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fresholivebread's reviews
641 reviews
Psycho Romeo by Rinda Elliott, Jocelynn Drake
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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
Social media star/billionaire seeks protection after escalating threats from his stalker. Geoffrey presents as a shallow, party loving pretty boy, but there's a lot more to him - he's strong-willed and protective of those he loves. Sven can be stoic, intimidating but he has a soft side and a heart of gold. Geoffrey has been trying to attract Sven for months, and the forced proximity bodyguard situation finally has Sven cracking, when he sees Geoffrey's kind-hearted and vulnerable side.
There's ample time dedicated to them building a friendship and a connection, and the romance is developed well with some great chemistry and steamy times. Sven really cherishes Geoffrey, while Geoffrey brings a lot of laughter to Sven's life. They're an unlikely couple that really worked well. The stalker suspense is good and lighter than expected, and the cameos of the Unbreakable guys are fun!
There's ample time dedicated to them building a friendship and a connection, and the romance is developed well with some great chemistry and steamy times. Sven really cherishes Geoffrey, while Geoffrey brings a lot of laughter to Sven's life. They're an unlikely couple that really worked well. The stalker suspense is good and lighter than expected, and the cameos of the Unbreakable guys are fun!
Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Book club read. Three high school friends: Angela's dead, Geo's hiding truths, and Kaiser becomes the cop who eventually arrests Geo. And oh, there's a serial killer lurking about. Warning: this is a gory book dealing with (graphic) rape, sexual violence, abuse, murder, infidelity . and all the works. Our MCs are as flawed as can be, cynical, hardened and rather awful people (not to mention they lie a lot).
All the relationships are kinda fucked up, though that's probably the intention. I felt for Kaiser though, he didn't deserve some of the hell he got. The thriller aspect - as disturbing and dark as it may be - great, and the twisty reveals are paced well with elements of shock. Not sure how I felt about the ending -maybe Kai still deserved some happiness, but Geo was still a question mark for me at the end .
All the relationships are kinda fucked up, though that's probably the intention. I felt for Kaiser though, he didn't deserve some of the hell he got. The thriller aspect - as disturbing and dark as it may be - great, and the twisty reveals are paced well with elements of shock. Not sure how I felt about the ending -
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, and Murder
Moderate: Infidelity
Striking Distance by Pamela Clare
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.75
Navy SEAL rescues a reporter, whom he had an ONS with, and they navigate the aftermath. This is a difficult book, with very heavy issues, and both MCs grapple with a lot of trauma. Laura is strong, resilient and her moments of weakness were realistically written. Javier is great - he's protective, devoted, and so, so caring. Their romance is developed very well. From reconnecting, recognising those intense feelings and to slowly taking it further, a real friendship has always existed.
They're both very supportive and patient with each other. The steam is perfectly done, I loved how he knows her boundaries and takes care of her (plus it's hot as hell). The suspense is solid and exciting, and it was nice seeing familiar faces. Some resolutions were realistically bittersweet, and I kinda wished it had gone the other way, but we did get the HEA.
They're both very supportive and patient with each other. The steam is perfectly done, I loved how he knows her boundaries and takes care of her (plus it's hot as hell). The suspense is solid and exciting, and it was nice seeing familiar faces. Some resolutions were realistically bittersweet, and I kinda wished it had gone the other way, but we did get the HEA.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, and War
Moderate: Rape and Torture
First Strike by Pamela Clare
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
A short and steamy novella that's 80% sex as a lead up to the next book in the series. Good connection between the MCs.
Keeping 6 by Freya Barker
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.25
An FBI agent and a book shop owner he once rescued become entangled in his book theft case. Kerry is stubborn, pragmatic and a little edgy; Damian is the confident, flirty good guy. Kerry comes off as abrasive at start, wary of Damian but he's quickly enamored, finally acting upon his initial attraction. I liked Damian, but Kerry is a mix bag - I admire her strength but she's too snippy sometimes, and reacts too quickly.
There's little hesitation from Damian as he goes all out to win Kerry once he realises she's someone he wants to keep. It's nice watching Kerry's walls fall with Damian's persistence and care, and their romance is quite sweet. I also loved the portrayal of older characters (both in 40s) with great sex lives. The suspense has good action, and Damian gets to show off his alpha protectiveness. The rowdy side cast is fun, too.
There's little hesitation from Damian as he goes all out to win Kerry once he realises she's someone he wants to keep. It's nice watching Kerry's walls fall with Damian's persistence and care, and their romance is quite sweet. I also loved the portrayal of older characters (both in 40s) with great sex lives. The suspense has good action, and Damian gets to show off his alpha protectiveness. The rowdy side cast is fun, too.
Bourbon & Lies by Victoria Wilder
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.5
The cover drew me in before anything else, lol. Laney is a smart, outspoken city girl dropped into witness protection in a small town distillery, and ends up clashing with the stoic, grumpy Grant. The attraction and instalust is pretty instant, but it's also hate to love with snarky quips + innuendo. Some initial mistrust aside, a heartwarming friendship builds as trust grows between them. The banter and flirting soon leads to an intense romance.
Laney really sparks life and light in Grant, and he in turn steadies and grounds her. The affection between them is really sweet, and Grant is very protective. The point of conflict was crafted well, everyone has reasons to do what they did, and Grantwilling to give up everything for Laney had me teary . Plenty of steam - the bourbon session is 🔥! The thread of suspense is exciting and balances well with the romance. And I really loved the family!
Laney really sparks life and light in Grant, and he in turn steadies and grounds her. The affection between them is really sweet, and Grant is very protective. The point of conflict was crafted well, everyone has reasons to do what they did, and Grant
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cannibalism
You Can Die by Rebecca Zanetti
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
Laurel and Huck gets tangled up in another serial killer case involving her father. The romance between our MCs is moving slowly but steadily. They decided to give dating a go in the last book, and they now gotta maneuver their personal and professional relationships. Laurel's attempts to be less literal and read social cues are amusing and rather cute. Huck is as protective as ever, and is more obvious about showing his affection through words and actions.
They're also a couple that talked things through and I loved that. The small intimate moments of touches and glances are 😍. The trust and support between them is super solid, and there's a surprise at the end. The murder plot disturbing and well crafted, and Laurel's sister (and father) is a terrible terrible person that needs to GTFO, despite the intriguing Holmes/Moriarty dynamic between them.
They're also a couple that talked things through and I loved that. The small intimate moments of touches and glances are 😍. The trust and support between them is super solid, and there's a surprise at the end. The murder plot disturbing and well crafted, and Laurel's sister (and father) is a terrible terrible person that needs to GTFO, despite the intriguing Holmes/Moriarty dynamic between them.
You Belong With Me by Arianna Pryor
adventurous
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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A bartender goes toe-to-toe with her new boss while an unknown stalker lurks. Our MCs are not very likeable at first - Alanna is bit of a bitch and Andreas is a jerkface. But she fire, and she pushes back often. The instalust vibes at start were weird and very wtf (what's with the inappropriate spanking?!?), and I really just couldn't gel with their romance. Andreas does shed his jerk persona to become a nicer person, and he becomes very protective of Alana.
They make a little more sense as a couple in the later parts and there're some good moments, though orgasm denial is not my kink 😂. Alana is also stupidly stubborn, which can be frustrating. There's also the perspective of the stalker, who's very creepy, but it makes the suspense more engaging. It's a decent debut, just that the romance needs more depth. And the writing felt mechanical sometimes.
They make a little more sense as a couple in the later parts and there're some good moments, though orgasm denial is not my kink 😂. Alana is also stupidly stubborn, which can be frustrating. There's also the perspective of the stalker, who's very creepy, but it makes the suspense more engaging. It's a decent debut, just that the romance needs more depth. And the writing felt mechanical sometimes.
All Kinds of Tied Down by Mary Calmes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.25
Two US Marshals work their cases while redefining their relationship. Calm and rational Miro has been pining for his brash, impulsive partner/best friend, Ian. First off, I loved their friendship. They're each other's confidantes, there's solid trust, and the banter between them is hilarious. The romance builds slowly - Ian defines as straight (but he's very attached to Miro) - and the sexual tension is written well.
There's a mutual dependence between them, and it's lovely when they finally get together, though the transition felt a bit abrupt. There's a unexpectedly different dynamic in bed, which makes for some interesting steamy times. There's plenty of OTT action but it's entertaining as heck. It starts slow though, and things feel a little messy/jumbled at times. It's kinda hard not to compare this to the Cut & Run series but it stands strong on its own.
There's a mutual dependence between them, and it's lovely when they finally get together, though the transition felt a bit abrupt. There's a unexpectedly different dynamic in bed, which makes for some interesting steamy times. There's plenty of OTT action but it's entertaining as heck. It starts slow though, and things feel a little messy/jumbled at times. It's kinda hard not to compare this to the Cut & Run series but it stands strong on its own.
Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-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
4.5
Elena struggles to adjust as a fledging angel, when an ominous invitation arrives. Elena shows more vulnerability here, especially when acknowledging her weakness but never lost her badass edge of strength. Raphael has 100% claimed her, and their banter is just awesome - playful, sarcastic and sweet. He pushes her to be stronger, but he's also very caring and gentle with her. I kinda loved his bossy protectiveness, and the way Elena stands up to him.
Their chemistry remains explosive, their romance is steamy and sweet, and how Elena made Raphael "just a little bit human" is really endearing, though he still keeps his ice cold edge. I'm really loving them as a couple! The Forbidden City saw some action, and that was kinda cool. And the strong side cast of angels and vampires rallying around Elena is great (though the vamps can be meanies).
Their chemistry remains explosive, their romance is steamy and sweet, and how Elena made Raphael "just a little bit human" is really endearing, though he still keeps his ice cold edge. I'm really loving them as a couple! The Forbidden City saw some action, and that was kinda cool. And the strong side cast of angels and vampires rallying around Elena is great (though the vamps can be meanies).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and Murder