toointofiction's Reviews > Two for Tea: Welcome to Azathé

"Is this what you want, sweet one? Is this the submission you're craving?"

Actual Rating: ⭐⭐,5

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was not entirely what I expected. I've read enough monster smut by now to know that authors tend to compensate for the lack of common sense and a structured plotline with trauma and character development. What I didn't expect, much to my disappointment. was the low quantity of smut. While I appreciate the detailed depression representation in this book, that is not why I chose to read a Human x Shadowperson romance. The quality is just right, there's no doubt about it, but I wanted more of it. It's just a wasted opportunity when the love interest can take any conceivable shape they want. Not genitalia constrictions or even human anatomy constrictions. What's more, the ending felt a little rushed and unfinished. Not every conflict has a resolution, and while I know there will be another book with these characters, I feel like the issues should have been fully addressed in this one.

Nevertheless, Harper, the female protagonist, has really good character development, maybe even a little too good, given the genre. The majority of the story is focused on her mental health, which I admittedly identified with in part. I also loved her gothic girl vibe. It's a style I've always loved but never dared to fully try which kind of bums me out sometimes. I was definitely jealous of her witchy powers, and I was just as jealous of her bedroom experiences with the Shadowperson, as minimal as those are. Speaking of whom, this Shadowperson, Asathé as Harper calls them, doesn't have any substantial character development, definitely not like Harper's. They are integral in the witch's healing process, but their only character development is deciding to interact with Harper regularly, even though they hardly speak to any other humans. They also decide to take various shapes and occasionally become solid, something they also don't do often, solely for her pleasure. That's pretty much it for their character. Oh, and they own a little tearoom with spooky decor (I really like its vibe), and an actual cat that works as a hostess.

In addition, the romance between Harper and Asathé is slow-burn, even though the book is less than two hundred pages long. It's clear that they are attracted to each other, through Harper's thoughts and Asathé's gestures and cute nicknames. It was absolutely frustrating seeing them dance around each other, not admitting or doing anything until well after half the book passed. I'm usually all for it, my favorite books are torturously slow-burn, but I expect something quicker in my monster romance. Not insta-love or slow-burn but something in-between. What I'm saying is, they could have boned a little earlier.

Lastly, there is a particular secondary character who stood out to me while reading the book. Holt is a powerful familiar but isn't currently bound to any witch. He is every bit the asshole feline, but he is also very helpful, caring, and another important part of Harper's healing process. I love his sass, humor, and his envious ability to put assholes in their place. There's clearly more to him than meets the eye, and I am just as excited to explore his character more as I am anxious to read more absurd smut.