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2303 reviews
My Dark Prince by L.J. Shen, Parker S. Huntington
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Briar Rose is the only woman Oliver has ever loved. She was the girl he spent his summers with, but when they were 18, he broke her heart. Now, many years later, they run into each other again. Briar has an accident and finds herself with amnesia, transported to a time when they were in love. Now, Oliver finds himself caring for Briar and accidentally getting engaged. When her memory comes back, she is steaming mad and knows she will stop at nothing to get back at him for all the pain. But somewhere in their antics, they begin to remember the love they had for each other. Oliver is hiding some things that could rip them apart and never give them happiness. Is this something the two can overcome?
Briar was a perfect match for Oliver. She saw his vulnerabilities and how much he felt and wanted to do for everyone and gave him the power to look out for himself. Briar’s story was heartbreaking. Her parents were truly terrible, and she felt discarded by everyone, including Oliver. Watching her understand what happened that fateful summer had me cheering for both of them.
This book was wonderful. Oliver and Briar had me laughing and crying with their story. There was so much that came in their relationship, including their break-up, but they were meant to be.
The amnesia trope is not typically a favourite of mine, but I didn’t think it played into the story tons and was a small part of it. It was the thing that was a catalyst for Oliver and Briar to begin talking and being more vulnerable with each other.
This was a great story, and I fell in love with both Oliver and Briar. If you love a second chance romance with two people who have broken hearts, this is the book for you! Thank you to the authors and Give Me Books Promotions for a copy of this book! All opinions are 100% mine.
Briar was a perfect match for Oliver. She saw his vulnerabilities and how much he felt and wanted to do for everyone and gave him the power to look out for himself. Briar’s story was heartbreaking. Her parents were truly terrible, and she felt discarded by everyone, including Oliver. Watching her understand what happened that fateful summer had me cheering for both of them.
This book was wonderful. Oliver and Briar had me laughing and crying with their story. There was so much that came in their relationship, including their break-up, but they were meant to be.
The amnesia trope is not typically a favourite of mine, but I didn’t think it played into the story tons and was a small part of it. It was the thing that was a catalyst for Oliver and Briar to begin talking and being more vulnerable with each other.
This was a great story, and I fell in love with both Oliver and Briar. If you love a second chance romance with two people who have broken hearts, this is the book for you! Thank you to the authors and Give Me Books Promotions for a copy of this book! All opinions are 100% mine.
Under An Endless Moon by A.L. Jackson
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is the second book in the Moonlit Ridge series. Otto is part of the Sovereign Sanctum, a crew dedicated to protecting women and children from domestic violence at any cost. When the leader’s sister needs a place to stay, Otto offers up his house. The problem is Raven is the woman he can never have. She is light and beauty, while he is darkness. Soon, they can’t fight their feelings for each other, but Otto feels he can’t betray her brother. What can they do when they must choose between their family and each other?
This book drew me in and hooked me right from the start. Raven has been through so much and has come out stronger than ever. She still struggles with some things, though, because trusting is hard for her. I connected with Otto. He was such a caring person who wanted nothing more than to help the people he loved.
Otto and Raven had chemistry right from the start, and you could see how drawn they were to each other. They shared this bond that could not be broken, and Otto was fiercely protective of Raven. I loved how they confided in each other and shared vulnerable moments. Even though things were pulling them apart, they were so right for each other; it was inevitable.
As with many of A.L. Jackson’s, she writes a found family that you love and connect with in some way. This band of brothers and the people they have with them is so well crafted that you will fall in love with them.
This was a suspenseful romance with sweet love. I cannot wait for more books in this series, as the ending has a great reveal. Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
This book drew me in and hooked me right from the start. Raven has been through so much and has come out stronger than ever. She still struggles with some things, though, because trusting is hard for her. I connected with Otto. He was such a caring person who wanted nothing more than to help the people he loved.
Otto and Raven had chemistry right from the start, and you could see how drawn they were to each other. They shared this bond that could not be broken, and Otto was fiercely protective of Raven. I loved how they confided in each other and shared vulnerable moments. Even though things were pulling them apart, they were so right for each other; it was inevitable.
As with many of A.L. Jackson’s, she writes a found family that you love and connect with in some way. This band of brothers and the people they have with them is so well crafted that you will fall in love with them.
This was a suspenseful romance with sweet love. I cannot wait for more books in this series, as the ending has a great reveal. Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Brutal Obsession: Special Edition by S. Massery
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Six months ago Violet was in a car accident that took away her dance and ballet career. The road to recovery was painful, but she has made her way back for the second semester. Imagine her surprise when the man who caused the accident, Greyson, is the new hockey phenom, and she can’t talk about it because she signed an NDA. After Greyson was arrested after the accident, it turned into a scandal and he was forced to switch universities with the aide of his senator father. When he sees Violet after six months the anger he has kept inside resurfaces and his goal is to leave her with no one and nothing.
Violet was such a strong character. She had been through so much but was persistent in coming back from injury. I loved how she stood her ground with Greyson and matched him in a battle of wits. Greyson is an intense man. You could feel it bleed off the pages. These two are both a little unhinged, but their unhingedness works well together. At first, I didn’t see how these two would work together, but as we got to know more about them, it worked so well.
This is a dark romance, and Greyson is a bully and morally grey. Once the bullying stops and they both admit the feelings that have been developing, these two are electric.
There is a bit of suspense in this book as we also have some strange things that start happening to Violet, and Greyson will stop at nothing to make sure she is safe. When he goes alpha male and moves her into his place, even when hating her, it is perfection.
If you like unhinged characters that just seem to work together, this is the perfect book for you!
Violet was such a strong character. She had been through so much but was persistent in coming back from injury. I loved how she stood her ground with Greyson and matched him in a battle of wits. Greyson is an intense man. You could feel it bleed off the pages. These two are both a little unhinged, but their unhingedness works well together. At first, I didn’t see how these two would work together, but as we got to know more about them, it worked so well.
This is a dark romance, and Greyson is a bully and morally grey. Once the bullying stops and they both admit the feelings that have been developing, these two are electric.
There is a bit of suspense in this book as we also have some strange things that start happening to Violet, and Greyson will stop at nothing to make sure she is safe. When he goes alpha male and moves her into his place, even when hating her, it is perfection.
If you like unhinged characters that just seem to work together, this is the perfect book for you!
Beautiful Fiend by Lola King
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
In this small town, two gangs are constantly at war. The Kings vs. The North Shore Alliance. Caden and Billie come from rival gangs and have been at war for years. Billie’s dad is the leader of The North Shore and Caden’s dad is the leader of the Kings. Two years ago, Caden did unspeakable things to Billie and broke her; she is trying to make her way back from it and escape the North Shore. He is blackmailing her to do a job for him, that puts everything at risk. Billie is left to do exactly what she is told and is unsure if she will be able to survive the consequences.
This is a dark romance. There are scenes of violence and these two hate each other. Caden King is a deplorable man who has done terrible things and has done horrible things to Billie, yet I was there for their relationship. I think part of what I liked is that neither Caden nor Billie are innocent in the violence that ravages this town. They are both doing what they need to do to survive and though none of that is excusable, the author gets us to see that through both of their lenses. I found that I hated both characters, but at the same time saw that in their messed up-ness they ended up being meant for each other.
I was not expecting this book to make me as emotional as it did, but there were so many points in it that I wanted to burn this entire town down and wreck everyone in it. The dynamics between all the characters were so interesting, and they kept me wanting to know what happened.
This was a read like no other I have read before. This book will not be for everyone, but if you like pitch-black romances, this may be the one to check out.
This is a dark romance. There are scenes of violence and these two hate each other. Caden King is a deplorable man who has done terrible things and has done horrible things to Billie, yet I was there for their relationship. I think part of what I liked is that neither Caden nor Billie are innocent in the violence that ravages this town. They are both doing what they need to do to survive and though none of that is excusable, the author gets us to see that through both of their lenses. I found that I hated both characters, but at the same time saw that in their messed up-ness they ended up being meant for each other.
I was not expecting this book to make me as emotional as it did, but there were so many points in it that I wanted to burn this entire town down and wreck everyone in it. The dynamics between all the characters were so interesting, and they kept me wanting to know what happened.
This was a read like no other I have read before. This book will not be for everyone, but if you like pitch-black romances, this may be the one to check out.
Midnight Renegade by Hayden Locke
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
This is a prequel novella where Willow and Bishop meet. Willow is a New York socialite who found out her ex was cheating on her moments before she must give a speech at a New Year's Eve gala she organized for charity. Bishop finds her in a moment of weakness and helps her calm down enough to give the speech. He can’t take her eyes off her the whole night. The only problem is, he is going through a divorce and has vowed to be single for a year. The two agree to have one steamy night together and then be done.
I binged this novella in one sitting. This was such a fun story to read. I loved the set-up and then moved to the tension and then spice. Bishop has such a filthy mouth but is also a total heartthrob. I loved how he made Willow feel comfortable and beautiful. He was total book-boyfriend material.
This novella has everything! It has a meet-cute, steamy spice and a cliffhanger that made me want to pick up the next book! If you want a quick, easy read, this is perfect!
I binged this novella in one sitting. This was such a fun story to read. I loved the set-up and then moved to the tension and then spice. Bishop has such a filthy mouth but is also a total heartthrob. I loved how he made Willow feel comfortable and beautiful. He was total book-boyfriend material.
This novella has everything! It has a meet-cute, steamy spice and a cliffhanger that made me want to pick up the next book! If you want a quick, easy read, this is perfect!
Get Lost with You by Sophie Sullivan
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
3.5
Jillian has settled back home after her divorce. Her and her daughter are living with her parents, and she is working for her brother’s new resort. What she doesn’t need is her childhood crush and brother’s friend, Levi, to return home after many years. Levi has used the excuse of his dad’s surgery to return home, but he wants to settle down after being on the go non-stop as a chef. When Levi and Jillian run into each other in town, the feelings they once had come to the surface. As they spend more time together, Levi works himself into her family and heart, and she must decide if she can open herself to love again.
This was a quick, easy read. It is low tension and jumps into a romance between Jillian and LeviI. They both had feelings for each other and jumped right into it. I would have liked to see more of them getting to know each other again since a lot had changed since the last time they saw each other. I loved that Levi continued to show up, even when Jillian wasn’t sure w,hile giving her the time she needed to move forward.
I liked Jillian’s daughter, as well as the supporting friends and family in town that added to the story. The small town was quaint and adorable, allowing you to not only fall in love with the characters but the town. I felt transported to Smile, Michigan and loved getting to know everyone.
This is a great story about starting over and learning to trust again. If you love a small town romance, with low stress, this is the perfect book for you! Thank you to Netgalley and SMP Romance for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
This was a quick, easy read. It is low tension and jumps into a romance between Jillian and LeviI. They both had feelings for each other and jumped right into it. I would have liked to see more of them getting to know each other again since a lot had changed since the last time they saw each other. I loved that Levi continued to show up, even when Jillian wasn’t sure w,hile giving her the time she needed to move forward.
I liked Jillian’s daughter, as well as the supporting friends and family in town that added to the story. The small town was quaint and adorable, allowing you to not only fall in love with the characters but the town. I felt transported to Smile, Michigan and loved getting to know everyone.
This is a great story about starting over and learning to trust again. If you love a small town romance, with low stress, this is the perfect book for you! Thank you to Netgalley and SMP Romance for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Heart of Frost and Scars by Pam Godwin
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was an epic end to a trilogy. I loved this book and the entire Frozen Fates trilogy. However, this book CANNOT be read as a standalone; you must read the trilogy in order. I binged this series because it was so good!
Be aware that there are spoilers in this review for the previous two books!
Frankie and the two men she escaped the cabin with are now back in society and learning how to function. There is still an underlying threat to Frankie that was left in Duncan’s message. Leo, Kody and Monty are all hellbent on protecting her, but threats continue. All the while she is trying to understand her feelings for Kody, Leo and Monty.
I loved how this group were the family they needed for each other and had a deep sense of love for each other. Frankie was the glue that held this group together and all three men would do anything for her. Not only was there love and an exploration of their relationship but there were twists and turns.
Pam Godwin truly took us on an emotional journey, and I was there for every second of it. I loved this book and the entire series!
Be aware that there are spoilers in this review for the previous two books!
Frankie and the two men she escaped the cabin with are now back in society and learning how to function. There is still an underlying threat to Frankie that was left in Duncan’s message. Leo, Kody and Monty are all hellbent on protecting her, but threats continue. All the while she is trying to understand her feelings for Kody, Leo and Monty.
I loved how this group were the family they needed for each other and had a deep sense of love for each other. Frankie was the glue that held this group together and all three men would do anything for her. Not only was there love and an exploration of their relationship but there were twists and turns.
Pam Godwin truly took us on an emotional journey, and I was there for every second of it. I loved this book and the entire series!
Cage of Ice and Echoes by Pam Godwin
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is book two in a series and cannot be read alone. We are taken back to the Alaskan wilderness with Frankie and the men. This book picks up immediately after the end of the first book.
Frankie, Leo and Kody are recovering from the events of the first book. They are devastated and barely scraping by. They are running low on food and hoping to make it through the vicious winter.
In the previous book, we saw Frankie surviving by herself, from the atrocities of Declan and the wilderness. Now she has the comfort of Leo and Kody, but the Alaskan winter is harsh and deadly. This book transfers to survival, while the love between these three blossom. I love seeing how much Leo and Kody love Frankie and how much she loves them in return.
We also begin to uncover the relationships between these characters and why and how they all came to be trapped in the Alaskan cabin. There are so many secrets that we uncover that I couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out what happened next.
Overall, this was an excellent book. Pam Godwin managed to cause me anxiety while peeling back the layers of this novel. Again, this book ends on a cliffhanger and I have immediately picked up the next one!
Frankie, Leo and Kody are recovering from the events of the first book. They are devastated and barely scraping by. They are running low on food and hoping to make it through the vicious winter.
In the previous book, we saw Frankie surviving by herself, from the atrocities of Declan and the wilderness. Now she has the comfort of Leo and Kody, but the Alaskan winter is harsh and deadly. This book transfers to survival, while the love between these three blossom. I love seeing how much Leo and Kody love Frankie and how much she loves them in return.
We also begin to uncover the relationships between these characters and why and how they all came to be trapped in the Alaskan cabin. There are so many secrets that we uncover that I couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out what happened next.
Overall, this was an excellent book. Pam Godwin managed to cause me anxiety while peeling back the layers of this novel. Again, this book ends on a cliffhanger and I have immediately picked up the next one!
Need You To Choose Me by Anna B. Doe
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-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
Sav and Blake meet on the saddest day of her life. Trying to forget the past and not worry about the future she and Blake have one night together, with no names. Slipping out before he wakes that morning, they will never see each other again. A few months later she discovers she is pregnant, with no way to contact her one-night stand. Then the one-night stand drops his son off in her classroom for the first day of class. Blake is adamant he will do right by Sav and the baby and works toward proving she will be there for them. As they get to know each other, not only does Blake work her way into his heart, and she cares for his two boys as well.
There is always something I enjoy about small-town romances and this was no exception. From the first meeting, Sav and Blake have chemistry. As they spent more time together, you could see the tension and passion building between them. Sav had a lot of trauma from her childhood, and trusting someone to stick around for her was hard. Blake worked so hard to prove that he would be there for her and stick around no matter what.
One of my favourite parts of the book was Sav’s relationship with Blake’s two sons. She didn’t attempt to take over as mom, but she was there for both of them, in different ways because of their needs. I loved the friends and found family these two have and how they all come together to make everyone feel loved.
If you love a small town romance full of love and sweet moments, this is the book for you! I love Anna B. Doe’s writing and how she connects you to the characters. Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
There is always something I enjoy about small-town romances and this was no exception. From the first meeting, Sav and Blake have chemistry. As they spent more time together, you could see the tension and passion building between them. Sav had a lot of trauma from her childhood, and trusting someone to stick around for her was hard. Blake worked so hard to prove that he would be there for her and stick around no matter what.
One of my favourite parts of the book was Sav’s relationship with Blake’s two sons. She didn’t attempt to take over as mom, but she was there for both of them, in different ways because of their needs. I loved the friends and found family these two have and how they all come together to make everyone feel loved.
If you love a small town romance full of love and sweet moments, this is the book for you! I love Anna B. Doe’s writing and how she connects you to the characters. Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Hills of Shivers and Shadows by Pam Godwin
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-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
4.5
We start the story off with Frankie disagreeing with her husband, and she is then kidnapped. She is taken to the far north of Alaska and held captive by a man and his three sons. All the men have secrets and are not welcoming of Frankie. Not only does Frankie have the men to fear, she must fear the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness and protect herself from all the dangers.
Wow, this book. It is an utterly twisted book, and you never know who to trust. This is a dark story, and will not be for everyone. The characters in this story have gone through awful things and there is plenty of trauma to go around.
Pam Godwin wrote an amazing story, drawing you in and connecting you to all the characters that you get to know throughout. I don’t want to give spoilers but there are characters in this book you love, and ones you want to rip apart. Not only does this story break your heart, but it leaves you on a cliffhanger that will have you grabbing the next book as soon as possible.
Wow, this book. It is an utterly twisted book, and you never know who to trust. This is a dark story, and will not be for everyone. The characters in this story have gone through awful things and there is plenty of trauma to go around.
Pam Godwin wrote an amazing story, drawing you in and connecting you to all the characters that you get to know throughout. I don’t want to give spoilers but there are characters in this book you love, and ones you want to rip apart. Not only does this story break your heart, but it leaves you on a cliffhanger that will have you grabbing the next book as soon as possible.