Scan barcode
ashley_webb13's reviews
123 reviews
Blaze & Ajax by Courtney W. Dixon
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
Blaze and Ajax I think is my favorite book in the Alpha’s Rejects series so far. Although I’m REALLY looking forward to Alpha’s book.
This is enemies to lovers, and I loved the D/s dynamic that is brought about in the book. Blaze needs to let go and Ajax is the only person he can trust to give him that, even if he “hates” him. I also really loved the mental health rep. I felt it showed the struggles of someone with bipolar disorder and how it is to be with someone who has bipolar disorder (I dated someone for a long time who had it, so this is based on my experience).
This is enemies to lovers, and I loved the D/s dynamic that is brought about in the book. Blaze needs to let go and Ajax is the only person he can trust to give him that, even if he “hates” him. I also really loved the mental health rep. I felt it showed the struggles of someone with bipolar disorder and how it is to be with someone who has bipolar disorder (I dated someone for a long time who had it, so this is based on my experience).
His Prince by Cora Rose
dark
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
I’ve been anticipating Angel’s book for awhile now and often times I hype it up in my head more than I should and that is totally a me thing. This is one of those times.
Overall the story is good. Angelo (Angel) took his arranged marriage and made the best of it, even when he expected more after his interactions with Mikhail before the wedding. He was all alone other than his gaurd Casey. Up until all the teasers were released on insta and Facebook I really was shipping Angel and his bodyguard Casey I felt like they had such an amazing connection in The Silencer. I just didn’t like Mikhail especially in the beginning. He did get better towards the end of the story.
I did love Angel’s interactions with the guards and how they called him “little husband,” that was cute. I also loved that he was determined to revive the garden. To be honest there’s a bit of miscommunication in the story, and had that not happened the entire story would’ve been different. It could’ve easily been cleared up but kind of dragged through a large portion of the story.
I also enjoyed meeting some side characters and am excited to see what happens with Casey, Ivan, Bane and Georgie.
I’ve been anticipating Angel’s book for awhile now and often times I hype it up in my head more than I should and that is totally a me thing. This is one of those times.
Overall the story is good. Angelo (Angel) took his arranged marriage and made the best of it, even when he expected more after his interactions with Mikhail before the wedding. He was all alone other than his gaurd Casey. Up until all the teasers were released on insta and Facebook I really was shipping Angel and his bodyguard Casey I felt like they had such an amazing connection in The Silencer. I just didn’t like Mikhail especially in the beginning. He did get better towards the end of the story.
I did love Angel’s interactions with the guards and how they called him “little husband,” that was cute. I also loved that he was determined to revive the garden. To be honest there’s a bit of miscommunication in the story, and had that not happened the entire story would’ve been different. It could’ve easily been cleared up but kind of dragged through a large portion of the story.
I also enjoyed meeting some side characters and am excited to see what happens with Casey, Ivan, Bane and Georgie.
Only the Small Bones by C.P. Harris
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Emotional, heartbreaking, beautiful are all words I would use to describe this book. I absolutely LOVE C.P Harris and this book delivered. William and Ryan are both broken men. William helps victims of kidnapping/ST. Ryan is one of the victims that William ends up taking in. There is so much to this story and there were moments where I was thinking “why is William doing that?” Or “there’s a shoe about to drop.” And drop it did. The backstories broke my heart but we got our HEA even though it was hard won. Such a good read. Check the trigger warnings. It’s honestly hard to leave a review for this book, without saying anything that may spoil it.
Every Promise Broken by Ashley James
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
4.5⭐️ rounded up
This was the story I’ve been waiting for since the beginning of the series. Overall I loved the story. However, I feel like there should’ve been more angst, more drama, more hurt…I was ready to shed tears over their heartbreak buuut that didn’t happen. Second chance stories are almost always hit or miss for me but this one fell kind of in the middle.
Whit and Conrad’s relationship ended 4 years ago (sooner if you count before the divorce), however Conrad’s grandmother “doesn’t know” so when she decides to come visit Conrad has to convince Whit to play pretend while she’s there.
Them rekindling their relationship was super sweet. The characters have amazing chemistry. We also get some cameos from our other favorite characters. But like I said before, I expected a little heartbreak or something? Also what about Reggie? Will we see him again? I really felt bad for him; he got straight trashed after 2 or more years with Whit. Overall though it was a good ending to the series.
This was the story I’ve been waiting for since the beginning of the series. Overall I loved the story. However, I feel like there should’ve been more angst, more drama, more hurt…I was ready to shed tears over their heartbreak buuut that didn’t happen. Second chance stories are almost always hit or miss for me but this one fell kind of in the middle.
Whit and Conrad’s relationship ended 4 years ago (sooner if you count before the divorce), however Conrad’s grandmother “doesn’t know” so when she decides to come visit Conrad has to convince Whit to play pretend while she’s there.
Them rekindling their relationship was super sweet. The characters have amazing chemistry. We also get some cameos from our other favorite characters. But like I said before, I expected a little heartbreak or something? Also what about Reggie? Will we see him again? I really felt bad for him; he got straight trashed after 2 or more years with Whit. Overall though it was a good ending to the series.
A Little Bit by L. Waltree
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.5
4.5 ⭐️
This story was so freaking good. Warren is the son of a senator. Who has suffered serious trauma. He’s afraid to be himself until he meets Eli who is new at the University he goes to. Something about Eli draws Warren in and makes him want to do things he’s never really allowed himself to do.
Eli has some issues himself he’s working through. He’s as drawn to Warren as Warren is him.
These two are so good together, their chemistry is off the charts. They agree to do things for just “a little bit.” The more they’re around each other the more they fall and the more they want more than a little bit. But someone has a secret and when the other finds out things hit the fan.
Amazing story! Loved it.
This story was so freaking good. Warren is the son of a senator. Who has suffered serious trauma. He’s afraid to be himself until he meets Eli who is new at the University he goes to. Something about Eli draws Warren in and makes him want to do things he’s never really allowed himself to do.
Eli has some issues himself he’s working through. He’s as drawn to Warren as Warren is him.
These two are so good together, their chemistry is off the charts. They agree to do things for just “a little bit.” The more they’re around each other the more they fall and the more they want more than a little bit. But someone has a secret and when the other finds out things hit the fan.
Amazing story! Loved it.
Our Blood, Our Pain by Syn Blackrose
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Jules and Kai…lord have mercy 🥵.
I think this one may be tied for the number one spot, which was still Tied To You but now I’m not sure because this book was amazing!
Kai is a bit of a trouble maker, mostly falls in with the wrong crowd, ends up arrested and his mom is like “enough is enough” and calls “Uncle Jules” who is her estranged step brother, to step in and take Kai under his wing.
Kai’s character is bratty at times but he’s really just misunderstood…👀. He’s young and really does want more out of life than running around starting bar fights. He feels like a disappointment to everyone until Jules comes in.
Jules works for the Kozlov brothers, where he takes Kai to come work with him. Jules character is slightly unhinged (not like Aaron and Lev unhinged) but he still has empathy and shows emotions, so I really liked that.
Their chemistry was off the charts! This book was HOT. You get the possessive MCs, the dirty talk, the marking, but also the real connection between the characters. We also see some of our other favorite characters from previous books.
Definitely recommend this book if love mm, dark romance, mafia vibes, and slightly unhinged/possessive characters. I would recommend reading Tied To You and Kill For You first for better enjoyment.
Their Wicked Ways by Willow Dixon
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was actually a pretty good MMM. Poly romance is hit or miss for me. This story follows Jett, Wes, and Ez. Wes and Ez are in an established relationship and have been for nearly a decade. They’ve brought on a third several times but never had a repeat and never saw them again. Until Jett. Imagine your third being on the crew at your new job?
I did feel like the relationship dynamic was pretty equal up until towards the end and then there seemed to be not as much of Wes and Ezra, it was more Ezra and Jett. I would’ve liked to see more of them as a triad.
Pippin & Nacho by Courtney W. Dixon
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
Pippin (Sam) and Nacho (Nate) were super cute. These two were foster brothers and best friends for around 7 years. They also have a ton of codependency going on. Nate was abandoned as a baby and Sam was forced to undergo conversion therapy as a young teen and ran away, ending up in foster care.
Nate is fiercely protective of Sam. Always wanting to take care of him and do things for him. He just doesn’t realize he’s doing half of it for himself because he’s afraid Sam will abandon him.
Sam is ADHD, has horrible anxiety and likely some PTSD from what happened to him. He leans on Nate a lot. He’s also terrified of Doctors.
This story as a whole was good but it wasn’t overly exciting. There’s a little drama but overall it’s basically navigating their relationship.
Level Up by Max Walker
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
Jay and Ryan are adorable. These two meet at a party and end up being dorm mates. They’re attracted to each other but Jay refuses Ryan quite a bit because Ryan is the son of a man who owns an oil company, Ryan’s family is everything Jay stands against.
Jay’s character is very headstrong. He believes in something and doesn’t let anything detour him from his set goal. Even Ryan, as attracted to him as he was he wouldn’t cross the line because of who Ryan’s family is.
Ryan I absolutely loved his character. Cute and a bit goofy. He wanted to prove to Ryan that he was more than his last name.
Once these two got together their chemistry was explosive.
Anyone But Me by J.D. Frost
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Omg this book! It was so good. Oakley and Asher are actually perfect for each other, similar in ways but polar opposites in others.
Oakley has been going to school with Asher for about year, since his and his sister’s parents died and they had to live with their uncle. Oakley is a strong character. His uncle is physically abusive and Oakley is doing everything he can to save money to get him and his away once he graduates. I loved his character. His protectiveness over his sister. His drive and determination to get them out.
Asher was actually a quite adorable character. Yes he does bully Oakley around some in the beginning but it doesn’t last long. There was a lot more depth to his character than I expected. He goes through his own struggles albeit not quite the extreme of Oakley is experiencing.
Once Asher gets a taste of Oakley it is ON. They both fall hard and fast but it’s not without some heartache thrown in. They face quite a few obstacles along the way. The way the book is written everything really ties together and flows nicely. The only thing that got me was that Asher didn’t put it together that Oakley’s abuser was his uncle sooner.
I am so glad they got their extremely hard earned HEA.