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fresholivebread's reviews
660 reviews
Jonah's Ghost by K. Alex Walker
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
3.75
Taryn is haunted by a ghost in her new home, only to later meet FBI Agent Ash, who looks very familiar. They're both strong, intriguing with secrets of their own. The book starts out rough - the set-up felt feels clunky and stilted. But the premise is interesting. The connection between Ash and Taryn isn't particularly strong at start (and also a little weird), in fact I was more drawn to their past selves Jonah/Odette.
But they connected better further in, and they create their own bond, though more depth would make their romance stronger. It feels kind of floaty at parts, blurring the lines of past and present. But Ash is very sweet, and he really protects Taryn, and they share some lovely, emotional moments. The ghostly, psychological murder mystery is interesting but it's a bit muddled at times. But it ends strongly with a fitting HEA.
CW:abuse, confinement, racism; Taryn has explicit sex with her husband the villain, though it feels more coerced/dub-con bordering on assault
CW:Taryn has explicit sex with her husband the villain, though it feels more coerced/dub-con bordering on assault
But they connected better further in, and they create their own bond, though more depth would make their romance stronger. It feels kind of floaty at parts, blurring the lines of past and present. But Ash is very sweet, and he really protects Taryn, and they share some lovely, emotional moments. The ghostly, psychological murder mystery is interesting but it's a bit muddled at times. But it ends strongly with a fitting HEA.
CW:
CW:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Kidnapping
Over the Top by Rebecca Zanetti
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
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? Yes
4.25
An ex-SEAL gives in to his feelings for BFF's little sister, while trouble follows him. I've been anticipating this, with the sweet, feisty Dawn and the broody, intense Hawk. Though Dawn's fire borders stupid stubbornness when she insists she can deal with criminals and resists safety precautions. Hawk's very alpha tendencies worked for me, he needed to be so to protect her.
They have great chemistry, and really smoked up the pages during steamy times. I had a soft spot for the more insecure, pining version of Hawk, the sweet moments where Dawn is with him, and fights for him are great. With her, he also learns to lean on others, and I loved how Dawn's brothers stood by him. Some solid action/chase, and the meddling old ladies are a hoot. It's a good, sexy read, and the Zanetti-styled found family vibes are great
They have great chemistry, and really smoked up the pages during steamy times. I had a soft spot for the more insecure, pining version of Hawk, the sweet moments where Dawn is with him, and fights for him are great. With her, he also learns to lean on others, and I loved how Dawn's brothers stood by him. Some solid action/chase, and the meddling old ladies are a hoot. It's a good, sexy read, and the Zanetti-styled found family vibes are great
Without Warning by Reese Knightley
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
3.5
Sparks fly between a bodyguard and the billionaire he's protecting. Both MCs were burned by past experiences, but sweet, resilient Harrison remains hopeful while the grumpy Ryder is more bitter and jaded, and also very judgey. There's some initial antagonism, but when danger goes boom, they find themselves in closed quarters, and trust + feelings start to build.
Ryder's hot-cold was draggy *and* a drag, but Harrison's gentleness and care for him touched him and made him better. He's also very protective of Harrison, and there's a pretty great big gesture from him to prove his love. I liked that both are looking for something deeper and lasting, and they found it in each other. The stalker plot is engaging but there're a couple of loose plot points. The writing was also a little choppy, and tighter editing would've made it better.
Ryder's hot-cold was draggy *and* a drag, but Harrison's gentleness and care for him touched him and made him better. He's also very protective of Harrison, and there's a pretty great big gesture from him to prove his love. I liked that both are looking for something deeper and lasting, and they found it in each other. The stalker plot is engaging but there're a couple of loose plot points. The writing was also a little choppy, and tighter editing would've made it better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking
Moderate: Gun violence
The Brightest Star in Paris by Diana Biller
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
5.0
A scientist reunites with the ballerina from his past, and they embark on a fake courtship to save her. Brilliant, steady Ben discovers that the spark and of the Amelie he knew has dimmed. He's very patient and sweet, he wants to be the white knight that saves her, but he respects Amelie's choice of wanting to depend on her own strength. But his love and support slowly winher over, though the romance is a slow burn with Amelie's fear + trust issues.
Ben is amazing and I loved the tenderness and care he shows her. I also loved how Amelie is her true self with him. Things can get pretty angsty and I really savored their sweet, emotional moments. Ben's faith and belief in Amelia is the best (though I wished she's less stubborn). The ghostly mystery is interesting, with a few scary threads. As a whole, I really enjoyed their romance and the HEA is lovely. And I loved Ben's family!
Ben is amazing and I loved the tenderness and care he shows her. I also loved how Amelie is her true self with him. Things can get pretty angsty and I really savored their sweet, emotional moments. Ben's faith and belief in Amelia is the best (though I wished she's less stubborn). The ghostly mystery is interesting, with a few scary threads. As a whole, I really enjoyed their romance and the HEA is lovely. And I loved Ben's family!
Principles of Spookology by S.E. Harmon
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Rain tries embracing his ghosts while solving cold cases and building his relationship with Danny. They're at a good place - actually I expected some residual angst but their romance here is rather smooth-sailing. There's still some good development, to the relationship and them personally. The moments where they're all domestic with just them are very sweet. The banter is still top notch - hilarious, sexy and damn entertaining.
Danny is extra growly and possessive, and very protective of Rain (even though Rain is more than capable), which I loved. The ghosts can be kinda an overload though (but I liked main ghost Mason), but the cock blocking was pretty funny. The shenanigans with Rain, his family and the gurus are hysterical, and the murder mystery is solid, with a strong investigation process. Living in Rain's head still cracked me up!
Danny is extra growly and possessive, and very protective of Rain (even though Rain is more than capable), which I loved. The ghosts can be kinda an overload though (but I liked main ghost Mason), but the cock blocking was pretty funny. The shenanigans with Rain, his family and the gurus are hysterical, and the murder mystery is solid, with a strong investigation process. Living in Rain's head still cracked me up!
Broken Honor by Tonya Burrows
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
An operative on mission to rescue his ex-fling, while the secrets of his past looms. Strong and stoic on the outlook, Quinn hides the vulnerabilities of his damaged self. Mara is brave, tenacious, knows her worth and won't accept any less. Their romance has all the works: chemistry, passion and steam - though I wanted to smack Quinn at times. Though I get his self-doubts, he's still kind of an idiot, and his push pull really dragged on go a while.
Mara is willing to fight for him - her tenacity soon breaks through his walls, and he comes to realise how much he needs and loves her. Their healing process is tough, but also beautiful in an emotional way. He's very protective but she holds her own, and actually helps to save his ass. Lots of fast paced action + betrayals, and the HORNET gang is always there supporting Quinn. And Jesse's book should be fun!
Mara is willing to fight for him - her tenacity soon breaks through his walls, and he comes to realise how much he needs and loves her. Their healing process is tough, but also beautiful in an emotional way. He's very protective but she holds her own, and actually helps to save his ass. Lots of fast paced action + betrayals, and the HORNET gang is always there supporting Quinn. And Jesse's book should be fun!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Murder, and Pregnancy
The Last One You Loved by L.J. Evans
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? Yes
4.25
With her life falling apart, a doctor returns to her home town to face the first love whose heart she'd broken. McKenna had trauma in her past + present; Maddox found it hard to forgive the way she left him. But their connection still is powerful, and neither could ignore the pull they still feel. Given everything, it's a tough process of them bringing down the walls and trusting each other again, and to rebuild their love.
I liked how they reconnected, though they I wished they're a bit better at talking. They have their flaws, but they both have big hearts, and are very protective of what's theirs. Their romance has a lot of emotions and angst, but also hope and sweetness. And there's no 3rd act conflict. ✌🏻 Solid suspense, with some awful villains. The family is great - Mila is really cute. The writing felt uneven at start, but flowed better in later parts.
I liked how they reconnected, though they I wished they're a bit better at talking. They have their flaws, but they both have big hearts, and are very protective of what's theirs. Their romance has a lot of emotions and angst, but also hope and sweetness. And there's no 3rd act conflict. ✌🏻 Solid suspense, with some awful villains. The family is great - Mila is really cute. The writing felt uneven at start, but flowed better in later parts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
P.S. I Spook You by S.E. Harmon
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
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
4.25
An FBI agent has to partner his ex to solve a cold case, to save his career. Rain is a smart, snarky and a reluctant ghost whisperer; Danny is grumpy, grounded and looks like sex on (two) wheels. Their feelings are still strong, but neither are that willing to take the leap, so it's a slow burn of sorts as they work through the past and present.
They have some pretty amazing chemistry, the banter is entertaining and funny, and I really liked the dynamic between them - they're well-matched and it shows.
They're messy in a very real way and weirdly that makes them endearing to me. Danny's reaction to Rain's secret felt realistic, and ultimately they handled it well enough. And Rain's inner thoughts are super hilarious! The ghostly mystery is interesting but also a bit sad, and Rain's ghosts are certainly adds drama (though Ethan is really likeable).
They have some pretty amazing chemistry, the banter is entertaining and funny, and I really liked the dynamic between them - they're well-matched and it shows.
They're messy in a very real way and weirdly that makes them endearing to me. Danny's reaction to Rain's secret felt realistic, and ultimately they handled it well enough. And Rain's inner thoughts are super hilarious! The ghostly mystery is interesting but also a bit sad, and Rain's ghosts are certainly adds drama (though Ethan is really likeable).
Dead Man's Detective by Rachel Graves
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
An ex-army witch deals with vampires creating chaos, while her cute masseuse may not be what he seems. Elisabeth and Ted/Edward are layered MCs -strong, competent with their own darkness. There's good development to their romance, with some entertaining antics plus a dash of instalust and a heavy dose of steam.
The trust comes quick as well, they're sharing secrets early, hence there's not a lot of relationship drama - though I would've liked some complexity. Ted is very devoted and protective, and he's the "burn the world for you" type. She's very capable though, and they're a good team. Ted also has a sweet side that shows through his care for Elisabeth. The world building is decent - though it could use more detail - and the sleuthing is quite solid. Really enjoyed the read!
The trust comes quick as well, they're sharing secrets early, hence there's not a lot of relationship drama - though I would've liked some complexity. Ted is very devoted and protective, and he's the "burn the world for you" type. She's very capable though, and they're a good team. Ted also has a sweet side that shows through his care for Elisabeth. The world building is decent - though it could use more detail - and the sleuthing is quite solid. Really enjoyed the read!
Power of the Mind by Nicky James
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Tallus makes Diem take a case on a dodgy psychic - with Tallus as his partner. The very slow burn continues, but it's expected with Diem's issues and his painful past. He's very drawn to the bright, sassy Tallus (who is literally his light), but struggles with feeling unworthy of him. The gradual growth of their romance is done really well - the interactions, the delve into deeper than feelings but with a huge dose of angst. The sleuthing ties in well, and strengthens their connection.
Tallus is always patient, and shows Diem that he is deserving of love. My heart broke for Diem when he bares his soul, and Tallus accepts all parts of him. They're perfectly imperfect character that somehow fits. But it's angst overloaded and I struggled with it at times. The mystery part is great, and I'm looking forward to see how their romance develops. And yay to Quaid/Aslan + Ruiz cameos!
Tallus is always patient, and shows Diem that he is deserving of love. My heart broke for Diem when he bares his soul, and Tallus accepts all parts of him. They're perfectly imperfect character that somehow fits. But it's angst overloaded and I struggled with it at times. The mystery part is great, and I'm looking forward to see how their romance develops. And yay to Quaid/Aslan + Ruiz cameos!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Addiction and Alcoholism
Minor: Self harm