Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
When I started the book, my initial thoughts were, ok, it’s not quite my type of book, but it’s enjoyable enough that I’m willing to overlook the tropes I don’t like and accept the story. But then, as the story progressed, it became more and more romance-y. It’s not that I don’t like romance in the books I read, it’s just that I’ve had a hard time with paranormal romance lately because I’m not a fan of the instalove, the constant descriptions of how sexy the man is, and the alpha males—all the things that seem to so often define the genre, and all of which this book had. (Maybe it wasn’t technically instalove, but she wanted him from the moment she saw him, even though he was a strange man she thought had broken into her bedroom, and it only took about two times of hanging out before they were swearing on their lives to protect each other.)
I’m not saying the book was bad though. Those things are, as I said, pretty par for the course with light paranormal romance, so it’s just a matter of preference. The book also had a unique mash-up of djinn and steampunk, plus a type of female lead you don’t see very often, what with her pixie cut, tattoos, and rocker style.
I do have one major complaint though. It is NEVER ok with me when the man in a book ties up/handcuffs the woman in bed without her permission and without any discussion of safe words and then refuses to let her out even when she asks. It doesn’t matter to me if that’s what she secretly wanted. I’ve seen it in books before, and it always instantly kills the scene for me and makes me dislike the male character. I do recognize that books are not real life, and other adults can make their own decisions about what they like to read, but it bothers me too much to not mention it.
That ending was also kind of a cliffhanger, and I’m not sure what exactly the goal was or whether it was resolved, but the author does throw in some twists and at least gives you some answers instead of leaving you completely hanging at the end of the book.
So again, not for me, but possibly enjoyable for readers with different taste than mine.
Recommended For:
Anyone who is looking for a light paranormal romance about djinn (and who doesn't mind instalove and alpha males).
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Coincidentally I am currently reading a book about a djinn type of supernatural as well. And it has no alpha male for a change ;). You don’t see books about djinn too often.
I am sorry to hear this wasn’t the book for and it got a bit too romance-y for your taste and had too much tropes and instalove. I want to see a relationship build and don’t like it when things move too quickly. I don’t mind insta-lust, but I do like to see their relationship develop a bit before they go to the love stage.
The combination of djinn and steampunk elements does sound fun, but from your review I don’t think I would enjoy this one either. Cliffhanger endings can be done well, but it sounds like that wasn’t the case here.
I have to disagree that you don’t see djinn books too often because I feel like they’ve become the new vampire. I’ve read 6-7 djinn books this year, and I feel like they’re popping up everywhere and I can’t escape them lol. But after giving a few different versions a try, I think it’s safe to say they’re not really one of my favorite paranormal creatures.
Anyway, I also don’t mind insta-lust but do prefer the love part take more time. And I’m actually not a steampunk fan, so even though I thought it was unique, I didn’t particularly like that aspect. Oh well, can’t love every book!
I guess I just don’t see as many of them then. I don’t think they are my favourite paranormal creature either, but like with every trope or genres there are some good ones out there. I once read the first book in a series I didn’t enjoy and now reading book 2 in a spirit/djinn series I do enjoy and I’ve seen a few others around (like for example on your blog), but that’s it.
I am not sure if I like steampunk or not as I’ve only read a few books in that genre. I did enjoy the ones I read though.
And I agree you can’t love every book. I hope next read after this one was better 🙂
Well you read lots of genres whereas I stay mostly in fantasy, so maybe that’s why I’ve just come across more djinn books. But for me it’s not even that the tropes are bad or good, it’s just that I like some creatures better than others, like how I love vampires but don’t care for shifters.
If you liked the steampunk books you’ve read, maybe you do like steampunk 🙂
Thanks, I feel like I’ve actually had a good reading year so far 🙂
This sounds interesting, but perhaps not for me. Great review!! 😀
Thanks! I can see why some people like this book, but yeah, not every book is for everyone.
I definitely know what you mean based off what you described in your review. Especially about the tie/handcuff scene. Not for me! 🙂
I’m still trying to figure out your taste btw lol. It must be somewhat similar to mine, but I haven’t quite figured it out yet…
I’m pretty all over the place. Lol!!! I think we do have some similarities though. ??
Yes, I think we do have some similarities 🙂
hummmm… I whish I could say I TOLD YOU SO. But I can’t because I never told you so 🙂 BUT any book with a genie is questionable 😉
Such a nice cover though 🙂
I was about to say, you never told me not to read this, haha. I’ve tried a few books with genies, and it turns out they’re not one of my favorite creatures, but it was the romance I had an issue with in this one, not the genie. It is a nice cover though.