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bekahzabel's reviews
320 reviews
Does It Hurt? by H.D. Carlton
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Phew what a WILD ride š®āšØ
I honestly had no idea what to expect outside of knowing this was dark romance. This is my first time reading H.D. Carlton and it didnāt disappoint. Was it packed full of triggers? Yes. So be wary of those and check before indulging.
Grumpy sunshine to the point that bully tropes were at play. From start to finish I was fully immersed and damnā¦ it got hot in there š„µ
Iād definitely recommend this to fellow dark romance lovers. Enzo and Sawyerās story is one thatās going to stick with me, and something I see myself revisiting and reading again.
5š/š¶ļøš¶ļøš¶ļøš¶ļø
I honestly had no idea what to expect outside of knowing this was dark romance. This is my first time reading H.D. Carlton and it didnāt disappoint. Was it packed full of triggers? Yes. So be wary of those and check before indulging.
Grumpy sunshine to the point that bully tropes were at play. From start to finish I was fully immersed and damnā¦ it got hot in there š„µ
Iād definitely recommend this to fellow dark romance lovers. Enzo and Sawyerās story is one thatās going to stick with me, and something I see myself revisiting and reading again.
5š/š¶ļøš¶ļøš¶ļøš¶ļø
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Barbarian's Mate by Ruby Dixon
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I feel like this series has been getting better with each book. I really enjoyed Hayden & Josieās story! Cozy, smutty, fluffy, and all around wholesome.
No pleasures are guilty around here š
No pleasures are guilty around here š
The Fabric of Our Souls by K.M. Moronova
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Fabric of our Souls is a dark romantic thriller thatāll break your heart and mend it multiple times between two covers.
The story is told from alternating first person points of view between Wynn and Liam. When Wynn is admitted to an unorthodox mental health institution, sheās paired off to room with a dark masochist named Liam. During her time at Harlow, and with the help of Liam and his best mate Lanston, the three embark on a healing journey.
But there are unsolved mysteries lurking in the basement of the Harlow institutionā¦ and the trio finds that secrets donāt always stay buriedā¦
Overall I really enjoyed the dark themes within this book. The tension between Wynn and Liam was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Solid character development and arcs for all three of the main characters, and a filthy mouth on Liam thatās to die for.
However I did feel like the plot hopped around quite a bit. We have dark and bulky romance elements, murder mystery, horror thriller, almost a why choose? It was a lot packed into just under 300 pages.
Nevertheless, it gets a 4āļø from me, and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys dark romantic thrillers. Please be aware to check triggers though, countless in here š«¶š¼
š¶ļøš¶ļøš¶ļø
The story is told from alternating first person points of view between Wynn and Liam. When Wynn is admitted to an unorthodox mental health institution, sheās paired off to room with a dark masochist named Liam. During her time at Harlow, and with the help of Liam and his best mate Lanston, the three embark on a healing journey.
But there are unsolved mysteries lurking in the basement of the Harlow institutionā¦ and the trio finds that secrets donāt always stay buriedā¦
Overall I really enjoyed the dark themes within this book. The tension between Wynn and Liam was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Solid character development and arcs for all three of the main characters, and a filthy mouth on Liam thatās to die for.
However I did feel like the plot hopped around quite a bit. We have dark and bulky romance elements, murder mystery, horror thriller, almost a why choose? It was a lot packed into just under 300 pages.
Nevertheless, it gets a 4āļø from me, and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys dark romantic thrillers. Please be aware to check triggers though, countless in here š«¶š¼
š¶ļøš¶ļøš¶ļø
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol
A Land of Lessons by Phillip Maeker
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
An epic sci-fi fantasy adventure through space and time.
A Land of Lessons is told in third person omniscient alternating points. Felix the fool, and Diana the ex fairy meet in the walking woods- where time does not exist. When Dianaās sister Lela resurfaces, Diana is forced to call to a mission that was fated long long ago. With rot spreading in the land, Diana, Felix, and Lela, must find the seed of life and travel to the circle. The realm must be saved.
This book had non stop action from start to finish. I really enjoyed the found family aspect as well. Maeker has a way with descriptive imagery and symbolism, life lessons and reckonings are learned by everyone along the way.
A Land of Lessons is a completely unique story that Iād highly recommend. If you enjoy new adult action packed adventures with poetic writing styles and heartwarming character arcs, this one is for you.
4.5/5āļø
A Land of Lessons is told in third person omniscient alternating points. Felix the fool, and Diana the ex fairy meet in the walking woods- where time does not exist. When Dianaās sister Lela resurfaces, Diana is forced to call to a mission that was fated long long ago. With rot spreading in the land, Diana, Felix, and Lela, must find the seed of life and travel to the circle. The realm must be saved.
This book had non stop action from start to finish. I really enjoyed the found family aspect as well. Maeker has a way with descriptive imagery and symbolism, life lessons and reckonings are learned by everyone along the way.
A Land of Lessons is a completely unique story that Iād highly recommend. If you enjoy new adult action packed adventures with poetic writing styles and heartwarming character arcs, this one is for you.
4.5/5āļø
The Coworker by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Such a good audiobook choice.
Listened to this as I did some chores around the house and it had me hooked!
Freida is a master at the unreliable narrator. Told from alternating points of view, the perspectives definitely keep you on your toes. I highly recommend this one to anyone who wants a suspenseful palette cleanser. Keeps you guessing and wondering which characters to trust, which if youāve read any of Freidaās booksā¦ trust no one š
4/5āļø
Listened to this as I did some chores around the house and it had me hooked!
Freida is a master at the unreliable narrator. Told from alternating points of view, the perspectives definitely keep you on your toes. I highly recommend this one to anyone who wants a suspenseful palette cleanser. Keeps you guessing and wondering which characters to trust, which if youāve read any of Freidaās booksā¦ trust no one š
4/5āļø
The Ink That Bleeds by Piper J. Drake
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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? No
4.5
The Ink That Bleeds is a cozy lighthearted paranormal romance with a splash of mystery.
When Amihan gets a letter that she inherited a bookstore on an island in the pacific northwest, it pulls her back to the small town she grew up in. The previous shop owner was murdered, and Amihan teams up with the town sheriff and her past academic rival, Lucien, to solve the case.
This is the type of book you could spend a sunny afternoon devouring on the porch, or a cozy night in by the fireplace. Fast paced with lovable characters, I finished this book in one sitting!
I loved the diversity between these two covers. There was ample BIPOC rep, as well as trans rep with our supporting main character sheriff Mel. The plot was engaging and the lighthearted romance had me blushing and smirking at certain moments.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy short mysteries, grumpy sunshine dynamic, and paranormal romance.
4.5/5āļø
When Amihan gets a letter that she inherited a bookstore on an island in the pacific northwest, it pulls her back to the small town she grew up in. The previous shop owner was murdered, and Amihan teams up with the town sheriff and her past academic rival, Lucien, to solve the case.
This is the type of book you could spend a sunny afternoon devouring on the porch, or a cozy night in by the fireplace. Fast paced with lovable characters, I finished this book in one sitting!
I loved the diversity between these two covers. There was ample BIPOC rep, as well as trans rep with our supporting main character sheriff Mel. The plot was engaging and the lighthearted romance had me blushing and smirking at certain moments.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy short mysteries, grumpy sunshine dynamic, and paranormal romance.
4.5/5āļø
The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Perfect Child is told in alternating points of view. Focusing on a couple whoās struggled with infertility, a social worker assigned to a strange child abuse case, and a seemingly innocent mysterious child.
All the Bauerās ever wanted was a baby. When a mysterious young girl shows up at the hospital with terrible injuries, she wins over Christopher Bauerās heart. The Bauerās decide to take Janie into temporary foster care, with the intentions of helping her transition and adjust to a better life. As Janieās behaviors and past begin to unfold, things seem to get darker at every turn and crossroads.
Boy oh boy, things got pretty dark between these two covers. Very hefty child abuse and violence trigger warnings.
For me, The Perfect Child had me white knuckling my kindle, and salivating for the next page. Even though I guessed some of the twists, this dark tale was a great read for me. My only qualm is how abruptly it wrapped up. 4/5 stars! š
All the Bauerās ever wanted was a baby. When a mysterious young girl shows up at the hospital with terrible injuries, she wins over Christopher Bauerās heart. The Bauerās decide to take Janie into temporary foster care, with the intentions of helping her transition and adjust to a better life. As Janieās behaviors and past begin to unfold, things seem to get darker at every turn and crossroads.
Boy oh boy, things got pretty dark between these two covers. Very hefty child abuse and violence trigger warnings.
For me, The Perfect Child had me white knuckling my kindle, and salivating for the next page. Even though I guessed some of the twists, this dark tale was a great read for me. My only qualm is how abruptly it wrapped up. 4/5 stars! š
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Self harm, Violence, Vomit, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I devoured this in 24 hours, so you know it was fast paced and addictive.
I really thought I had it figured out, but that twist did get me ā¦. š However I did feel a bit unsatisfied by the end. Would I recommend it? Yes, if youāre in the mood for a fast paced read that keeps you engaged. Am I going to buy this one for my forever shelf? I donāt think so, but I will continue to read Freidaās books!
I really thought I had it figured out, but that twist did get me ā¦. š However I did feel a bit unsatisfied by the end. Would I recommend it? Yes, if youāre in the mood for a fast paced read that keeps you engaged. Am I going to buy this one for my forever shelf? I donāt think so, but I will continue to read Freidaās books!
Barbarian's Prize by Ruby Dixon
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
UMM???? Excuse me??? MAāAM??? Ms. Mcfadden????
This is the first time Iāve read any of Freidaās books. Consider me officially a fan, because WOW, IāM ROCKED. Iām going to be spiraling about the final chapter of this book for daysā¦ itās entirety honestly.
With alternating perspectives & secrets and twists around every corner, this book had me hanging onto each word like I needed water after days in the dessert.
Phenomenal. I havenāt read a thriller in a long time, and this one roped me right back into the genre. 6 gold stars, a life changer.
This is the first time Iāve read any of Freidaās books. Consider me officially a fan, because WOW, IāM ROCKED. Iām going to be spiraling about the final chapter of this book for daysā¦ itās entirety honestly.
With alternating perspectives & secrets and twists around every corner, this book had me hanging onto each word like I needed water after days in the dessert.
Phenomenal. I havenāt read a thriller in a long time, and this one roped me right back into the genre. 6 gold stars, a life changer.