That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon
That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming
Published in 2021
Main Couple: Cinnamon & Fallon
The Story: After Cinnamon fights off a demon, Fallon, who is in a magic induced rage with a bunch of Cinnamon sticks, he “volun-tells” her to accompany him on his quest to free all demons from the magic witch controlling them. On this unexpected adventure, Cinnamon learns she’s way more badass than she ever knew. Oh, and she’s Fallon’s fated mate…and he’s a dragon.
The Sex: Fallon’s dirty talk is as fiery as you’d expect from a dragon demon. Seriously. When tells Cinnamon about how he wants to go down on her. I needed to take a moment! Now, dirty talk isn’t everything. It’s always a plus for me, but not everything. That man is starving for Cinnamon. His intense need for her is clear whenever they come together. He eats her pussy like it’s his fucking job and uses all the tools at his disposal to satisfy her. Honestly, his surpassed the dirty talk. Praise for Fallon again, he was proactive about birth control. In this world there is a rune that a man/male/person with a dick can out on their body to prevent pregnancy. Yes! Put the onus on the people with penises!!!! While the content warnings include BDSM…I’m going to disagree. There’s some light bondage, a praise kink, and some spanking, but I don’t consider it BDSM until there’s an actual negotiation.
Favorite Lines:
“‘Just cry.’ He breathed. | I did. I sobbed against him until my eyes were red and puffy. My hands grasped the arms around my waist as I held on to him. All the while, he sat patiently, just holding me.” Chapter 5 This is one of their first moments of real connection. Fallon doesn’t shy away from her pain. Never asks her to hurry up or get over it. He cares for her body and holds space for her emotional pain.
“I mean, I’m going to take you as my wife when this is all over.” Chapter 5 WHAT??? That literally what I screamed out loud when I read that.
“I’ve unknowingly walked past fully sentient people being treated as less than animals and did nothing. If it were me at the end of a chain, I couldn’t imagine the kind of monster that would walk past me and do nothing if they knew the truth.” Chapter 7 Have I mentioned that the slavery side plot is a gift to this book. The way this is presented is so heartbreakingly true.
“Was tearing off limbs some kind of show of affection for demons? How over the top.” Chapter 10 Ya’ll, the throw away one liners in this book are pure gold.
“My back arched as the first orgasm ripped through me like a mobster collecting a debt.” Chapter 12 What did I tell you?
“Now flip me over and tell me I’m a good girl.” Chapter 15 Yes, ma’am!
Least Favorite Lines:
Fallon’s nickname for Cinnamon is “Rabbit.” No thanks.
Final Thoughts:
This book captured me on page one. I was hooked by Kimberly Lemming’s voice as Cinnamon. This is a writer who celebrates romance novels. The tropes are delicious: enemies to lovers, one bed, caretaking, fated mates. She’s created a rich a vibrant world. I quickly understood how it worked, and felt taken along. The challenge with fantasy and paranormal is you can lose the reader with the rules you’re setting for the world. I was carried along on a magic carpet of sass and spice. I also have to say, that seeing a black heroine that is fully described was a joyful thing to read. The description of her skin, her body, her hair care!!!! These are things that highlight and celebrate who she is. I’ve read so many lightly described POC characters. I’m sick of it. Kimberly Lemming is breaking through that bullshit and bringing us forward. Thank goodness.
Spice Level: 3/5
Kinks Explored: light bondage, a bit of praise
Voices Heard: Cinnamon is black. As is her best friend Brie.
Did I like it? I loved it so much that after reading it from the library I bought all of her books for myself. I’m obsessed.