A Heartfelt Review of Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon
If you’ve ever found yourself captivated by a world where werewolves, vampires, and demons roam the streets of New Orleans, then Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon is a gem waiting for you to uncover. I stumbled upon this title while looking for something to match my craving for romance and a bit of supernatural intrigue, and boy, did it deliver! Kenyon’s knack for blending humor, depth, and fantasy into a narrative drew me in immediately and kept me enchanted from cover to cover.
Night Play introduces us to Vane Kattalakis, a werewolf facing a death sentence, and Bride McTierney, a wonderfully relatable heroine who happens to be a size 18 and unaware of the lurking dangers of the paranormal world. Their love story unfolded in the most delightful way. Vane captures Bride’s heart—even as he deals with his own issues—while simultaneously challenging her self-doubt and low self-esteem. Critics might point out that Bride’s past experiences—the ones that left her with a negative self-image—can be tough to read, but they lend authenticity to her character. It’s a vivid reminder of how societal perceptions can twist our self-worth.
One of the most refreshing aspects of Bride is how Kenyon portrays her body positivity. Finally, an actual fat heroine who is loved and desired, rather than the “chubby” characters we’ve seen time and again who aren’t truly reflective of real women. I loved how Vane completely adores Bride, calling out her insecurities and consistently proving that love comes in all shapes and sizes. Their chemistry is palpable—seriously, the number of kissing scenes had me swooning! If you’re into well-written romance, you’ll want to add this to your shelf.
On the flip side, I found Bride’s persistent self-criticisms occasionally grating. Every time she said something negative about herself, my heart ached for her, especially given how caring Vane is. It showcased a real struggle that many may relate to: the fear of not being good enough for love. Thankfully, Vane stands up for her, exacerbating the tension as he lovingly dismantles her insecurities with patience and care. It’s a testament to relationships—how they can be both supportive and challenging.
Kenyon’s writing style is engaging and humorous, weaving in laughter amid the drama. Her characters leap off the page with vibrant personalities, and the plot moves briskly without losing the intricacies of emotional depth. I particularly enjoyed the sibling dynamics and the strong family values presented; the importance of forming your own family unit amidst chaos is quite poignant.
As I wrapped up this heartwarming tale, I couldn’t help but feel uplifted. Night Play is more than just a romance; it’s an exploration of self-acceptance, the significance of showing love in ways that matter, and the idea that true love—like Vane’s for Bride—sees beyond physical appearances.
If you’re searching for a romance that combines humor, acceptance, and a dash of paranormal flair, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Night Play a read. Whether you’re a fan of werewolves or simply seeking a touching love story, this book is bound to resonate with you. Plus, with Thanksgiving vibes creeping in as I read, it felt like the perfect cozy companion. A definite five stars from me! 🌟
Discover more about Night Play (Dark-Hunter, #5; Were-Hunter, #1) on GoodReads >>