Last Updated on September 3, 2023 by Louisa
If you’re a fan of reverse harem novels, then you’ve likely heard of C.M. Stunich who has several novels in the genre.
Her novel, Allison’s Adventures in Underland, the first novel in the Harem of Hearts series, was what got me hooked on C.M. Stunich’s novels and now I’m always waiting for a new release of hers.
The novel, a spicy remake of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, is a short but steamy read that I couldn’t put down.
Want to find out why? Then keep scrolling to check out my complete and honest book review of Allison’s Adventures in Underland by C.M. Stunich…
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Book Review Allison’s Adventures in Underland by C.M. Stunich
Allison’s Adventures in Underland by C.M. Stunich Book Review
Summary
If you thought the world-building by Lewis Carroll was good, wait until you read what C.M. Stunich has done in this steamy and utterly absorbing reverse harem novel. If you love a Fresno Chile Pepper kind of spice in your romance books with a strong female lead holding the spoon, then you’re going to want to sink your teeth into Allison’s Adventures in Underland!
What I Liked
Allison’s Adventures In Underland is a thrilling journey into the dark and enchanting world of Wonderland, only instead of being met with enchanted and delightful creatures, Allison faces magic and dark romance beyond your wildest dreams.
While it’s based on the story of Alice in Wonderland and you can somewhat expect to know where the story will go, you are still met with unexpected twists. It’s a captivating reverse harem fantasy that is quite unique, offering a refreshing and very steamy take on the classic tale.
One of the highlights of this book for me is its well-developed characters. Allison, the strong-willed protagonist, is relatable and easy to root for.
Her journey through Underland is accompanied by a diverse cast of intriguing male characters who each bring their own charm and depth to the story. You meet the famed heroes from the traditional book, The Mad Hatter, The March Hare, Tweedle Dum, and Tweedle Dee, though you can never really tell if their intentions are good or bad – adding an edge of allure to the novel.
The dynamics between each supporting character with Allison creates an enticing and complex web of relationships that keeps you hooked on every page, desperate to know how it all plays out.
Stunich’s writing style is once again vivid and immersive, as I found in her other novel Devil’s Day Party, which has a lot of vivid descriptions that allow the reader to effortlessly be transported into the fantastical realm of Underland.
C.M. Stunich’s attention to detail is just enough to bring the story to life in a new way, but without it detracting from the pace of the book.
For me, the world-building in this book is truly exceptional, from the dark and dangerous forests to the whimsical landscapes, I felt like I could really walk through the setting of this book.
It is a short novel, so you expect it to be rushed or lacking in detail, but I found the pacing of the story is well-balanced, and I was hooked on the combination of action-packed scenes and moments of introspection.
Stunich is really a master at creating tension and building suspense, and when the story eventually came to its cliffhanger of an ending, it was impossible to not immediately buy the next installment…
What Could Have Been Better
By now you’ve probably noticed that I highly rate this book, and I have only minor issues with it. In fact, they’re not really issues, more of nitpicks.
While the pacing overall was fantastic, there were a few aspects of the book that didn’t fully resonate with me.
At times, the romantic elements felt somewhat rushed and I wished there was a bit more heat.
It’s also worth noting this book is a slow-burn novel, hence why I gave it a Fresno Chile Pepper rating – it starts off mild and then hits you with a lot of heat as it ripens!
Just like C.M. Stunich, I can use metaphors too.
Similar Works
Although this is an Alice in Wonderland retelling, it’s quite a unique story and I’ve not found many books that are similar.
The books that are somewhat similar are Queen Takes Knight by Joely Sue Burkhart, which is also a reverse harem book with a paranormal twist, though it’s about vampires and is set in Eureka Springs, Arkansas – not quite the Underland adventure of this book.
Allison’s Adventures in Underland Trigger Warnings
Allison’s Adventures in Underland contains the following trigger warnings…
- Violence
- Drugs
- Cursing
- Sex
Romance Tropes
Allison’s Adventures in Underland falls into the following sub-genres of romance…
- Reverse Harem
- Slow Burn
- Paranormal
- Dark Romance
Where to Find It?
You can find Allison’s Adventures in Underland on Amazon. Click the button below to see more.
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The Verdict: Would I Recommend Allison’s Adventures in Underland by C.M. Stunich?
Overall, Allison’s Adventures In Underland is an engaging and gripping reverse harem novel that combines elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure – exactly what it says on the tin.
C.M. Stunich’s immersive storytelling, fantastical world-building, and compelling characters make this book a worthwhile addition to any reader’s collection, especially if you’re a fan of dark, paranormal romance.
Fans of the reverse harem genre will find this a unique and enchanting novel that’s quite different from the usual in this genre.
Have Your Say…
Now you know what I think, let us know what you think! Share your thoughts about Allison’s Adventures in Underland in the comments!
The Details
- Pub Date: December 17th, 2017
- ISBN: B077M7CV49
- Page Count: 152 pages
- Publisher: Sarian Royal
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