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ashbellareadsmm's reviews
254 reviews
Pretty Broken Doll by Bree Wiley
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Check your triggers prior to reading. There are a few sensitive topics discussed throughout the pages.
Character Development: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Oh, sweet baby doll Shilo. His growth throughout this book was so beautiful to read. Ryann, I will admit I wanted to throw him out of his penthouse window multiple times.... however, he was just as broken and deserving of love. As with Finding Delaware, I fell in love with the side-cast just as much as the MCs. I hope we get some Kansas and Carpenter content, maybe their own book? 👉🏻👈🏻 Shilo and Ryann had me from the jump. Their brokenness spoke to my broken parts.
The cameo of Huck and Taylor (Finding Delaware), was so heartwarming. My favorite thing about connected worlds is getting to see glimpses of other characters from other books. It makes my heart happy to know they are still getting to live the way they wanted. To be their authentic selves. ♥
"Even in our darkest moments, even when we feel like we don't fit, love finds a way."
Tropes:
• Boss x Employee
• Age Gap (21/37)
• Virgin MC
• Opposites Attract
• Neurodivergent Rep
• Size difference
• HEA
Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Check your triggers prior to reading. There are a few sensitive topics discussed throughout the pages.
Character Development: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Oh, sweet baby doll Shilo. His growth throughout this book was so beautiful to read. Ryann, I will admit I wanted to throw him out of his penthouse window multiple times.... however, he was just as broken and deserving of love. As with Finding Delaware, I fell in love with the side-cast just as much as the MCs. I hope we get some Kansas and Carpenter content, maybe their own book? 👉🏻👈🏻 Shilo and Ryann had me from the jump. Their brokenness spoke to my broken parts.
The cameo of Huck and Taylor (Finding Delaware), was so heartwarming. My favorite thing about connected worlds is getting to see glimpses of other characters from other books. It makes my heart happy to know they are still getting to live the way they wanted. To be their authentic selves. ♥
"Even in our darkest moments, even when we feel like we don't fit, love finds a way."
Tropes:
• Boss x Employee
• Age Gap (21/37)
• Virgin MC
• Opposites Attract
• Neurodivergent Rep
• Size difference
• HEA
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
Bad Call by Raquel Riley
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.9 ⭐
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: Boy Batter #2
Character Development: 3.9/5
Plot: 3/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Spice Level: 3/5
Overall Rating: 3.9/5
I am a lover of all things Raquel Riley writes. She is a very dynamic author.
This book was sometimes sour, mostly sweet sports novel. Then tension between Baylor and Casey was so good, that when they finally came together it was explosive. I loved ever interaction, the push/pull they had with each other. Casey's dog Rawlings was so freaking cute. If you're looking for something with low triggers, easy to read, with the right amount of spice, check this book out.
Tropes:
• Coach x Umpire
• Enemies to Lovers
• One Night Stand
• Bi-awakening
• Cute doggo
• HEA
Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: Boy Batter #2
Character Development: 3.9/5
Plot: 3/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Spice Level: 3/5
Overall Rating: 3.9/5
I am a lover of all things Raquel Riley writes. She is a very dynamic author.
This book was sometimes sour, mostly sweet sports novel. Then tension between Baylor and Casey was so good, that when they finally came together it was explosive. I loved ever interaction, the push/pull they had with each other. Casey's dog Rawlings was so freaking cute. If you're looking for something with low triggers, easy to read, with the right amount of spice, check this book out.
Tropes:
• Coach x Umpire
• Enemies to Lovers
• One Night Stand
• Bi-awakening
• Cute doggo
• HEA
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I'm Gone by Autumn Hendrix
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: Unwell Duet Book #1
Check your triggers prior to reading. There are heavy topics discussed throughout.
Character Development: 3.9/5 • Easton, sweet summer baby. He is one of the most dynamic characters I have read this year. His struggles and traumas are real, raw and in your face. You can feel and sense his emotions. Add in lovable teddy bear Chase, who just wants to love him. Those two are meant for each other.
Plot: 4/5 • The plot was well written. I was on the edge of my seat towards the end. The story was mainly Easton healing. Trying to come to terms with what we thought was true vs reality.
Writing Style: 4/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. There was a decent sized side-cast but it was not overwhelming. I knew who everyone was and where they fit.
Spice Level: 3/5 • Chase and Easton are so good together. Their sweet chemistry and raw lust for each other was top notch.
Overall Rating: 5/5 • For most of the book I was either full blown sobbing or welling tears. It was an emotional roller coaster. The ending about ripped me apart. I still feel very raw. There have never been two men that deserve each other more. I cannot wait for the 2nd part to this book. As a debut book, this was outstanding. I can feel like book hangover already. ♥
If you are one that doesn't do well with cliffhangers, I would suggest waiting until the 2nd part is out before reading.
Tropes:
• Brother's Best Friend
• Hurt/Comfort
• Anxiety/Depression Rep
• Found Family
• Books ends in Cliffhanger (no HFN or HEA)
Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: Not by choice
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Format: E-Book
Series: Unwell Duet Book #1
Check your triggers prior to reading. There are heavy topics discussed throughout.
Character Development: 3.9/5 • Easton, sweet summer baby. He is one of the most dynamic characters I have read this year. His struggles and traumas are real, raw and in your face. You can feel and sense his emotions. Add in lovable teddy bear Chase, who just wants to love him. Those two are meant for each other.
Plot: 4/5 • The plot was well written. I was on the edge of my seat towards the end. The story was mainly Easton healing. Trying to come to terms with what we thought was true vs reality.
Writing Style: 4/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. There was a decent sized side-cast but it was not overwhelming. I knew who everyone was and where they fit.
Spice Level: 3/5 • Chase and Easton are so good together. Their sweet chemistry and raw lust for each other was top notch.
Overall Rating: 5/5 • For most of the book I was either full blown sobbing or welling tears. It was an emotional roller coaster. The ending about ripped me apart. I still feel very raw. There have never been two men that deserve each other more. I cannot wait for the 2nd part to this book. As a debut book, this was outstanding. I can feel like book hangover already. ♥
If you are one that doesn't do well with cliffhangers, I would suggest waiting until the 2nd part is out before reading.
Tropes:
• Brother's Best Friend
• Hurt/Comfort
• Anxiety/Depression Rep
• Found Family
• Books ends in Cliffhanger (no HFN or HEA)
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Off Balance by Rebecca Rathe
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: Forbidden Goals #5
Prior reading is not required
Check your triggers prior to reading. There are some heavy topics discussed and seen throughout the pages
Character Development: 4/5 • Cameron and Dom were dynamic characters. Both Cameron and Dom have something to prove to themselves. Finding each other in the madness was so beautiful.
Plot: 4/5 • The plot was engaging and well written. All the characters in this book felt real like they could be real characters in the real world. The book was a slow-burn romance however it was done well. I did not feel like I wanted to rush to the end for them to be together. I enjoyed the build up.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Things were explained in a way that didn't feel like overkill. Each MC's POV felt like an individual character, with their own emotions and thoughts.
Spice Level: 3/5 • The spice evolved naturally. Even though there was some serious pining when Dom and Cam finally came together it was explosive. Both touch starved and needy men.
Overall Rating: 4.75/5 • Cam and Dom were gritty, raw and emotional characters. I loved them both individually and together. The adoration that Dom holds for Cam is next level. Everyone deserves a Dom in their life as their own personal hype man. He was such a teddy bear, cinnamini MC and I here for every second of it. The way Becca described the scenes I felt like I was there watching Cam dance. I could see him through Dom's eyes. Also, I appreciate the Antoni and Ellis cameos from Choke Up. All in all this was a great additional to the Forbidden Goals series. ♥
All pre-order profits from Off Balance are being donated by the author to the Trevor Project with a matching donation going to the ACLU Foundation
Tropes:
• Boxer x Ballet Dancer
• Age Gap
• Size difference
• Bi-awakening
• Brother's Stepson
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Cinnamon roll MC
• HEA
Cheating: Yes BUT not between the main characters.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Format: E-Book
Series: Forbidden Goals #5
Prior reading is not required
Check your triggers prior to reading. There are some heavy topics discussed and seen throughout the pages
Character Development: 4/5 • Cameron and Dom were dynamic characters. Both Cameron and Dom have something to prove to themselves. Finding each other in the madness was so beautiful.
Plot: 4/5 • The plot was engaging and well written. All the characters in this book felt real like they could be real characters in the real world. The book was a slow-burn romance however it was done well. I did not feel like I wanted to rush to the end for them to be together. I enjoyed the build up.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Things were explained in a way that didn't feel like overkill. Each MC's POV felt like an individual character, with their own emotions and thoughts.
Spice Level: 3/5 • The spice evolved naturally. Even though there was some serious pining when Dom and Cam finally came together it was explosive. Both touch starved and needy men.
Overall Rating: 4.75/5 • Cam and Dom were gritty, raw and emotional characters. I loved them both individually and together. The adoration that Dom holds for Cam is next level. Everyone deserves a Dom in their life as their own personal hype man. He was such a teddy bear, cinnamini MC and I here for every second of it. The way Becca described the scenes I felt like I was there watching Cam dance. I could see him through Dom's eyes. Also, I appreciate the Antoni and Ellis cameos from Choke Up. All in all this was a great additional to the Forbidden Goals series. ♥
All pre-order profits from Off Balance are being donated by the author to the Trevor Project with a matching donation going to the ACLU Foundation
Tropes:
• Boxer x Ballet Dancer
• Age Gap
• Size difference
• Bi-awakening
• Brother's Stepson
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Cinnamon roll MC
• HEA
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Alfie: Part One by Cara Dee
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Genre: M/M Mafia
Romance Format: E-Book
Character Development: 3.9/5
Plot: 3.9/5
Writing Style: 3.9/5
Spice Level: 0.5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Ugh, I am not sure what to say. I enjoy Cara Dee's books so much. The Game series is one of my favorites. I usually don't read books that end in cliffhangers unless the rest of the series is out. I am very impatient. However, I am not disappointed I read this. My heart broke for Alfie. Losing the only man he truly loved all because he was trying to be the person that he thought West wanted him to be. I absolutely cannot wait for part 2! Alfie deserves his redemption arc, he deserves to be happy. ♥
Tropes:
• Mafia
• Divorce
• Single Dad
• Pining
• Ends in Cliffhanger (no HFN)
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Romance Format: E-Book
Character Development: 3.9/5
Plot: 3.9/5
Writing Style: 3.9/5
Spice Level: 0.5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Ugh, I am not sure what to say. I enjoy Cara Dee's books so much. The Game series is one of my favorites. I usually don't read books that end in cliffhangers unless the rest of the series is out. I am very impatient. However, I am not disappointed I read this. My heart broke for Alfie. Losing the only man he truly loved all because he was trying to be the person that he thought West wanted him to be. I absolutely cannot wait for part 2! Alfie deserves his redemption arc, he deserves to be happy. ♥
Tropes:
• Mafia
• Divorce
• Single Dad
• Pining
• Ends in Cliffhanger (no HFN)
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Neutral Zone Trap by Crea Reitan
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: For Puck's Sake # 10
Prior reading is not required but is recommended to get the best feels from the side-cast
Character Development: 3.9/5 • Torin and Hugo are dynamic characters. Both try to figure themselves out and find a home in each other. Torin's anxiety was handled with care and was so relatable.
Plot: 3.9/5 • The plot was engaging and well written. All the characters in this book felt real like they could be real characters in the real world. This was a slow-burn romance; however, the slow-burn friendship made this romance even more real.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Things were explained in a way that didn't feel like overkill. As always her writing made me feel like I was in the heads of the MCs.
Spice Level: 1.5/5 • The spice evolved with the characters relationship. Looking at the tropes you know what to expect. There may not have been a lot of spice but the emotional intimacy was 10/10.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 • Torin was such a sweet soul, maybe a bit misunderstood due to his social anxieties. I wasn't sure I would enjoy Hugo because he wasn't my favorite character in Atty and Toby's book (Stick Lessons) but this was a redemption for me. Hugo was such a lovable cuddle bug for me. The care he had for Torin was so heartwarming. I loved this pairing. This is probably my 3rd favorite in the series.
Tropes:
• Hockey Player x Mascot
• Bi-awakening
• Virgin MC
• Social Anxiety Rep
• Demisexual and demiromantic rep
• Slow burn
• HEA
Cheating:No
Third-act breakup:No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Format: E-Book
Series: For Puck's Sake # 10
Prior reading is not required but is recommended to get the best feels from the side-cast
Character Development: 3.9/5 • Torin and Hugo are dynamic characters. Both try to figure themselves out and find a home in each other. Torin's anxiety was handled with care and was so relatable.
Plot: 3.9/5 • The plot was engaging and well written. All the characters in this book felt real like they could be real characters in the real world. This was a slow-burn romance; however, the slow-burn friendship made this romance even more real.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Things were explained in a way that didn't feel like overkill. As always her writing made me feel like I was in the heads of the MCs.
Spice Level: 1.5/5 • The spice evolved with the characters relationship. Looking at the tropes you know what to expect. There may not have been a lot of spice but the emotional intimacy was 10/10.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 • Torin was such a sweet soul, maybe a bit misunderstood due to his social anxieties. I wasn't sure I would enjoy Hugo because he wasn't my favorite character in Atty and Toby's book (Stick Lessons) but this was a redemption for me. Hugo was such a lovable cuddle bug for me. The care he had for Torin was so heartwarming. I loved this pairing. This is probably my 3rd favorite in the series.
Tropes:
• Hockey Player x Mascot
• Bi-awakening
• Virgin MC
• Social Anxiety Rep
• Demisexual and demiromantic rep
• Slow burn
• HEA
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Body and Soul by L. Eveland
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: Wayward Sons # 4
Character Development: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Spice Level: 2.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.25/5
Tropes:
• Cult Survivors
• Hurt/Comfort
• Found Family
• Size difference
• DID rep
• D/s dynamic
• Mild BDSM
• HEA
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
Format: E-Book
Series: Wayward Sons # 4
Character Development: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Spice Level: 2.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.25/5
Tropes:
• Cult Survivors
• Hurt/Comfort
• Found Family
• Size difference
• DID rep
• D/s dynamic
• Mild BDSM
• HEA
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
A Love Letter to Whiskey: Fifth Anniversary Edition by Kandi Steiner
5.0
Wrecked. Ruined. Demolished. Devastated. Pulverized.
"A Love Letter to Whiskey" by Kandi Steiner is true heartbreak perfection. It follows the story of Jamie and B through high school and adulthood. By pure fate they run into each other, literally and their fates are sealed. I experienced all stages of grief and cried so many tears I felt dehydrated.
If you enjoy a heart breaking slow burn, right person wrong time romance, this novel is for you.
Genre: M/F Romance
Format: E-Book (Kindle Unlimited)
Character Development: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Right Person/Wrong Time
Angst
First Person POV
Favorite Quote:
"There are rare, shining bright periods of our lives where everything seems almost too good to be true. All the pieces fall into place, effortlessly and beautifully, and we get to enjoy the final masterpiece with not one single worry. They’re the kind of moments where we realize we’re lucky to be alive, to be who we are, to be breathing the air around us. They’re the kind of days that remind us why we had to suffer through the dark ones, why it’s all worth it in the end."
"A Love Letter to Whiskey" by Kandi Steiner is true heartbreak perfection. It follows the story of Jamie and B through high school and adulthood. By pure fate they run into each other, literally and their fates are sealed. I experienced all stages of grief and cried so many tears I felt dehydrated.
If you enjoy a heart breaking slow burn, right person wrong time romance, this novel is for you.
Genre: M/F Romance
Format: E-Book (Kindle Unlimited)
Character Development: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Right Person/Wrong Time
Angst
First Person POV
Favorite Quote:
"There are rare, shining bright periods of our lives where everything seems almost too good to be true. All the pieces fall into place, effortlessly and beautifully, and we get to enjoy the final masterpiece with not one single worry. They’re the kind of moments where we realize we’re lucky to be alive, to be who we are, to be breathing the air around us. They’re the kind of days that remind us why we had to suffer through the dark ones, why it’s all worth it in the end."
Learn Your Lesson by Kandi Steiner
4.0
"Learn Your Lesson" by Kandi Steiner follows Daddy P (Will Perry) and his daughter's kindergarten teacher Chloe Knott. Will is the star goalie of NHL Tampa Ospreys. He is a single father and in desperate need of a nanny for his 5 year old daughter Ava. When yet another nanny fumbles Chloe jumps in to save the day and the hearts of father & daughter. This book is apart of the Kings of Ice series. It can be read on it's own but it is best if you read in order to avoid spoilers to other couples in the series.
Kandi Steiner's writing never fails to miss, whether she rips your heart our of your chest or makes your lungs seize from laughter. If you like slow burn, forced proximity romance, grumpy/sunshine romance this book is for you.
Genre: M/F Sports Romance
Format: E-Book (Kindle Unlimited)
Character Development: 4.5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Spice Level: 4/5 (You may never look at popsicles the same)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes:
Pro Hockey Romance
Single Dad/Nanny
Forced Proximity
Spicy Lessons
Age Gap
Grumpy/Sunshine
Opposites Attract
Found Family
Dual POV (First Person POV)
Kandi Steiner's writing never fails to miss, whether she rips your heart our of your chest or makes your lungs seize from laughter. If you like slow burn, forced proximity romance, grumpy/sunshine romance this book is for you.
Genre: M/F Sports Romance
Format: E-Book (Kindle Unlimited)
Character Development: 4.5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Spice Level: 4/5 (You may never look at popsicles the same)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes:
Pro Hockey Romance
Single Dad/Nanny
Forced Proximity
Spicy Lessons
Age Gap
Grumpy/Sunshine
Opposites Attract
Found Family
Dual POV (First Person POV)