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Blood and Sand #2
Sea of Snakes
Zeke, Skyler, Dom and Rake—they grew up on this island and are in charge of protecting its various interests. They’re used to being in control of everything here. Including the surf. I’ve been kidnapped by a dangerous man, and am being used as collateral while my father comes up with the funds to pay off his debt (sadly not the worst thing he’s ever done although it’s up there), and if he doesn’t come up with the cash soon I’ll be auctioned off to the highest bidder. In the meantime, these four men are tasked with keeping me in their control and protecting me, and they take their role very seriously.
But they’re not the only people to be concerned about. I’m tough in my own way. I can tell that they want all of me, to take me over like they do everything else. But five can play this game, and I’m not good at losing.
**This is a Dark Reverse Harem/Why Choose Romance. 18+. Warning: this book includes graphic violence and sex scenes, and references of abuse/assault that some readers may experience as triggering.
But they’re not the only people to be concerned about. I’m tough in my own way. I can tell that they want all of me, to take me over like they do everything else. But five can play this game, and I’m not good at losing.
**This is a Dark Reverse Harem/Why Choose Romance. 18+. Warning: this book includes graphic violence and sex scenes, and references of abuse/assault that some readers may experience as triggering.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2023
563 people are currently reading
1371 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Stark
30 books384 followersHeidi Stark writes contemporary dark romance with a twist of danger, desire, and the occasional sports scandal.
Known for her badass heroines and irresistibly morally grey men, Heidi has captivated readers with 20+ titles, including the gripping Blood and Sand series, the fiery Volcano of Pain, and her highly anticipated new release, Beautiful Terror.
Originally hailing from the lush landscapes of New Zealand, Heidi now calls the U.S. home, where she shares her creative chaos with her feline sidekick, Fang.
When she’s not crafting heart-pounding stories, Heidi is a whirlwind of energy—hitting up barre classes, devouring true crime podcasts, dabbling in roller derby, people-watching, or indulging in her guilty pleasure: reality TV binges. Always on the hunt for inspiration, she’s probably plotting her next book—or her next travel adventure.
Dark, daring, and deliciously addictive—Heidi’s world is one you’ll never want to leave.
Subscribe to Heidi's newsletter here, and join her on social media:
facebook: @heidistarkauthor
instagram: @heidistarkauthor
twitter: @heidistarkauthr
Threads: @heidistarkauthor
Bluesky: @heidistarkauthor
Rednote: @heidistarkauthor
X: @heidistarkauthr
Website
Known for her badass heroines and irresistibly morally grey men, Heidi has captivated readers with 20+ titles, including the gripping Blood and Sand series, the fiery Volcano of Pain, and her highly anticipated new release, Beautiful Terror.
Originally hailing from the lush landscapes of New Zealand, Heidi now calls the U.S. home, where she shares her creative chaos with her feline sidekick, Fang.
When she’s not crafting heart-pounding stories, Heidi is a whirlwind of energy—hitting up barre classes, devouring true crime podcasts, dabbling in roller derby, people-watching, or indulging in her guilty pleasure: reality TV binges. Always on the hunt for inspiration, she’s probably plotting her next book—or her next travel adventure.
Dark, daring, and deliciously addictive—Heidi’s world is one you’ll never want to leave.
Subscribe to Heidi's newsletter here, and join her on social media:
facebook: @heidistarkauthor
instagram: @heidistarkauthor
twitter: @heidistarkauthr
Threads: @heidistarkauthor
Bluesky: @heidistarkauthor
Rednote: @heidistarkauthor
X: @heidistarkauthr
Website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
December 16, 2024
╭ ✦ •
│
│ ⊹ 𝟹.𝟻𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚐! ⊹
│
╰ ✦ •
I have mixed feelings about this one. As an avid reader of romance, reverse harem, and steamy sex scenes, I have to say that this book falls on the 4-chili pepper scale in terms of heat level. And while I enjoyed it, some things failed to deliver.
This is a dark reverse harem story with the captor/captive, enemies-to-lovers trope. In this case, there are four hot captors.
I was initially drawn to this book by its attractive cover, also the book blitz I featured back in January, I have to say that my interest waned as I progressed through the story. While the beginning was promising, it ultimately failed to deliver the level of plot development that I had anticipated from the book's description, leaving me wanting more world-building and character development. I would have liked to see more of the characters' jobs and backgrounds. It would have been great to see Devon open up to the men more and vice versa. As a reverse harem read, it certainly provided some spice, but I personally prefer a bit more substance to my reads.
Devon's darkness is intimidating to many, with her impressive drinking ability and a deep disdain for her father. Despite this, she begrudgingly accompanies him on an annual vacation to maintain access to her trust fund. However, her life takes a sudden turn when her father's debts aren't paid on time, she gets abducted and given to these four striking, tattooed men who are to keep an eye on her, while Tane and his men set up a bidding war on her. Her four tattooed men are just as damaged as she is, but they develop a strong bond that transcends their traumatic circumstances.
The characters were mediocre at best, and the writing style felt contrived and immature, particularly in the character's dialogue. Despite the fact that they were supposed to be in their thirties and forties, they all seemed to blend together as if they were written the same way with different backgrounds. Devon, who was supposed to be a strong character with a dark past, didn't come across as such, and her past was only touched on briefly.
The author used a mix of explicit language, proper terminology, and clean young adult-style terms, but some scenes felt forced and unrealistic; like one scene at the very end... with the surfboard.. it was WEIRD and didn't make sense at all and some parts of the book seemed repetitive and poorly written. The last few chapters were simply reiterations of what had been said before from each character's point of view.
As an avid reader, one of my pet peeves is when a book doesn't seem to be well-edited or well-structured. There were quite a few errors, I did not receive an ARC of this book, so it was the final published draft on KU. I actually emailed the author about some things, like the MC's name wasn't even spelled right in one chapter (Devin instead of Devon like it should be), awkward sentences that were missing words, using the word three (when there were 4 guys), etc.
This book was a lengthy 309 pages, yet I feel like nothing really happened, besides the characters getting to somewhat know each other. I appreciated the book's premise, but it failed to deliver a satisfying resolution and didn't live up to my expectations. There was so much more potential to the story, and it left me wanting to know more. If you want a spicy reverse harem experience, this book may be a perfect fit.
_________________________________
Sea of Snakes | Review
Sea of Sinners | Review
Sea of Rage | Review
Sea of Pain | Review
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
│
│ ⊹ 𝟹.𝟻𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚐! ⊹
│
╰ ✦ •
I have mixed feelings about this one. As an avid reader of romance, reverse harem, and steamy sex scenes, I have to say that this book falls on the 4-chili pepper scale in terms of heat level. And while I enjoyed it, some things failed to deliver.
This is a dark reverse harem story with the captor/captive, enemies-to-lovers trope. In this case, there are four hot captors.
I was initially drawn to this book by its attractive cover, also the book blitz I featured back in January, I have to say that my interest waned as I progressed through the story. While the beginning was promising, it ultimately failed to deliver the level of plot development that I had anticipated from the book's description, leaving me wanting more world-building and character development. I would have liked to see more of the characters' jobs and backgrounds. It would have been great to see Devon open up to the men more and vice versa. As a reverse harem read, it certainly provided some spice, but I personally prefer a bit more substance to my reads.
Devon's darkness is intimidating to many, with her impressive drinking ability and a deep disdain for her father. Despite this, she begrudgingly accompanies him on an annual vacation to maintain access to her trust fund. However, her life takes a sudden turn when her father's debts aren't paid on time, she gets abducted and given to these four striking, tattooed men who are to keep an eye on her, while Tane and his men set up a bidding war on her. Her four tattooed men are just as damaged as she is, but they develop a strong bond that transcends their traumatic circumstances.
The characters were mediocre at best, and the writing style felt contrived and immature, particularly in the character's dialogue. Despite the fact that they were supposed to be in their thirties and forties, they all seemed to blend together as if they were written the same way with different backgrounds. Devon, who was supposed to be a strong character with a dark past, didn't come across as such, and her past was only touched on briefly.
The author used a mix of explicit language, proper terminology, and clean young adult-style terms, but some scenes felt forced and unrealistic; like one scene at the very end... with the surfboard.. it was WEIRD and didn't make sense at all and some parts of the book seemed repetitive and poorly written. The last few chapters were simply reiterations of what had been said before from each character's point of view.
As an avid reader, one of my pet peeves is when a book doesn't seem to be well-edited or well-structured. There were quite a few errors, I did not receive an ARC of this book, so it was the final published draft on KU. I actually emailed the author about some things, like the MC's name wasn't even spelled right in one chapter (Devin instead of Devon like it should be), awkward sentences that were missing words, using the word three (when there were 4 guys), etc.
This book was a lengthy 309 pages, yet I feel like nothing really happened, besides the characters getting to somewhat know each other. I appreciated the book's premise, but it failed to deliver a satisfying resolution and didn't live up to my expectations. There was so much more potential to the story, and it left me wanting to know more. If you want a spicy reverse harem experience, this book may be a perfect fit.
_________________________________
Sea of Snakes | Review
Sea of Sinners | Review
Sea of Rage | Review
Sea of Pain | Review
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
February 4, 2023
3.75 Stars
This is a dark reverse harem story with the captor/captive trope. In this case, there are four hot captors. It's a steamy read with a good plot. With that being said, the second half of the story lacked a balance between the steamy scenes and the storyline. I was hoping to see more of the boys in action. I wanted to see them on these dangerous runs/errands instead of being told that's what they do. Something to break up all the steamy scenes. Other than that, it was a good read. If you're a fan of dark romances and reverse harems, this is worth checking out.
TW: Pain kink, MFM action, and abuse.
***I would like to thank NetGalley and Heidi Stark for graciously sending me a copy of the novel to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.**
This is a dark reverse harem story with the captor/captive trope. In this case, there are four hot captors. It's a steamy read with a good plot. With that being said, the second half of the story lacked a balance between the steamy scenes and the storyline. I was hoping to see more of the boys in action. I wanted to see them on these dangerous runs/errands instead of being told that's what they do. Something to break up all the steamy scenes. Other than that, it was a good read. If you're a fan of dark romances and reverse harems, this is worth checking out.
TW: Pain kink, MFM action, and abuse.
***I would like to thank NetGalley and Heidi Stark for graciously sending me a copy of the novel to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.**
February 21, 2023
Really wanted to love it.
Saw the blurb for this and was excited to read it, but it fell flat. The writing was a bit juvenile, as we're the characters, who were supposed to be in their thirties and forties. The first quarter of this was hard enough to get through, as it seemed like the 4 guys were going to force themselves on her. This was a DNF for me.
Saw the blurb for this and was excited to read it, but it fell flat. The writing was a bit juvenile, as we're the characters, who were supposed to be in their thirties and forties. The first quarter of this was hard enough to get through, as it seemed like the 4 guys were going to force themselves on her. This was a DNF for me.
September 19, 2023
A great dark romance between 4 friends who grew up together on an island.
Their bond and life choices makes them like brothers. They're all HOT, dangerous and lost.
Until they meet Devon, she's strong, beautiful, sassy, spicy and everything they all didn't realized that they needed. A great story filled with a ton of thrilling suspense gangsta style, well kinda.
This is truly what books are made for dreamy, on the edge, nail biting, unrealistic but... oh so erotic, steamy, passion filled and fun. It was a delicious read.
Their bond and life choices makes them like brothers. They're all HOT, dangerous and lost.
Until they meet Devon, she's strong, beautiful, sassy, spicy and everything they all didn't realized that they needed. A great story filled with a ton of thrilling suspense gangsta style, well kinda.
This is truly what books are made for dreamy, on the edge, nail biting, unrealistic but... oh so erotic, steamy, passion filled and fun. It was a delicious read.
May 23, 2023
I have so many questions! This left me wanting to know more about her father and his side of things? Could have been executed better tbh but I loved it either way
May 25, 2023
Blurb was the best part
So, this book sounded promising. And then I actually started reading it.
First off, SPOILERS, we have guys that seemingly hate r@pists. That's good, right? That's how it should be. Except for the first part of the book all they talk about is what they're gonna do to the h, who is their captive, and it's not inferred as consensual. Here begins the convoluted, wishy washy, wanna be dark, confusing story that is this book.
The characters are supposed to be in their 30s and 40s. Which makes zero sense and does not fit in with the story or the behaviors or the dialogues. These characters, settings, etc come across as late teens, maybe early 20s.
There's not much world building or much of anything, we are thrown right into everything and the little we are given along the way is supposed to make the characters deep and intriguing and likable, but it comes off more as a forgotten mini info dump that doesn't make you invested.
I *think* this is supposed to come across as dark, but it doesn't. It ends up reading as someone striving hard to be dark but who can't actually pull the trigger, other than the h smacked a couple of times, which honestly just disgusted me and made me angry. This book was not dark. It was playing dress up in ill-fitting clothes.
The ending was just a hot mess that I'm not wasting my time picking apart.
So yeah, I did not enjoy this book and won't be continuing the series.
So, this book sounded promising. And then I actually started reading it.
First off, SPOILERS, we have guys that seemingly hate r@pists. That's good, right? That's how it should be. Except for the first part of the book all they talk about is what they're gonna do to the h, who is their captive, and it's not inferred as consensual. Here begins the convoluted, wishy washy, wanna be dark, confusing story that is this book.
The characters are supposed to be in their 30s and 40s. Which makes zero sense and does not fit in with the story or the behaviors or the dialogues. These characters, settings, etc come across as late teens, maybe early 20s.
There's not much world building or much of anything, we are thrown right into everything and the little we are given along the way is supposed to make the characters deep and intriguing and likable, but it comes off more as a forgotten mini info dump that doesn't make you invested.
I *think* this is supposed to come across as dark, but it doesn't. It ends up reading as someone striving hard to be dark but who can't actually pull the trigger, other than the h smacked a couple of times, which honestly just disgusted me and made me angry. This book was not dark. It was playing dress up in ill-fitting clothes.
The ending was just a hot mess that I'm not wasting my time picking apart.
So yeah, I did not enjoy this book and won't be continuing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2024
ARC copy.
I adored this book!
A 35 year old MC, here for it! (Being a ginger too helped obviously!) I loved Devon. Bad ass, whisky drinking and full of bite.
The "Ocean Gods" were wonderful and I loved their development alongside Devon.
My only dislike was that I wanted more. I needed more from them because I loved their stories I just felt that they all had things that were touched on, but not realised to their full potential. Maybe leaving room for more, but I felt like it could have been in this book.
Overall a great read, not just steamy, but a great story too!
Edited to add I've just read den of vipers and there are more than a few striking similarities. I feel like after reading DoV this book definitely needed more fleshing and originality
I adored this book!
A 35 year old MC, here for it! (Being a ginger too helped obviously!) I loved Devon. Bad ass, whisky drinking and full of bite.
The "Ocean Gods" were wonderful and I loved their development alongside Devon.
My only dislike was that I wanted more. I needed more from them because I loved their stories I just felt that they all had things that were touched on, but not realised to their full potential. Maybe leaving room for more, but I felt like it could have been in this book.
Overall a great read, not just steamy, but a great story too!
Edited to add I've just read den of vipers and there are more than a few striking similarities. I feel like after reading DoV this book definitely needed more fleshing and originality
February 11, 2023
3 1/2 stars
I confess that I like a pretty cover and this one definitely is. That being said, it's what drew me to this book initially. The book started off fairly strong but then somewhere along the way, it just fizzled for me. I knew when I started it that I was getting a reverse harem read and that was fine, but from the description, I expected a bit more plot. Unfortunately, that hope faded away pretty quickly as the book progressed and what could have been a spicy read with an intriguing storyline just ended up being a spicy read. And for many readers, that's okay, I'm just not one of them, I like a little story with my spice and didn't really get that here. The bummer is it started with all the potential of delivering that and then just didn't.....
However, like I said, there are plenty of readers out there who will still love this book. It does deliver four hot men who are willing to cater to the heroine's every need in a beautiful tropical location. So, if you're looking for a spicy reverse harem read, then look no further - - you'll love this book. And seriously....the cover is so cool!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
I confess that I like a pretty cover and this one definitely is. That being said, it's what drew me to this book initially. The book started off fairly strong but then somewhere along the way, it just fizzled for me. I knew when I started it that I was getting a reverse harem read and that was fine, but from the description, I expected a bit more plot. Unfortunately, that hope faded away pretty quickly as the book progressed and what could have been a spicy read with an intriguing storyline just ended up being a spicy read. And for many readers, that's okay, I'm just not one of them, I like a little story with my spice and didn't really get that here. The bummer is it started with all the potential of delivering that and then just didn't.....
However, like I said, there are plenty of readers out there who will still love this book. It does deliver four hot men who are willing to cater to the heroine's every need in a beautiful tropical location. So, if you're looking for a spicy reverse harem read, then look no further - - you'll love this book. And seriously....the cover is so cool!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
February 15, 2023
I received a free copy of this book from the author through netgalley.com I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Devon has a darkness in her that scares most people. She can drink most people under the table and despises her father but agrees to go on vacation with him once a year in order to obtain her trust fund.
When she is kidnapped by 4 gorgeous tattooed men who are just as broken as she is they form a connection. Desperate to keep her they try to find a way to appease her kidnapper and still come out of this alive.
This is a fun enemies to lovers, reverse harem dark romance.
Devon has a darkness in her that scares most people. She can drink most people under the table and despises her father but agrees to go on vacation with him once a year in order to obtain her trust fund.
When she is kidnapped by 4 gorgeous tattooed men who are just as broken as she is they form a connection. Desperate to keep her they try to find a way to appease her kidnapper and still come out of this alive.
This is a fun enemies to lovers, reverse harem dark romance.
August 16, 2024
DNF 50%. Poorly written characters. Jumped around. Had potential but too many issues. Not interested enough.
January 18, 2025
Plot: 2.5/5 • Smut: 3.5/5 ————-> I got this for stuff my kindle day, and while it has a good synopsis, this just let me down. 3⭐️s is me being generous, because the beginning played out so well. Literally up to the main point, the kidnapping, did this go down hill and just dragggggg on. I wanted to DNF multiple times, but I persevered. Smut was good, but those are the highlights.
March 2, 2024
This is not a kidnapping this is a middle aged women napping she is way too old for this book to make any sense. Middle aged woman do not go on trips with their daddy to get access to trust. Maybe if she was 21 this book would have been believable and good but even then the story is lacking not dark at all and from the blurb I thought it would be dark they dont force themselves on her and it not dark
March 13, 2023
Generally kind of weird in premise. It was a little too weird that a switch was flipped and suddenly everyone was okay with a captive and everyone was in love with her and all of that. I just wasn't sold on that part.
February 26, 2023
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Overall 2.5 (rounded to 3) ⭐️ | Plot 2 ⭐️ | 4 🌶️
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Dark RH, Why Choose, Surfers, Found Family, Kidnapping
𝐏𝐎𝐕: Multiple (5 views)
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: ebook, paperback
𝐓𝐖: This book includes graphic violence and sex scenes, and references of abuse/assault that some readers may experience as triggering. 18+
📖 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Devon & her father take their yearly vacation together so she can keep her trust fund. Shortly into the trip things go awry and she finds herself kidnapped by a dangerous man to be used as collateral while her father comes up with the funds to pay off his debt. If he doesn't come up with the cash she will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Zeke, Skyler, Dom and Rake grew up on the island and are in charge of protecting its various interests while doing jobs for a shady mafia boss. They're used to being in control of everything, including the surf. These four men are tasked with keeping Devon in their control and protecting her until she is handed off to the boss. But they're not the only people to be concerned about.
Devon is tough and full of darkness in her own way. She can tell that they want all of her, to take her over like they do everything else. But five can play this game, and she’s not good at losing.
𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
🐍 I realize the waves are unique. They’re never the same. You can’t recreate them. You can’t chain them up or put them in a cage. The waves are free. The waves are impermanent. Yet the ocean is permanent and powerful.
🌸 His six-pack is clearly on display, with chiseled obliques that form a compelling trail I’d quite like to follow with my tongue. A peen ravine, if you will.
🐍 As it turns out, she’s a black rose with a black heart.
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Let me start this off by saying that I read A LOT of romance, RH, steamy sex scene type books ok. This was definitely on the 4 🌶️ scale in my opinion because of some of the scenes/things that happen (and duh RH), but they weren’t my jam. 🫣 The author used a mix of raunchy words, proper terms & clean YA type terms if that makes sense. Some of the scenes didn’t come across as believable either. The last one at the end of the book honestly grossed me out and I struggled to get through it.
The characters were just, ok. The writing felt a bit juvenile for people that were supposed to be in their 30’s & 40s. They honestly came across as being early 20s to me. All they male leads I didn’t picture as separate entities most times, they all were written the same but with different backgrounds it seemed like. Devon was supposed to be this strong force to be reckoned with that has a really dark past, but she didn’t come across that way and you only see a snip bit from her past. She kind of annoyed me.
The first like 1/3-1/2 of the book starts out strong and then fizzles. My biggest wish was for more plot/world building. There was so much that could have been done and I would have liked to see them doing various jobs instead of hearing “this is what they do” or “the guys came back from a job”. I would have liked to see Devon opening up to the guys more about her past and vice versa.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when a book a book doesn’t seem to line up and doesn’t seem to be edited very well. Some of the chapters were labeled as one character’s pov, but then they would reference that character doing something as if it was a someone else’s pov. It was honestly really confusing. This also came across as a very rough 2nd draft. There were many typos and somethings felt repetitive when they shouldn’t have. The last couple chapters are literally just the character’s repeating the same things, just worded differently and as each of their pov to essentially “wrap up” the book.
I really loved the idea for this book and the plot, it fell pretty short for me. There was so much more that could have been done to flush out the story of this and it ultimately left me with wanting more. If you’re just wanting smut (and lots of it), this book might be for you.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Dark RH, Why Choose, Surfers, Found Family, Kidnapping
𝐏𝐎𝐕: Multiple (5 views)
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: ebook, paperback
𝐓𝐖: This book includes graphic violence and sex scenes, and references of abuse/assault that some readers may experience as triggering. 18+
📖 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Devon & her father take their yearly vacation together so she can keep her trust fund. Shortly into the trip things go awry and she finds herself kidnapped by a dangerous man to be used as collateral while her father comes up with the funds to pay off his debt. If he doesn't come up with the cash she will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Zeke, Skyler, Dom and Rake grew up on the island and are in charge of protecting its various interests while doing jobs for a shady mafia boss. They're used to being in control of everything, including the surf. These four men are tasked with keeping Devon in their control and protecting her until she is handed off to the boss. But they're not the only people to be concerned about.
Devon is tough and full of darkness in her own way. She can tell that they want all of her, to take her over like they do everything else. But five can play this game, and she’s not good at losing.
𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
🐍 I realize the waves are unique. They’re never the same. You can’t recreate them. You can’t chain them up or put them in a cage. The waves are free. The waves are impermanent. Yet the ocean is permanent and powerful.
🌸 His six-pack is clearly on display, with chiseled obliques that form a compelling trail I’d quite like to follow with my tongue. A peen ravine, if you will.
🐍 As it turns out, she’s a black rose with a black heart.
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Let me start this off by saying that I read A LOT of romance, RH, steamy sex scene type books ok. This was definitely on the 4 🌶️ scale in my opinion because of some of the scenes/things that happen (and duh RH), but they weren’t my jam. 🫣 The author used a mix of raunchy words, proper terms & clean YA type terms if that makes sense. Some of the scenes didn’t come across as believable either. The last one at the end of the book honestly grossed me out and I struggled to get through it.
The characters were just, ok. The writing felt a bit juvenile for people that were supposed to be in their 30’s & 40s. They honestly came across as being early 20s to me. All they male leads I didn’t picture as separate entities most times, they all were written the same but with different backgrounds it seemed like. Devon was supposed to be this strong force to be reckoned with that has a really dark past, but she didn’t come across that way and you only see a snip bit from her past. She kind of annoyed me.
The first like 1/3-1/2 of the book starts out strong and then fizzles. My biggest wish was for more plot/world building. There was so much that could have been done and I would have liked to see them doing various jobs instead of hearing “this is what they do” or “the guys came back from a job”. I would have liked to see Devon opening up to the guys more about her past and vice versa.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when a book a book doesn’t seem to line up and doesn’t seem to be edited very well. Some of the chapters were labeled as one character’s pov, but then they would reference that character doing something as if it was a someone else’s pov. It was honestly really confusing. This also came across as a very rough 2nd draft. There were many typos and somethings felt repetitive when they shouldn’t have. The last couple chapters are literally just the character’s repeating the same things, just worded differently and as each of their pov to essentially “wrap up” the book.
I really loved the idea for this book and the plot, it fell pretty short for me. There was so much more that could have been done to flush out the story of this and it ultimately left me with wanting more. If you’re just wanting smut (and lots of it), this book might be for you.
February 29, 2024
Rating: 4.2/5
Character Development:
In "Sea of Snakes," Heidi Stark presents readers with a cast of complex and enigmatic characters whose intertwining fates drive the narrative forward with intensity and intrigue. At the heart of the story is the protagonist, a young woman thrust into a perilous situation where she must navigate the treacherous waters of power, desire, and betrayal. As she grapples with the consequences of her captivity and the conflicting emotions stirred by her captors, the protagonist undergoes a profound transformation, evolving from a vulnerable victim into a formidable force to be reckoned with. Alongside her are Zeke, Skyler, Dom, and Rake, the enigmatic men tasked with protecting her, each harboring their own secrets and motivations. Through their interactions and evolving relationships, the characters come to life in vivid detail, their inner conflicts and desires driving the narrative to its electrifying climax.
Themes and Exploration:
"Sea of Snakes" delves into themes of power, control, and the complexities of desire in a world governed by darkness and deception. Heidi Stark skillfully explores the dynamics of captivity and coercion, inviting readers to question the nature of consent and agency in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Through the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and empowerment, the novel examines the transformative power of resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. As the characters navigate the murky waters of desire and betrayal, "Sea of Snakes" serves as a compelling exploration of the human psyche and the depths of darkness that reside within us all.
Plot and Pacing:
The plot of "Sea of Snakes" unfolds with relentless tension and suspense, drawing readers into a twisted and sinister world of intrigue, danger, and forbidden desire. Heidi Stark masterfully crafts a narrative that is equal parts thrilling and emotionally resonant, weaving together a tapestry of deception, betrayal, and forbidden passion that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The pacing is brisk and dynamic, propelling the story forward with a sense of urgency and momentum that mirrors the characters' own tumultuous journey. From the heart-stopping moments of danger to the simmering tension of forbidden attraction, the novel captivates with its richly layered storytelling and atmospheric prose.
Conclusion:
In "Sea of Snakes," Heidi Stark delivers a dark and seductive tale of captivity, desire, and the allure of forbidden passion in a world shrouded in secrecy and danger. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and evocative prose, the novel is a testament to the author's narrative skill and storytelling prowess. Fans of dark romance and psychological thrillers will find much to love in the twisted and intricately woven narrative of "Sea of Snakes." A gripping and immersive read that lingers in the mind long after the final page, "Sea of Snakes" is a captivating exploration of love, betrayal, and the darkness that resides within us all.
Character Development:
In "Sea of Snakes," Heidi Stark presents readers with a cast of complex and enigmatic characters whose intertwining fates drive the narrative forward with intensity and intrigue. At the heart of the story is the protagonist, a young woman thrust into a perilous situation where she must navigate the treacherous waters of power, desire, and betrayal. As she grapples with the consequences of her captivity and the conflicting emotions stirred by her captors, the protagonist undergoes a profound transformation, evolving from a vulnerable victim into a formidable force to be reckoned with. Alongside her are Zeke, Skyler, Dom, and Rake, the enigmatic men tasked with protecting her, each harboring their own secrets and motivations. Through their interactions and evolving relationships, the characters come to life in vivid detail, their inner conflicts and desires driving the narrative to its electrifying climax.
Themes and Exploration:
"Sea of Snakes" delves into themes of power, control, and the complexities of desire in a world governed by darkness and deception. Heidi Stark skillfully explores the dynamics of captivity and coercion, inviting readers to question the nature of consent and agency in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Through the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and empowerment, the novel examines the transformative power of resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. As the characters navigate the murky waters of desire and betrayal, "Sea of Snakes" serves as a compelling exploration of the human psyche and the depths of darkness that reside within us all.
Plot and Pacing:
The plot of "Sea of Snakes" unfolds with relentless tension and suspense, drawing readers into a twisted and sinister world of intrigue, danger, and forbidden desire. Heidi Stark masterfully crafts a narrative that is equal parts thrilling and emotionally resonant, weaving together a tapestry of deception, betrayal, and forbidden passion that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The pacing is brisk and dynamic, propelling the story forward with a sense of urgency and momentum that mirrors the characters' own tumultuous journey. From the heart-stopping moments of danger to the simmering tension of forbidden attraction, the novel captivates with its richly layered storytelling and atmospheric prose.
Conclusion:
In "Sea of Snakes," Heidi Stark delivers a dark and seductive tale of captivity, desire, and the allure of forbidden passion in a world shrouded in secrecy and danger. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and evocative prose, the novel is a testament to the author's narrative skill and storytelling prowess. Fans of dark romance and psychological thrillers will find much to love in the twisted and intricately woven narrative of "Sea of Snakes." A gripping and immersive read that lingers in the mind long after the final page, "Sea of Snakes" is a captivating exploration of love, betrayal, and the darkness that resides within us all.
March 6, 2023
ARC from author - NO spoilers - Dark stand alone, no cliffhanger Bk1 in Blood & Sand series
**CW Abuse, violence, kidnap, rape, profanity, forced proximity and sex **
Reverse Harem adult read with characters mid 30's and older, fast burn/hot spice
Devon, our FMC, is on her yearly mandatory holiday with her father and due to circumstances out of her control ends up in the dubious care of Zeke, Skyler, Dom and Rake, a local Gang of 'Businessmen' who help keep the Island running smoothly.
What drew me to this ARC apart from the title, I keep snakes surprise surprise,was the delightful artwork and then the synopsis. What kept me reading were the ages, mid thirties and up, this made a super change and I had high hopes.
The overall premise is excellent and some fantastic quotes '' a peen ravine'' will always be remembered!
The basic plot line holds promise as do the characters but they just do not quite deliver.
I actually read it twice in case it was my mood as I hate being critical and I also wanted to try and narrow down what didn't do it for me as I read this genre all the time and the author does hit the mark at times.
My main problem was the dialogue, as an older person growing old disgracefully, proudly so and been publicly disowned by my own offspring, I can say this did not read right. Maybe it was the ''Boy'' term? Insults yes but not that. If you hadn't read how old they were, you would have thought they had just aged up to double figures and acting out.
Dialogue and character interaction felt scripted in my opinion.
We need more individual character development and growth, history; not just hints to flesh out the plot to give this story the justice it deserves because there is a lot more in there that needs pulling out to balance out the spice and to answer the PTSD elements in Devon's behaviour.
Spice was well written with each MC adding their quirks and extra frissons to the relationship although at times perhaps Devon succumbed a little too soon/fast to be comfortable or realistic given the circumstance and her hinted at history?
Beautiful setting, do love the ocean and an interesting base narrative which holds capacity for numerous stories.
Am hoping this Harem is revisited in later books to find out what happens, have questions answered and I will read more of this authors works as they hold potential in a genre I love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
**CW Abuse, violence, kidnap, rape, profanity, forced proximity and sex **
Reverse Harem adult read with characters mid 30's and older, fast burn/hot spice
Devon, our FMC, is on her yearly mandatory holiday with her father and due to circumstances out of her control ends up in the dubious care of Zeke, Skyler, Dom and Rake, a local Gang of 'Businessmen' who help keep the Island running smoothly.
What drew me to this ARC apart from the title, I keep snakes surprise surprise,was the delightful artwork and then the synopsis. What kept me reading were the ages, mid thirties and up, this made a super change and I had high hopes.
The overall premise is excellent and some fantastic quotes '' a peen ravine'' will always be remembered!
The basic plot line holds promise as do the characters but they just do not quite deliver.
I actually read it twice in case it was my mood as I hate being critical and I also wanted to try and narrow down what didn't do it for me as I read this genre all the time and the author does hit the mark at times.
My main problem was the dialogue, as an older person growing old disgracefully, proudly so and been publicly disowned by my own offspring, I can say this did not read right. Maybe it was the ''Boy'' term? Insults yes but not that. If you hadn't read how old they were, you would have thought they had just aged up to double figures and acting out.
Dialogue and character interaction felt scripted in my opinion.
We need more individual character development and growth, history; not just hints to flesh out the plot to give this story the justice it deserves because there is a lot more in there that needs pulling out to balance out the spice and to answer the PTSD elements in Devon's behaviour.
Spice was well written with each MC adding their quirks and extra frissons to the relationship although at times perhaps Devon succumbed a little too soon/fast to be comfortable or realistic given the circumstance and her hinted at history?
Beautiful setting, do love the ocean and an interesting base narrative which holds capacity for numerous stories.
Am hoping this Harem is revisited in later books to find out what happens, have questions answered and I will read more of this authors works as they hold potential in a genre I love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 28, 2023
This is a reverse harem/mafia romance with a FMC and 4 MMC. I enjoyed the book. The plot line is well paced with good character development. I felt for all the characters as the story developed and we fell more deeply in love with their story.
The way the characters come together is unconventional to say the least but the way their relationship develops tug at the heart strings. All the characters have a darkness within them and a troubled past. The FMC, Devon, identifies with the 4 MMC, (Rake, Zeke, Dom, and Skyler) because of their tortured background. This allows them to come together and overcome some of the obstacles in their path. However, this is also the cause of some of their obstacles.
I really enjoyed that they played the part of morally gray characters very well. The men are loyal to a fault and when they decide that Devon is theirs they will stop at nothing to take care of and protect her. They cross lines that they have never thought to cross before because they are willing to do whatever it needed to keep what it theirs. While the story is very dark with a lot of content and trigger warnings to be aware of. But they use humor, sarcasm, and flirting to lighten up the mood and keep the story form being too dark or emotional.
I did have some small issues with the character’s ages. In the very beginning of the story it is pointed out that Devon is 35 and Skyler is 45. The other character’s ages are never outright stated but it is mentioned that Zeke is of similar age to Skyler. The age of the characters is not the exact problem, but it is how they are portrayed. Their lifestyles, mannerisms, and personalities of the characters make them seem much younger. Closer to early/mid-twenties. This was a little off putting but not enough to make the story unreadable.
There was also a slight issue with keeping the characters straight. There were a couple instances where the story was being told from one of the MMC’s points of view and then that same character would be mentioned doing something like it was a different character speaking. This did make me do a couple double takes and try to figure out whose POV it was.
The story was wonderful and I would definitely recommend reading it if you like mafia romance and or why choose/reverse harem stories. But its good to know that there are slight issues that make it a little harder to follow the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The way the characters come together is unconventional to say the least but the way their relationship develops tug at the heart strings. All the characters have a darkness within them and a troubled past. The FMC, Devon, identifies with the 4 MMC, (Rake, Zeke, Dom, and Skyler) because of their tortured background. This allows them to come together and overcome some of the obstacles in their path. However, this is also the cause of some of their obstacles.
I really enjoyed that they played the part of morally gray characters very well. The men are loyal to a fault and when they decide that Devon is theirs they will stop at nothing to take care of and protect her. They cross lines that they have never thought to cross before because they are willing to do whatever it needed to keep what it theirs. While the story is very dark with a lot of content and trigger warnings to be aware of. But they use humor, sarcasm, and flirting to lighten up the mood and keep the story form being too dark or emotional.
I did have some small issues with the character’s ages. In the very beginning of the story it is pointed out that Devon is 35 and Skyler is 45. The other character’s ages are never outright stated but it is mentioned that Zeke is of similar age to Skyler. The age of the characters is not the exact problem, but it is how they are portrayed. Their lifestyles, mannerisms, and personalities of the characters make them seem much younger. Closer to early/mid-twenties. This was a little off putting but not enough to make the story unreadable.
There was also a slight issue with keeping the characters straight. There were a couple instances where the story was being told from one of the MMC’s points of view and then that same character would be mentioned doing something like it was a different character speaking. This did make me do a couple double takes and try to figure out whose POV it was.
The story was wonderful and I would definitely recommend reading it if you like mafia romance and or why choose/reverse harem stories. But its good to know that there are slight issues that make it a little harder to follow the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 5, 2024
Heidi Stark's "Sea of Snakes" is an electrifying journey, from the very first page, I was completely entranced by the gripping narrative and the complex characters that populate this dark romance.
Devon, the protagonist, is a force to be reckoned with. Her unwavering strength and resilience in the face of adversity make her a truly compelling FMC. Throughout the story, she refuses to be a passive victim, instead asserting herself and standing up against the challenges thrown her way. It's impossible not to root for her as she navigates her captivity.
The dynamic between Devon and her captors, Zeke, Skyler, Dom, and Rake, is equally riveting. Each character is intricately crafted with their own flaws and vulnerabilities, making them feel incredibly real and relatable. Rake's obsession with the sparkled unicorn adds a delightful touch to the story, while Skyler's journey towards embracing his leadership role is a satisfying arc. Zeke's emotional growth and Dom's newfound ability to express his emotions add depth and complexity to the narrative, enriching the dynamics within the group.
What truly sets "Sea of Snakes" apart is its unflinching portrayal of darkness. Scenes like the nightmare sequence or flashbacks, immerse readers in the horrors faced by the characters.
For those hesitant about the darker themes, rest assured—Stark handles delicate subjects with grace and sensitivity. There is no rape in this story, and the potential for dubious consent due to Devon's kidnapping is addressed thoughtfully, ensuring that the story remains compelling without crossing into uncomfortable territory. (I understand what dark romance is but I don't like it too dark)
Oh, and an amusing annotation I made was “F*CK DEVONS DAD”. This just proves that Stark has an amazing gift, I've only read books by great authors who are able to enforce such strong emotions throughout the book.
I devoured this book in one sitting, unable to tear myself away from its gripping narrative. Highly recommended for most darkish romance enjoyers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Devon, the protagonist, is a force to be reckoned with. Her unwavering strength and resilience in the face of adversity make her a truly compelling FMC. Throughout the story, she refuses to be a passive victim, instead asserting herself and standing up against the challenges thrown her way. It's impossible not to root for her as she navigates her captivity.
The dynamic between Devon and her captors, Zeke, Skyler, Dom, and Rake, is equally riveting. Each character is intricately crafted with their own flaws and vulnerabilities, making them feel incredibly real and relatable. Rake's obsession with the sparkled unicorn adds a delightful touch to the story, while Skyler's journey towards embracing his leadership role is a satisfying arc. Zeke's emotional growth and Dom's newfound ability to express his emotions add depth and complexity to the narrative, enriching the dynamics within the group.
What truly sets "Sea of Snakes" apart is its unflinching portrayal of darkness. Scenes like the nightmare sequence or flashbacks, immerse readers in the horrors faced by the characters.
For those hesitant about the darker themes, rest assured—Stark handles delicate subjects with grace and sensitivity. There is no rape in this story, and the potential for dubious consent due to Devon's kidnapping is addressed thoughtfully, ensuring that the story remains compelling without crossing into uncomfortable territory. (I understand what dark romance is but I don't like it too dark)
Oh, and an amusing annotation I made was “F*CK DEVONS DAD”. This just proves that Stark has an amazing gift, I've only read books by great authors who are able to enforce such strong emotions throughout the book.
I devoured this book in one sitting, unable to tear myself away from its gripping narrative. Highly recommended for most darkish romance enjoyers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2023
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️.5
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to BookSirens and the author.
General Thoughts: This is another book that is hard for me to rate. Its strengths were numerous and when it was on, it was quite good. But there were a few things that bugged me. I left the book feeling conflicted.
The positives. The backstory of the characters was really interesting, and as a "why choose," it delivered on the steam level. The characters' backstories were all very complex and engaging. I also thought the writing was good, particularly in the first half.
However, I feel the book failed to deliver a bit. A few things that tripped me up, the characters seemed much younger than 35 and 45ish. If I downgraded them by 10 years (which I kept mentally doing), it made much more sense.
I also would have liked to see more character development. I felt the book started out with a lot of promise and then kind of slowly fell off a bit toward the end. The second half seemed focused on the steam a bit at the expense of the plot and character development.
This brings me to my last critique the novel could have been slightly better-paced. The ending seemed a bit sudden and I would have liked a tad bit more resolution.
Having said that I think this author has a lot of potential, and I'm going to give her another go. What worked for this novel was really engaging and interesting. I think with a bit more polish and practice this author could be really special.
Steam Meter:. 🔥🔥🔥Pretty dang steamy. But also, I would have expected it to be more steamy. Like it was steamy in unexpected ways.
Romantic Tropes
-why choose
-polyamorous
-MFMMM
-dark
-mafia-esque
You can read more of my reviews at mylastromance.com. You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to BookSirens and the author.
General Thoughts: This is another book that is hard for me to rate. Its strengths were numerous and when it was on, it was quite good. But there were a few things that bugged me. I left the book feeling conflicted.
The positives. The backstory of the characters was really interesting, and as a "why choose," it delivered on the steam level. The characters' backstories were all very complex and engaging. I also thought the writing was good, particularly in the first half.
However, I feel the book failed to deliver a bit. A few things that tripped me up, the characters seemed much younger than 35 and 45ish. If I downgraded them by 10 years (which I kept mentally doing), it made much more sense.
I also would have liked to see more character development. I felt the book started out with a lot of promise and then kind of slowly fell off a bit toward the end. The second half seemed focused on the steam a bit at the expense of the plot and character development.
This brings me to my last critique the novel could have been slightly better-paced. The ending seemed a bit sudden and I would have liked a tad bit more resolution.
Having said that I think this author has a lot of potential, and I'm going to give her another go. What worked for this novel was really engaging and interesting. I think with a bit more polish and practice this author could be really special.
Steam Meter:. 🔥🔥🔥Pretty dang steamy. But also, I would have expected it to be more steamy. Like it was steamy in unexpected ways.
Romantic Tropes
-why choose
-polyamorous
-MFMMM
-dark
-mafia-esque
You can read more of my reviews at mylastromance.com. You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
March 8, 2024
___________________________
❤️ ”She brings something special to each of us, individually and collectively.”
___________________________
✔️ Reverse Harem.
✔️ Kidnapping.
✔️ Enemies to Lovers.
⚠️ Read the Triggers.
___________________________
Sea of Snakes is book number 1 in the Blood and Sand series. It’s written in multiple POV. This follows Devon and her guys, Zeke, Dom, Skylar and Rake. When Devon is kidnapped to pay off her father’s debt, she finds herself dropped at the doorsteps of these four. She’s theirs for 10 days. The book takes place over those 10 days, and I felt like even though there’s insta-lust/love, it was a slow burn. I don’t know if that makes sense, but it was slow leading up to them actually connecting, it doesn’t happen until the halfway mark and by then the guys are pretty much in love with Devon. However, they do fall first - and it’s my favorite when the morally gray guys fall first. I thought Devon was a strong FMC, she has a lot of past trauma, but she still doesn’t take shit and she’s ready to go down fighting. I love her guys, they fall fast and hard, they are possessive, but also show their vulnerable sides to her. They were supposed to be older, but in my opinion they seemed younger - I didn’t pick up vibes of 30-40 yr olds. I didn’t think it was overly spicy, but it had a decent amount and the guys are dirty. And speaking of dirty…. there is one particular point where I was like Jack and Rose couldn’t work it out on the titanic door, but Devon and her boys figured out how to make it work on a surfboard without flipping over. I wasn’t even there and I mentally fell off of the surfboard numerous times.
❤️ ”She brings something special to each of us, individually and collectively.”
___________________________
✔️ Reverse Harem.
✔️ Kidnapping.
✔️ Enemies to Lovers.
⚠️ Read the Triggers.
___________________________
Sea of Snakes is book number 1 in the Blood and Sand series. It’s written in multiple POV. This follows Devon and her guys, Zeke, Dom, Skylar and Rake. When Devon is kidnapped to pay off her father’s debt, she finds herself dropped at the doorsteps of these four. She’s theirs for 10 days. The book takes place over those 10 days, and I felt like even though there’s insta-lust/love, it was a slow burn. I don’t know if that makes sense, but it was slow leading up to them actually connecting, it doesn’t happen until the halfway mark and by then the guys are pretty much in love with Devon. However, they do fall first - and it’s my favorite when the morally gray guys fall first. I thought Devon was a strong FMC, she has a lot of past trauma, but she still doesn’t take shit and she’s ready to go down fighting. I love her guys, they fall fast and hard, they are possessive, but also show their vulnerable sides to her. They were supposed to be older, but in my opinion they seemed younger - I didn’t pick up vibes of 30-40 yr olds. I didn’t think it was overly spicy, but it had a decent amount and the guys are dirty. And speaking of dirty…. there is one particular point where I was like Jack and Rose couldn’t work it out on the titanic door, but Devon and her boys figured out how to make it work on a surfboard without flipping over. I wasn’t even there and I mentally fell off of the surfboard numerous times.
August 17, 2024
DNF. Tried. Oh man, did I try. I can’t handle the inconsistency of power and the fact these character are in their 30-40 range and act like they are 21. 🙄 Just because they like to surf doesn’t mean their every action has to be that of a youth.
Oh and don’t even get me started on the regular thinly veiled rape threats. Nope. That does not make a morally grey character. It just makes them questionable and sketchy AF.
And you can’t do multiple POV without saying who the hells POV it is!!! WTF was the logic here?! Just because you change the image at the top from one surfboard to another does not mean I can remember who is who. In fact, I was having this narrated to me and spent the first 5 chapters thinking the MFC had lost her damn mind because it literally made no sense until I realized the author was shifting POVs without giving indication to the reader. 🙄 What was the point of that?! Is it supposed to be a secret or something? It takes nothing to write the character name at the start of a chapter. Hell, I would have even settled for their names on the surfboard. That would have at least helped. But no, we’re just supposed to infer who is suddenly taking the story reigns?!
If not for those two factors I would have given this a 2. It’s INCREDIBLY rare for me to give a 1. Like I do that maybe once or twice a year and I read 600+ yearly. So, yeah, this is a hard pass for me. I even gave the overly optimistic benefit of the doubt and read a few reviews for the last book. That clinched it for me. They are positive either. I’m out ✌️
Oh and don’t even get me started on the regular thinly veiled rape threats. Nope. That does not make a morally grey character. It just makes them questionable and sketchy AF.
And you can’t do multiple POV without saying who the hells POV it is!!! WTF was the logic here?! Just because you change the image at the top from one surfboard to another does not mean I can remember who is who. In fact, I was having this narrated to me and spent the first 5 chapters thinking the MFC had lost her damn mind because it literally made no sense until I realized the author was shifting POVs without giving indication to the reader. 🙄 What was the point of that?! Is it supposed to be a secret or something? It takes nothing to write the character name at the start of a chapter. Hell, I would have even settled for their names on the surfboard. That would have at least helped. But no, we’re just supposed to infer who is suddenly taking the story reigns?!
If not for those two factors I would have given this a 2. It’s INCREDIBLY rare for me to give a 1. Like I do that maybe once or twice a year and I read 600+ yearly. So, yeah, this is a hard pass for me. I even gave the overly optimistic benefit of the doubt and read a few reviews for the last book. That clinched it for me. They are positive either. I’m out ✌️
August 28, 2023
The Narrator (Storylord) did an amazing job narrating this book for the guys. He tried for the girls POV but I think a girl would have made it better and easier to keep up with but man he did an amazing job sounded just like what I picture a surfer to sound like and he really brought these characters to life.
The Author made these characters so real feeling that the narrator had such as easy time pulling you into this audiobook. You really get so lost you forget who is speaking (thus it would help to have the female voice but it so does not ruin the experience). This book I thought was very well written and I enjoyed the plot. I love how all the characters grow together to better not only themselves but the group. What starts out as a kidnapping / human trafficking quickly becomes so much more to the five main characters. You find yourself rooting for them and wanting them to make it and come up with a plan to save her and themselves. You will have to read the book to find out though. I highly recommend the audiobook and the book. I happened to have received her audiobook from booksprout but I got the ebook from amazon too because once I started the audiobook I was hooked and had to read it when I couldn't listen and vice versa. You will love this audiobook and book. So grab it and listen you won’t be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Author made these characters so real feeling that the narrator had such as easy time pulling you into this audiobook. You really get so lost you forget who is speaking (thus it would help to have the female voice but it so does not ruin the experience). This book I thought was very well written and I enjoyed the plot. I love how all the characters grow together to better not only themselves but the group. What starts out as a kidnapping / human trafficking quickly becomes so much more to the five main characters. You find yourself rooting for them and wanting them to make it and come up with a plan to save her and themselves. You will have to read the book to find out though. I highly recommend the audiobook and the book. I happened to have received her audiobook from booksprout but I got the ebook from amazon too because once I started the audiobook I was hooked and had to read it when I couldn't listen and vice versa. You will love this audiobook and book. So grab it and listen you won’t be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2023
Guys, I'm gonna be honest, I STRUGGLED to get through this one.
Devon gets kidnapped by four hot surfer dudes on an island because her dad is scum and owes people money. Devon proceeds to ride her captors' waves 😉
That's it. That's the entire plot.
Devon is actually quite likable, but the men are disappointing. The author hints they are in their 40s, but they talk like 12-year-old boys. It's like, not totally tubular broseph. It takes the surfer bro vibe to college while calling it a dark romance.
I was super excited there were no ick words but then I got to 75% when apparently the author decided to cram in (pun intended) all of the smut. Just nearly continuous boning. And then the ick words hit. I've now seen snatch used in a romance novel and I don't think I'll ever be the same again.
I know there is this Ven diagram of the plot-to-smut ratio and sometimes it leans more toward smut which is fine but this smut isn't even that good. It's just munching and spoiler alert ⚠️ giant, gigantic, enormous, soda can d**ks. I don't expect all books to be original but this one was just so limp.
Anyway, don't read this. Pick something else. #sorrynotsorry
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Devon gets kidnapped by four hot surfer dudes on an island because her dad is scum and owes people money. Devon proceeds to ride her captors' waves 😉
That's it. That's the entire plot.
Devon is actually quite likable, but the men are disappointing. The author hints they are in their 40s, but they talk like 12-year-old boys. It's like, not totally tubular broseph. It takes the surfer bro vibe to college while calling it a dark romance.
I was super excited there were no ick words but then I got to 75% when apparently the author decided to cram in (pun intended) all of the smut. Just nearly continuous boning. And then the ick words hit. I've now seen snatch used in a romance novel and I don't think I'll ever be the same again.
I know there is this Ven diagram of the plot-to-smut ratio and sometimes it leans more toward smut which is fine but this smut isn't even that good. It's just munching and spoiler alert ⚠️ giant, gigantic, enormous, soda can d**ks. I don't expect all books to be original but this one was just so limp.
Anyway, don't read this. Pick something else. #sorrynotsorry
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2024
This book reads like it was written by a 14 year old girl who has never picked up a real romance novel in her life. Like it was a bad extended porno skit written in Russian then translated to English with google translate. It wouldn't hurt as much if the characters were about 15 years younger. In the beginning of the book the author adds a line about Peter Pan syndrome, and man did she really push that on the mmc’s. The plot is minimal. The fmc is there for 4 nights and not only have they started to fall for her but she’s finishing herself with a cucumber for all to see…. Homie smacks her in her face (not in a fun way) busts her lip and then eats her coochie. And oh her boys are hot, hot, hot incredibly hot I wonder how many times she writes “hot” to describe the men. I have read 172 books in 42 weeks according to my kindle app and this is the first and only book I didn’t want to finish I regret downloading it. Oh and p.s. the big conversations being had before and right after she arrived were creepy AF. The chick from Huanting Adeline had a man stalk her and forcefully put a gun in her crotch and I didn’t cringe like I did from just the banter about doing what they (the mmc’s) want with her
August 28, 2023
This is a why choose romance with a lot of potential but there were some bits and pieces that made me slow down my reading with this book. The story starts of with our fmc who goes on holiday with her father once a year and this year they go to an island. She's sort of obligated to go on this holiday by him. What she doesn't know, is that her father got mixed up with some bad people and his debt is too large for him to pay off so they take his daughter. She gets kidnapped and taken to these 4 men who have to keep her for about a week until the boss says otherwise. The problem being, one she knows one of the guys as her surf instructor and two they are very attractive.
Here's the things, i sometimes got a little confused by the men, who was talking, whose pov it was. Other times it sort of bugged me how they spoke like they were still in their twenties when they are actually in their forties. The author also gave us some bits and pieces of their backstory but never fully explained it further which i kind of missed in the end.
The spice scenes were amazing! The last scene at sea, oh lord that was extremely hot. I really liked them.
Here's the things, i sometimes got a little confused by the men, who was talking, whose pov it was. Other times it sort of bugged me how they spoke like they were still in their twenties when they are actually in their forties. The author also gave us some bits and pieces of their backstory but never fully explained it further which i kind of missed in the end.
The spice scenes were amazing! The last scene at sea, oh lord that was extremely hot. I really liked them.
May 15, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
This was an okay read for me. Dark and dirty, Sea of Snakes definitely did not skimp on the steam, but that was where things went a little downhill for me. Generally, I liked Devon, and I typically liked the ‘enemies-to-lovers’ trope; however, I felt there was very little ‘enemies’, and the plot in between was just filler until it got to ‘lovers’.
The four men are given the job to keep her under control and yet, she basically ran the show the minute she was through their door. I also had a bit of a hard time believing the characters were in their mid-thirties. How they acted, how they spoke, everything just felt a little young. I was pretty engaged at the beginning, but lost my enthusiasm about halfway through. Still, overall, I liked the book and the concept. I think that maybe with some fine-tuning of the details, this could flow much more smoothly.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Heidi Stark for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was an okay read for me. Dark and dirty, Sea of Snakes definitely did not skimp on the steam, but that was where things went a little downhill for me. Generally, I liked Devon, and I typically liked the ‘enemies-to-lovers’ trope; however, I felt there was very little ‘enemies’, and the plot in between was just filler until it got to ‘lovers’.
The four men are given the job to keep her under control and yet, she basically ran the show the minute she was through their door. I also had a bit of a hard time believing the characters were in their mid-thirties. How they acted, how they spoke, everything just felt a little young. I was pretty engaged at the beginning, but lost my enthusiasm about halfway through. Still, overall, I liked the book and the concept. I think that maybe with some fine-tuning of the details, this could flow much more smoothly.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Heidi Stark for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 13, 2024
I received this book through Voracious Readers Only. It was a quick read & fairly enjoyable in my opinion. The FMC Devon & the MMC'S Sky, Rake, Zeke, & Dom are all in their 30's to 40's but come across as younger. Now I can absolutely chalk this up to that just being a state of mind & how the author wanted to portray them. Overall it wasn't a bad storyline but I definitely would have liked to see more detail in how everything came about. It just seemed to fly through the whole being on vacation with her father, to being kidnapped, to falling in love, to the end. I loved Devon's feistiness & the guys each had their charms but a little more depth would have made it a much better read for me personally. I loved the bits where they were out surfing & descriptions of the island. The spice was there but I would have loved to see more. This is the first book I've read of the series so I will for sure keep an open mind moving forward with the rest of the series. I know world building takes time & I look forward to seeing where this one goes.
March 30, 2024
I came across the author’s video describing the book on instagram and it immediately peaked my interest. Once I saw the cover I knew I had to read it. I absolutely love the FMC Devon, she’s feisty and strong. I’ve seen the reviews about the characters ages vs their maturity, but honestly we are talking about 4 men who still live with each other and working through their own 💩How mature did we expect them to be? I think the author hit the nail on the head with the men. The four MMCs Skylar, Dom,Zeke and Rake may not act their age but they are 🔥🔥🔥 This is a captive/captor RH dark romance and it delivers allll that it promised!! These men cater to all her needs 😉 They are all a little broken as is Devon, through it all they form a connection. The men work to find a way to keep her while keeping them all alive at the same time. I really enjoyed this and I’m excited to read the other books in this series. If you love dark romance, RH and a lot of spice this book is for you.
Check trigger warnings before reading.
🖤MMFMM
🖤Mafia
🖤Captive/Captor
Check trigger warnings before reading.
🖤MMFMM
🖤Mafia
🖤Captive/Captor
May 16, 2024
Une grande dark romance entre 4 amis qui ont grandi ensemble sur une île.
Leurs liens et leurs choix de vie les rendent comme des frères. Ils sont tous CHAUDS, dangereux et perdus.
Jusqu'à ce qu'ils rencontrent Devon, elle est forte, belle, impertinente, épicée et tout ce dont ils n'avaient pas réalisé qu'ils avaient besoin. Une belle histoire remplie d'une tonne de suspense palpitant dans le style gangsta, enfin un peu.
Si vous êtes fan de romances sombres et de harems inversés, cela vaut le détour.
Lisez les TW avant de commencer votre lecture !!✨
🌶️🌶️🌶️,5 /5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A great dark romance between 4 friends who grew up together on an island.
Their bonds and their life choices make them like brothers. They are all HOT, dangerous and lost.
Until they meet Devon, she's strong, beautiful, sassy, spicy, and everything they didn't realize they needed. A great story filled with a ton of thrilling gangsta-style suspense, well, a little bit.
If you're a fan of dark romances and reverse harems, this is worth checking out.
Read the TW before you start reading!!✨
Leurs liens et leurs choix de vie les rendent comme des frères. Ils sont tous CHAUDS, dangereux et perdus.
Jusqu'à ce qu'ils rencontrent Devon, elle est forte, belle, impertinente, épicée et tout ce dont ils n'avaient pas réalisé qu'ils avaient besoin. Une belle histoire remplie d'une tonne de suspense palpitant dans le style gangsta, enfin un peu.
Si vous êtes fan de romances sombres et de harems inversés, cela vaut le détour.
Lisez les TW avant de commencer votre lecture !!✨
🌶️🌶️🌶️,5 /5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A great dark romance between 4 friends who grew up together on an island.
Their bonds and their life choices make them like brothers. They are all HOT, dangerous and lost.
Until they meet Devon, she's strong, beautiful, sassy, spicy, and everything they didn't realize they needed. A great story filled with a ton of thrilling gangsta-style suspense, well, a little bit.
If you're a fan of dark romances and reverse harems, this is worth checking out.
Read the TW before you start reading!!✨
May 31, 2024
I'm torn with this one!! I do love a good romance novel, I've enjoy RH books in the past and love a decent amount of steamy scenes and this book definately fills its quota of saucy scenes but in all other aspects its somewhat disappointing. This book had so much potential, I was really excited when I read the plot but whilst reading it I realised the actually storyline played second fiddle to the steamy scenes... I would have loved more character development, 4 x Hot captors each had their own character and quirks... had each one been explored more letting us readers get to know them better it might have entertained me more.. The ending felt a bit rushed leaving me with a lot of unanswered questions. If you want a steamy read requiring very little concentration then this is the book for you! It does make reference to a few trigger warnings ⚠️ you might want to be aware of... Rape, child neglect, violence etc.
If, like me, you prefer a little more substance along with your spice you might find it a little disappointing.
Great cover though! 👌
If, like me, you prefer a little more substance along with your spice you might find it a little disappointing.
Great cover though! 👌
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