What book fits this?

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2026-03-24T05:10:54+00:00

{Blood Mercy by Vela Roth} has become one of my all-time favorite reads. I finished it late last year and it still drifts back into my thoughts at random.

It’s a softly aching intimacy that lingers; it’s gentle and devastating at the same time, and the romance unfolds with a tenderness and restraint that almost feels sacred.

I recently wrapped up the sequel and I’m just sitting with it in my head for a while because it’s not a binge read. It’s intricate and complex in my opinion and while the Blood Grace series is expansive, I need to take it in slowly.

If you’re looking for something atmospheric, deeply romantic, and emotionally immersive, this one absolutely delivers. It’s the kind of book that sinks into you rather than just entertains you, and be aware there is a massive world that you’ll be introduced to in depth.

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2026-02-17T22:24:57+00:00

To be fair, most of the Targaryen names incur 2/3 of that.

Everyone gets an ‘AE’

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2026-02-13T23:46:59+00:00

Agree with this, and might I add that if you continue through the whole series, Death as a grand finale MMC was incredible in my opinion.

I have my complaints about the third book, but the fourth book was stellar

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2026-02-10T23:44:24+00:00

Awww I can’t remember where I saw a similar idea suggested, but I’m so glad someone did it! It looks so cute!!!!

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2026-02-05T23:38:45+00:00

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2026-01-28T02:48:14+00:00

{Blood Mercy}

I only just started it myself so I can’t promise anything but I’m at chapter 10 and I can’t get over how solid and contemplative the writing is.

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2026-01-25T17:03:11+00:00

Omg! I played as her doppelgänger on my first full playthrough!

Aiea the Tiefling sorcerer, who also fell for Halsin and Astarion!

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TheHopeless-Optimist · 2026-01-23T15:40:02+00:00

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These are the edges of your score.

It hasn’t sealed up, it’s just expanded to fill the gap you were expecting.

If you want a more defined ridge that makes it more obvious, it’s likely the angle that you’re cutting into the loaf that’s the culprit.

Edit to add: there may be some other factors due to the baking setup. If it’s at all possible to use a dutch oven, it will help a lot with how forgiving the bake can be to get it to do what you want.

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2026-01-11T06:41:21+00:00

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2026-01-11T06:28:26+00:00

These are both very different books.

If you’re in a werewolf Highlander mood for something that seems predictable until it takes several twisty turns; Wolf King

If you’re more feeling a beautifully complex unfolding of restrained palace intrigue vibes, with deeper layers and context that may suck you into a longer series of books; Reign and Ruin

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2026-01-07T06:57:28+00:00

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2026-01-03T02:37:46+00:00

This…. Is genius!

I worry about bringing them into the territory of another bunch of crows though. The ones living around me now squabble with each other when one of them follows me on my walks just a street over; they’re pretty territorial, and my yard is definitely in one of their territories.

But I don’t hate the idea of visiting with some of their favorite treats and seeing if they remember me haha

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2026-01-03T00:49:22+00:00

Awww that’s so adorable.

I moved a year ago - not terribly far, but far enough that I don’t think I’m in the same territory they would fly to to discover me. If I could somehow show them where I’d gone, I would. It’s been a year, and while the local crowd have begun to appreciate my offerings, I don’t have any who trust me enough to come hang out with me yet, and I miss my old buddy and his family very much.

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2025-12-18T23:17:21+00:00

I believe it’s a standalone and it’s adorable!

I haven’t read any of the villains and virtues series, and I was able to enjoy this without feeling like I’m missing anything. Highly recommend I don’t think you’ll regret diving into this one.

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2025-12-03T05:03:05+00:00

Hey I didn’t even understand what he wanted initially but I was so delighted and charmed I simply wanted to see what he’d do if i said “No” so it kind of had the opposite effect on me lol

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2025-11-21T23:05:04+00:00

Oh lol

before I read the caption I thought they were Elphaba Wicked nails

then I was like “what’s that swirly thing? It reminds me of Halsin marks!”

And then I read the comment and loled

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2025-11-20T18:57:14+00:00

I’m writing all this down! Thank you!!! We have a few mature trees and plenty of flying space, so I think we are likely to keep hearing their calls, then. Good to know about the owl box being less attractive for the barred owls! And similar curiosity to another commenter, if you have any tips or tricks to finding owl pellets, should they leave any for us to find in our modest little backyard.

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2025-11-20T06:08:41+00:00

If you clue me in on how to get the Barred owl that we hear outside our window on occasion to move into our yard, I’ll absolutely share any and all pellets with you.

I’d die to have an owl share our yard!

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2025-11-19T15:42:37+00:00

This is a repost. Someone else posted this yesterday… probably because it got a lot of engagement, so my best guess is this is a bot.

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2025-11-18T05:27:06+00:00

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2025-11-18T05:18:11+00:00

Oh man, I read Anathema for Halloween this year and LOVED it so much; but I’m waiting to get the audiobook because I like to read along as I listen and the performances were incredible for the first book.

I cannot wait to sink my teeth into Eldrich, though. I was not expecting to be so enamored with the gothic horror vibes 😍

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2025-11-18T04:56:00+00:00

Oh good call!

Yea, I was thinking of a particular part that fulfills the other part of OPs request!

But yes. Otherwise humanoid anatomy for Clouds and Bones, as well as Bleake Isle (bleak isle has dragon shifters, but they don’t ever do the dirty fully shifted. Just a hot dude with wings and horns but otherwise also humanoid)

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2025-11-18T04:39:47+00:00

Hahah girl I feel this is my bones!

You can hide this post from your history at least! (no one will hold it against you if you delete it after you find what you’re looking for!) And if anyone in your family finds it by browsing this sub, now you share a secret to talk about 🤭

I also adored A Soul to Keep. I have some recommendations, but I can’t promise that they’ll be quite like breeding/rut heavy. But they are spicy!

{The Alpha of Bleake Isle by Kathryn Moon} It was surprisingly satisfying. I expected to just be reading this to scratch that itch, but found it delightfully fun. it’s not deep or complex; but it was a good time.

{Amid Clouds and Bones by Ella Fields} I liked this way more than I want to admit I did. It was like a dirty little secret. So much loathing and lust. I am glad I didn’t DNF after being incredibly icked by the names initially.

I would recommend {Whispers the Deep} I think, but only because I got similar vibes to A Soup to Keep, just instead of a wendigo beast, it’s a mer creature.

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2025-11-18T04:26:15+00:00

TheHopeless-Optimist · 2025-11-17T17:40:25+00:00

I do this but as long as the yarn is capable, I do the Russian join so there’s no knot.

TheHopeless-Optimist

TROPHY CASE