how much he loved being needed.
🐍 I struggled a bit with the descriptions of her snake "hair". A few times it verged on body horror for me, but I haven't seen anyone else have this issue, so it's probably just a personal glitch.
other notes:
● This is free on KU, but I mainly listened to the new audiobook. Finally we have a dual narration, and it's a big upgrade from the previous two audiobooks in this series.
● There is a 🥵 bonus epilogue if you sign up for her newsletter.
● To see all my tags, click on the date in the upper right corner of my review. 🔍
December 22, 2022
I can always count on Lillian Lark to write something heartwarming and beautiful.
Emilia was a great best friend in Deceived by the Gargoyles and I loved to see her getting her own book. She is a very relatable character, since she’s a introverted bookworm who deals with anxiety, and her response since finding out about the paranormal world was absolute terror. Which I think was very human of her.
But then she’s not all that human anymore, but Jasper and Ari are so dedicated in helping her and oh my god I love those two. I swooned HARD.
This story has a few remarkable details. First, the fact that is a mix between second chances, slow burn and grumpy boss falling for a introverted employee. And 3 mcs who aren’t perfect, not by a long shot, and have many, many things to work on themselves. Jasper broke my heart completely, Ari is a cunning big snake who needs to redeem himself and does it, and Emilia needs to step on her power and accept herself. There’s a scene of Emilia in front of the mirror by the end of the book that was so touching, and every woman can identify with that in some way - including those of us who never turned into Medusa after opening some book.
Another successful installment in these lovely series!
Emilia was a great best friend in Deceived by the Gargoyles and I loved to see her getting her own book. She is a very relatable character, since she’s a introverted bookworm who deals with anxiety, and her response since finding out about the paranormal world was absolute terror. Which I think was very human of her.
But then she’s not all that human anymore, but Jasper and Ari are so dedicated in helping her and oh my god I love those two. I swooned HARD.
This story has a few remarkable details. First, the fact that is a mix between second chances, slow burn and grumpy boss falling for a introverted employee. And 3 mcs who aren’t perfect, not by a long shot, and have many, many things to work on themselves. Jasper broke my heart completely, Ari is a cunning big snake who needs to redeem himself and does it, and Emilia needs to step on her power and accept herself. There’s a scene of Emilia in front of the mirror by the end of the book that was so touching, and every woman can identify with that in some way - including those of us who never turned into Medusa after opening some book.
Another successful installment in these lovely series!
January 26, 2023
I didn’t expect this much emotions to hit me while reading this and that is my highlight of reading this book.
Three completely different people came together because of circumstances and navigate new possibilities and on the way they all help each other heal and empower.
Loved the plot, politics, world building and secondary characters. And there was so much smut 🔥.
Recommended.
Three completely different people came together because of circumstances and navigate new possibilities and on the way they all help each other heal and empower.
Loved the plot, politics, world building and secondary characters. And there was so much smut 🔥.
Recommended.
October 23, 2023
3 stars I really enjoyed Deceived by the Gargoyles but I just never connected with this story or the characters. The writing is fine but I was just bored the whole time.
March 21, 2024
3.75⭐
this one definitely didn't steal my heart like the gargoyle's did, but it was still enjoyable. despite the fact that i felt more detached from these characters, i really love this monstrous world the author has created, and her way of writing really brings it to life. it's so cozy and addictive.
also...apparently i'm not super into snakes lol.
this one definitely didn't steal my heart like the gargoyle's did, but it was still enjoyable. despite the fact that i felt more detached from these characters, i really love this monstrous world the author has created, and her way of writing really brings it to life. it's so cozy and addictive.
also...apparently i'm not super into snakes lol.
July 10, 2023
I guess snake's really aren't to be trusted...
Characters:
Emilia is a human archivist and was introduced in the previous novel of this series. She hold a lot of anxiety and that effects her a lot. I liked her quite a bit.
m Jasper is a grumpy overworked viper shifter who wants both Emilia and Ari but denies himself anything. I really liked him and understood his insecurities. Ari is another snake shifter who after several years in a causal relationship with Jasper want to be together for-real, he sees Emilia as a way to make that happen. I disliked him that he was so manipulative. It was hard for me to turn off my critical brain to get past that aspect of his personality when it was so constant. Like 70% in the book he was still keeping secrets and wanted to put his need's first.
Plot:
There were a couple plot points going on here that I found interesting. There was a conflict between Jasper and Ari and what a relationship between them would mean because of their class differences. Meanwhile, Emilia has been "cursed" by a book from her job and is basically medusa-fied. The possible cure? Pleasure from a serpent kin. Her life further entangles with the basilisk duo as they search for a way to remove the "curse" while also developing a connection.
This was very relationship development focused which I like in paranormal romance. However, the relationship dynamic between Ari and each person really grated my interest. It was better when it wasn't in his POV and he wasn't obviously being manipulative and hiding things for his benefit. I wish it focused more on the outside conflicts affecting their relationship and not Ari keeping secrets and being sneaky. (He isn't even sorry either — not really.
Secret Sauce:
There was good chemistry and development between the characters which made their more explicit scenes together all the better. The nicknames made me cringe a lot though.
Rating: I give this book a 2/5
Characters:
Emilia is a human archivist and was introduced in the previous novel of this series. She hold a lot of anxiety and that effects her a lot. I liked her quite a bit.
m Jasper is a grumpy overworked viper shifter who wants both Emilia and Ari but denies himself anything. I really liked him and understood his insecurities. Ari is another snake shifter who after several years in a causal relationship with Jasper want to be together for-real, he sees Emilia as a way to make that happen. I disliked him that he was so manipulative. It was hard for me to turn off my critical brain to get past that aspect of his personality when it was so constant. Like 70% in the book he was still keeping secrets and wanted to put his need's first.
Plot:
There were a couple plot points going on here that I found interesting. There was a conflict between Jasper and Ari and what a relationship between them would mean because of their class differences. Meanwhile, Emilia has been "cursed" by a book from her job and is basically medusa-fied. The possible cure? Pleasure from a serpent kin. Her life further entangles with the basilisk duo as they search for a way to remove the "curse" while also developing a connection.
This was very relationship development focused which I like in paranormal romance. However, the relationship dynamic between Ari and each person really grated my interest. It was better when it wasn't in his POV and he wasn't obviously being manipulative and hiding things for his benefit. I wish it focused more on the outside conflicts affecting their relationship and not Ari keeping secrets and being sneaky. (He isn't even sorry either — not really.
Secret Sauce:
There was good chemistry and development between the characters which made their more explicit scenes together all the better. The nicknames made me cringe a lot though.
Rating: I give this book a 2/5
December 14, 2022
(I received an ARC of this book, unbiased review etc etc)
I love Lillian Lark's writing, and this is another stoater from my favourite author of cozy monster smut.
We have a poly triad not-so-slowly (but realistically once you factor in the snakes) forming from quite a tumultuous pairing. Jasper and Ari were well-rounded characters, it was very nice to see 'The Director' step away from the Library and be more of an internal mess, and Ari was just the right combo of arrogant and caring.
Lillian consistently writes realistic polyam relationships, properly exploring the dynamics between all parties and I enjoyed seeing Emilia with both her blokes, and Jasper and Ari not neglect their own relationship.
The smut was A+, as expected, with everyone getting their moment and scene to shine.
If you've enjoyed any of Lillian's previous work, then you'll love this, and if you're a fan of monster romance, with smut and a low-stakes (but very present) plot, absolutely give it a go!
I love Lillian Lark's writing, and this is another stoater from my favourite author of cozy monster smut.
We have a poly triad not-so-slowly (but realistically once you factor in the snakes) forming from quite a tumultuous pairing. Jasper and Ari were well-rounded characters, it was very nice to see 'The Director' step away from the Library and be more of an internal mess, and Ari was just the right combo of arrogant and caring.
Lillian consistently writes realistic polyam relationships, properly exploring the dynamics between all parties and I enjoyed seeing Emilia with both her blokes, and Jasper and Ari not neglect their own relationship.
The smut was A+, as expected, with everyone getting their moment and scene to shine.
If you've enjoyed any of Lillian's previous work, then you'll love this, and if you're a fan of monster romance, with smut and a low-stakes (but very present) plot, absolutely give it a go!
October 10, 2023
I think this might be my favorite in the series so far!
Am not sure if it's because of the story, the smut, or the snakes. It's probably a mix of all the above lol.
Despite the fact that this is a monster romance, Lillian Lark's characters always feel so real and very human to me. I love the vulnerabilities they all have, the way they all grow into their own to be the best versions of themselves. The character development and revelations in this one, one specific person's actually, made me cry because I was so happy for them. :')
Emilia's thoughts were relatable af, I adore Jasper, and don't at me but I really liked Ari's manipulations lol.
I do wish there was more lore and exploration of all the serpentine powers and a touch more angst, but that's just me being greedy.
I can't wait for Hoarded by the Dragon!
Quick run down: cock pockets, double penetration, MMF, MM, MF, fucking a man not in the ass or mouth wink wink nudge nudge.
Am not sure if it's because of the story, the smut, or the snakes. It's probably a mix of all the above lol.
Despite the fact that this is a monster romance, Lillian Lark's characters always feel so real and very human to me. I love the vulnerabilities they all have, the way they all grow into their own to be the best versions of themselves. The character development and revelations in this one, one specific person's actually, made me cry because I was so happy for them. :')
Emilia's thoughts were relatable af, I adore Jasper, and don't at me but I really liked Ari's manipulations lol.
I do wish there was more lore and exploration of all the serpentine powers and a touch more angst, but that's just me being greedy.
I can't wait for Hoarded by the Dragon!
Quick run down: cock pockets, double penetration, MMF, MM, MF, fucking a man not in the ass or mouth wink wink nudge nudge.
August 2, 2024
Zaradila by som to do jednej kategórie so sériou A Deal With a Demon od Katee Robert, ale násobne lepšie. Lepší štýl písania a vykreslenie deja.
Tá zápletka bola dosť suchá, spravili drámu z ničoho.
Tá zápletka bola dosť suchá, spravili drámu z ničoho.
December 29, 2022
Entranced by the Basilisks | Lillian Lark
Monstrous Matches Series
5⭐
Omgoodness! I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was that there was an opening on Lillian’s Arc team for this book! I was over the moon happy. I am a huge fan, and because of Lillian, I found Monster Romance, and I haven’t looked back since!
Entranced by the Basilisks is another in the Monstrous Matches Universe. Fans of the Deceived by the Gargoyles book begged for Emilia (the best friend of Grace) to have her own book, and Lillian answered! I know I was one of those people that reached out to her on Tiktok saying the very same thing. Emilia, a human, works in a paranormal library restoring rare tomes. Still reeling from being kidnaped and used as bait, Emilia welcomes the distraction of work. Emily opens a crate and is thrust into the paranormal world once again, but this time as the serpent kin’s Chosen. As the Chosen, she now has magical abilities and has venomous snakes crowning her head!
The story follows Emilia, the library’s director, Jasper, and Ari, Jasper’s long-time lover. Together, Ari and Jasper train Emilia to control her new abilities while searching for a way to reverse the curse/gift bestowed upon her. Their time together is very spicy, and I have learned many new things about the anatomy of the serpent kin. Hot hot hot! Lillian does not disappoint.
Thank you to Lillian Lark, who gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kindle
370 Pages
Genres:
Fiction | Paranormal | Romance | Monster Romance | Erotica | Fantasy |
Monstrous Matches Series
5⭐
Omgoodness! I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was that there was an opening on Lillian’s Arc team for this book! I was over the moon happy. I am a huge fan, and because of Lillian, I found Monster Romance, and I haven’t looked back since!
Entranced by the Basilisks is another in the Monstrous Matches Universe. Fans of the Deceived by the Gargoyles book begged for Emilia (the best friend of Grace) to have her own book, and Lillian answered! I know I was one of those people that reached out to her on Tiktok saying the very same thing. Emilia, a human, works in a paranormal library restoring rare tomes. Still reeling from being kidnaped and used as bait, Emilia welcomes the distraction of work. Emily opens a crate and is thrust into the paranormal world once again, but this time as the serpent kin’s Chosen. As the Chosen, she now has magical abilities and has venomous snakes crowning her head!
The story follows Emilia, the library’s director, Jasper, and Ari, Jasper’s long-time lover. Together, Ari and Jasper train Emilia to control her new abilities while searching for a way to reverse the curse/gift bestowed upon her. Their time together is very spicy, and I have learned many new things about the anatomy of the serpent kin. Hot hot hot! Lillian does not disappoint.
Thank you to Lillian Lark, who gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kindle
370 Pages
Genres:
Fiction | Paranormal | Romance | Monster Romance | Erotica | Fantasy |
January 8, 2023
I’m trying to commit to writing reviews again. It’s a little hard because I finish them at really random and inconvenient times of the day but, fuck it.
I’ll start by saying I love Lillian lark, she does monster romance SO well. She always makes the relationship achingly sweet and the development is usually well done. This story threw me off a bit and I honestly believe the low level of enjoyment I had was was a result of not feeling completely immersed in the story.
I’m a mood reader so I truly want to attribute my feelings to that.
On that note, I felt a little bit confused by this MCs characterization. I don’t believe i felt she was flushed out. I love that she had a hispanic background and the inclusion of her mom as a character was really enjoyable, but there was just this disconnect I experienced which I also felt with the love interests.
I love Ari our resident dom serpent, he was so compelling and interesting, but I felt like I didn’t know anything about him and the motivations behind the choices he made beyond this desire to keep his mates no matter what. This lead to some choices that backfired on him, as they were inherently manipulative, but i would have been more interested in developing the reasons behind this beyond self interest.
I think Jasper, our other love interest, was really cute, but!!! His dialogue kept throwing me out of the story. There was this lack of contractions and random phrasing that felt almost foreign, which isn’t explained. I don’t know if I’m supposed to assume this is what an intellectual sounds like because he’s a director of a library? I’m not too sure.
Overall I wish I was more emotionally connected to this story. I don’t think it did enough for me. I love angst in a monster romance, and this story accomplished this. I loved the third act realization/fall out. I love that even though they were going through it they knew that this was a hiccup in their path to the rest of their lives together. As an anxious reader this really soothed me. (So I ate it up)
Ultimately it’s a solid story overall, I think I just needed something more.
I’m totally reading whatever comes next though. 💗
I’ll start by saying I love Lillian lark, she does monster romance SO well. She always makes the relationship achingly sweet and the development is usually well done. This story threw me off a bit and I honestly believe the low level of enjoyment I had was was a result of not feeling completely immersed in the story.
I’m a mood reader so I truly want to attribute my feelings to that.
On that note, I felt a little bit confused by this MCs characterization. I don’t believe i felt she was flushed out. I love that she had a hispanic background and the inclusion of her mom as a character was really enjoyable, but there was just this disconnect I experienced which I also felt with the love interests.
I love Ari our resident dom serpent, he was so compelling and interesting, but I felt like I didn’t know anything about him and the motivations behind the choices he made beyond this desire to keep his mates no matter what. This lead to some choices that backfired on him, as they were inherently manipulative, but i would have been more interested in developing the reasons behind this beyond self interest.
I think Jasper, our other love interest, was really cute, but!!! His dialogue kept throwing me out of the story. There was this lack of contractions and random phrasing that felt almost foreign, which isn’t explained. I don’t know if I’m supposed to assume this is what an intellectual sounds like because he’s a director of a library? I’m not too sure.
Overall I wish I was more emotionally connected to this story. I don’t think it did enough for me. I love angst in a monster romance, and this story accomplished this. I loved the third act realization/fall out. I love that even though they were going through it they knew that this was a hiccup in their path to the rest of their lives together. As an anxious reader this really soothed me. (So I ate it up)
Ultimately it’s a solid story overall, I think I just needed something more.
I’m totally reading whatever comes next though. 💗
Read
January 2, 2023DNF 47% I really like how different all these characters are. And the story is new and interesting. But I’m just really having a hard time feeling any chemistry. I feel like I don’t really care if they get together or not. And that’s not really enjoyable, so I’m going to bow out of this one.
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