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1005 reviews
Riven by Roan Parrish
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Theo is a huge rock star and "living the dream," but he hates it. He hates touring, the business aspect, the attention, the lack of privacy, basically everything but the music itself. He feels guilty for hating it and tries to push himself to appreciate what he has and feels indebted to his bandmates for giving him the opportunity to pursue his passion. One night, while walking around NYC trying to clear his head, he hears music that captivates him and finds himself walking into a hole in the wall bar where he finds the source of the music Caleb. The two men have an instant connection and what starts as a hot one night stand, leads to a budding romance whilst they try to navigate Calebs addiction recovery that he slipped into during his own career as a musician and how Theos lifestyle has the potential to put Caleb in the path of temptation and if their connection is worth the risk.
I came across this in the Audible Plus catalogue, and I liked it but didn't love it. It's told in dual POV that both characters are likeable and have dimensions to them. I liked Rhys Calebs friend/ex and I think how Calebs character was shown dealing with his recovery felt real, as I would imagine there would be times in that process you would have to/need to be selfish especially when crossing back into a world that fueled your addiction in the first place, so his trepidation and push/pull with Theo although frustrating felt authentic for the situation. The chemistry between them was ok, and the spicy scenes were good, but I was still left feeling disconnected from them, and I can't fully explain why. Iggy Toma & Chris Chambers narrate, and I enjoyed their performances. For an included listen, this was decent and was my first book by this author. 🌶🌶
"The hope on his face nearly tore me apart. Because it was all for me. This man, standing in front of me, was dreaming a dream for me, and it was humbling as fuck."
I came across this in the Audible Plus catalogue, and I liked it but didn't love it. It's told in dual POV that both characters are likeable and have dimensions to them. I liked Rhys Calebs friend/ex and I think how Calebs character was shown dealing with his recovery felt real, as I would imagine there would be times in that process you would have to/need to be selfish especially when crossing back into a world that fueled your addiction in the first place, so his trepidation and push/pull with Theo although frustrating felt authentic for the situation. The chemistry between them was ok, and the spicy scenes were good, but I was still left feeling disconnected from them, and I can't fully explain why. Iggy Toma & Chris Chambers narrate, and I enjoyed their performances. For an included listen, this was decent and was my first book by this author. 🌶🌶
"The hope on his face nearly tore me apart. Because it was all for me. This man, standing in front of me, was dreaming a dream for me, and it was humbling as fuck."
All the Murmuring Bones by A.G. Slatter
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Nothing was happening and it felt like it was dragging, I found my attention drifting numerous times so calling it now.
Asking for Trouble by Giana Darling
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Book 8 in the Fallen Men MC series follows Aaron aka Boner & Blue who meet when the gas station Blue is working at is robbed whilst Boner is there, but there is more to the robbery than meets the eye and these two stumble upon something neither of them expected especially as it seems Blues past isn't done with her and is nipping at her heels years after she ran from it. Boner rescues Blue, and the story goes from there.
To say I was nervous about diving into this installment of this series is an understatement as I wasn't a fan of book 7 at all, and having waited SO long for it and it being such a letdown I wasn't sure what to expect from this... but thankfully, this gave me the vibes I've come to want/expect from a Fallen Men book, and I had a great time with it. Yes the connection/relationship between Blue & Aaron is very insta-lusty/lovey but I didn't care, he falls hard and fast for Blue and has that "I will burn the world down for you" attitude, as usual there was some good spice sprinkled throughout and the found family vibes of the Fallen MC were back (thank god) and there were some great interactions with former couples from the series. This was on the shorter side for a book by Giana so the pacing of the story felt quicker than others but there was enough going on outside of the romance to lay the groundwork for future books and I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes. 🌶🌶🌶
“All my life, I’ve fought to find beauty in the chaos, to be happy even, and especially, in the hard times ’cause if I waited for the good, I’d be sad most’a the time. I didn’t even realize how lonely I still was ’til I saw your colour blue and knew I needed it brightenin’ my life.”
“Feel like I was born with your name written on my bones, and I was just waitin’ to find ya.”
“The kinda love I got for you is electric. It lights up my soul and vibrates my bones.”
To say I was nervous about diving into this installment of this series is an understatement as I wasn't a fan of book 7 at all, and having waited SO long for it and it being such a letdown I wasn't sure what to expect from this... but thankfully, this gave me the vibes I've come to want/expect from a Fallen Men book, and I had a great time with it. Yes the connection/relationship between Blue & Aaron is very insta-lusty/lovey but I didn't care, he falls hard and fast for Blue and has that "I will burn the world down for you" attitude, as usual there was some good spice sprinkled throughout and the found family vibes of the Fallen MC were back (thank god) and there were some great interactions with former couples from the series. This was on the shorter side for a book by Giana so the pacing of the story felt quicker than others but there was enough going on outside of the romance to lay the groundwork for future books and I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes. 🌶🌶🌶
“All my life, I’ve fought to find beauty in the chaos, to be happy even, and especially, in the hard times ’cause if I waited for the good, I’d be sad most’a the time. I didn’t even realize how lonely I still was ’til I saw your colour blue and knew I needed it brightenin’ my life.”
“Feel like I was born with your name written on my bones, and I was just waitin’ to find ya.”
“The kinda love I got for you is electric. It lights up my soul and vibrates my bones.”
Limelight by E. Davies
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.5
*Disclaimer I rate novellas/short stories out of a total of three stars.
Too insta lust/love for me. Everything that happens between these two happens in the span of a week, which makes all the declarations of love feel incredibly rushed and weak. It was an easy and quick read and part of a multi author shared world series series I'm determined to finish. 🌶
Too insta lust/love for me. Everything that happens between these two happens in the span of a week, which makes all the declarations of love feel incredibly rushed and weak. It was an easy and quick read and part of a multi author shared world series series I'm determined to finish. 🌶
Stronghold by Ana Ashley
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
*Disclaimer I rate novellas/short stories out of a total of three stars.
I enjoyed this friends to lovers' second chance instalment of the Vino and Veritas series (book 14).
I liked both Skyler & Judson characters, and it was nice to get a glimpse at some of the previous characters from previous books in this multi author shared world series. The reconnection between these two did feel rushed and not as fleshed out as I would have liked and I think this story would have benefited from being a bit longer so those aspects could have been explored more. Other than that, this was an enjoyable and quick read with some good humour and spice. 🌶🌶
I enjoyed this friends to lovers' second chance instalment of the Vino and Veritas series (book 14).
I liked both Skyler & Judson characters, and it was nice to get a glimpse at some of the previous characters from previous books in this multi author shared world series. The reconnection between these two did feel rushed and not as fleshed out as I would have liked and I think this story would have benefited from being a bit longer so those aspects could have been explored more. Other than that, this was an enjoyable and quick read with some good humour and spice. 🌶🌶
Heartsong by A.E. Wasp
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Book 13 in the multi author shared world Vino and Veritas series. I made a start on this series last year and was finally in the mood to pick another up. It can be read as a standalone.
This book follows Sean a 23 year old who is moving away from home for the first time to finally attend college after going through something a few years prior, his uncle has a friend from the military Cooper and Cooper just so happens to have a bedroom Sean can stay in whilst he attends college and the story goes from there.
It deals with some important themes such as disability & mental health, although these weren't delved into deep enough for me, but what was on page was handled well. I liked both Cooper & Sean's characters, but again, I wanted more from them as it felt too insta lust/lovey for the romantic connection between them to feel tangible to me. I loved Richie Sean's best friend, and the little crumbs we were given about his own sexual awakening piqued my interest. Overall, this was a quick and entertaining listen with some cute moments and a sprinkling of humour and spice. 🌶🌶
"There is an art in making the everyday visible, in making the commonplace uncommon so that people can experience it as if it is the first time. So, why, out of every moment in your life, did you write about that one?"
This book follows Sean a 23 year old who is moving away from home for the first time to finally attend college after going through something a few years prior, his uncle has a friend from the military Cooper and Cooper just so happens to have a bedroom Sean can stay in whilst he attends college and the story goes from there.
It deals with some important themes such as disability & mental health, although these weren't delved into deep enough for me, but what was on page was handled well. I liked both Cooper & Sean's characters, but again, I wanted more from them as it felt too insta lust/lovey for the romantic connection between them to feel tangible to me. I loved Richie Sean's best friend, and the little crumbs we were given about his own sexual awakening piqued my interest. Overall, this was a quick and entertaining listen with some cute moments and a sprinkling of humour and spice. 🌶🌶
"There is an art in making the everyday visible, in making the commonplace uncommon so that people can experience it as if it is the first time. So, why, out of every moment in your life, did you write about that one?"
Claimed by the Mountain Man by Gemma Weir
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Back with the Barnett brothers for Penns book, and he is just as unhinged as the rest of them, but he is my favourite.
The way he is with Lulu just works for me and when he finds out she has a 6 month old daughter called Poppy he is INSTANTLY on board and Poppy is just as much his now as Lulu is. I love how he claims them both and fights to ensure Lu knows he is 100% in and wants a life with her & Poppy. Lulu's feisty attitude was refreshing after Alice in the last book. She was personally too meek for me, and I much preferred Lulu's attitude/personality as I found it more relatable. She doesn't just let Penn get his way, she pushes back and he likes that about her as when/if she does give in he feels he has earned it and makes it more special to him that she CHOOSES to submit to him at times and it isn't just part of her nature to do so.
These brothers are walking talking red flags, but if you can see this for what it is, a work of fiction, and you like alpha, over the top, jealous, possessive, will do whatever it takes to get the woman MMCs with good spice and stories with insta lust/love/fated mates vibes then this series should be for you. 🌶🌶🌶
The way he is with Lulu just works for me and when he finds out she has a 6 month old daughter called Poppy he is INSTANTLY on board and Poppy is just as much his now as Lulu is. I love how he claims them both and fights to ensure Lu knows he is 100% in and wants a life with her & Poppy. Lulu's feisty attitude was refreshing after Alice in the last book. She was personally too meek for me, and I much preferred Lulu's attitude/personality as I found it more relatable. She doesn't just let Penn get his way, she pushes back and he likes that about her as when/if she does give in he feels he has earned it and makes it more special to him that she CHOOSES to submit to him at times and it isn't just part of her nature to do so.
These brothers are walking talking red flags, but if you can see this for what it is, a work of fiction, and you like alpha, over the top, jealous, possessive, will do whatever it takes to get the woman MMCs with good spice and stories with insta lust/love/fated mates vibes then this series should be for you. 🌶🌶🌶
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
On paper, this should've been an instant favourite. But the execution let it down. This book attempts a lot, but the writing doesn't hold those things up to their fullest potential. First, the romance: all the elements were there, but they didn't come together in a satisfying way and felt lacklustre. The fact this is inspired by You've Got Mail didn't work for me either as I didn't understand why Mercy & Hart hated each other and even when the reason is eventually revealed the explanation felt flimsy and not believable and when they did stop hating each other, it felt way too abrupt and not organic. The novel spends a lot of time in the beginning setting up the characters' letters to each other, and the letters were ok, but nothing about them really struck me as especially moving or special and the pacing of the story was all over the place. The word I keep landing on is generic.
The characters and world building were kind of charming, whimsical, and quirky. Some of the humour was good, and there was a sprinkling of spice. Tbh, I liked the side characters more than the main couple, and I found Horatio & Bassareus especially delightful. Overall this was an OK read, I expected more from it than I got and it unfortunately didn't hit the notes I wanted it to, but it was still an entertaining listen and both narrators did a great job with their perfomances. I'm unsure if I will continue with this series at the moment. I will see how my mood reading ass feels in the future. 🌶.5
"I was afraid you wouldn't feel for me what I have felt for you since the day I walked into Birdsall & Son and found a woman there who was color and light and joy in a world that had come to seem colorless and dismal and lousy to me."
The characters and world building were kind of charming, whimsical, and quirky. Some of the humour was good, and there was a sprinkling of spice. Tbh, I liked the side characters more than the main couple, and I found Horatio & Bassareus especially delightful. Overall this was an OK read, I expected more from it than I got and it unfortunately didn't hit the notes I wanted it to, but it was still an entertaining listen and both narrators did a great job with their perfomances. I'm unsure if I will continue with this series at the moment. I will see how my mood reading ass feels in the future. 🌶.5
"I was afraid you wouldn't feel for me what I have felt for you since the day I walked into Birdsall & Son and found a woman there who was color and light and joy in a world that had come to seem colorless and dismal and lousy to me."
Nero by S.J. Tilly
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
Considering this is marketed as a Dark Romance/Mafia romance, there aren't a ton of actual dark elements in it. The best way I can describe this is its like a non alcoholic beer, the basics are there so you get the taste of what it's teling you it is, but the actual substance of what makes it that thing is missing. Well, it was for me.
It also felt like it was trying too hard to convince you it was dark when it wasn't, I love an obsessive, jealous and possessive MMC and Nero does tick those boxes to an extent, but his constant inner monologue of how "dangerous" and "bad" he is came across very Scrappy Doo/teen boy trying to convince others that he could fight someone if you know what i mean? Plus, his reluctance to bring Peyton into his "dark world" doesn't really track with how his character is meant to be. He is meant to be this ruthless Mafia leader who will kill to get what he wants, etc and I get he is protective of her, but given who he constantly tells us he is I would have expected him to not give a single 💩 and to have dragged her to his side instead.
As for Peyton... what an absolute wet flannel of an FMC. There was no real substance to her and absolutely zero character growth. I don't mind the virgin trope, but do you honestly expect me to believe that at 27, she knows nothing about sex at all? That at 27, she wouldn't have heard, been told, looked up or researched things herself? And as for the scene at the concert... yeah... no. I'm not saying that it's impossible to fool around in that setting, but first-time slight back-door action Im not convinced. It was all very insta-lust/lovey. There wasn't much going on plot wise, and the drama at the end was cringeworthy tbh. This book was in the Audible Plus catalogue, and I've seen this series mentioned a lot for good plus size representation, so I decided to give it a try... if the other books are like this, then this series isn't going to be for me. I will read the next one to see how I get on, but after this, I don't have high hopes. 🌶🌶
It also felt like it was trying too hard to convince you it was dark when it wasn't, I love an obsessive, jealous and possessive MMC and Nero does tick those boxes to an extent, but his constant inner monologue of how "dangerous" and "bad" he is came across very Scrappy Doo/teen boy trying to convince others that he could fight someone if you know what i mean? Plus, his reluctance to bring Peyton into his "dark world" doesn't really track with how his character is meant to be. He is meant to be this ruthless Mafia leader who will kill to get what he wants, etc and I get he is protective of her, but given who he constantly tells us he is I would have expected him to not give a single 💩 and to have dragged her to his side instead.
As for Peyton... what an absolute wet flannel of an FMC. There was no real substance to her and absolutely zero character growth. I don't mind the virgin trope, but do you honestly expect me to believe that at 27, she knows nothing about sex at all? That at 27, she wouldn't have heard, been told, looked up or researched things herself? And as for the scene at the concert... yeah... no. I'm not saying that it's impossible to fool around in that setting, but first-time slight back-door action Im not convinced. It was all very insta-lust/lovey. There wasn't much going on plot wise, and the drama at the end was cringeworthy tbh. This book was in the Audible Plus catalogue, and I've seen this series mentioned a lot for good plus size representation, so I decided to give it a try... if the other books are like this, then this series isn't going to be for me. I will read the next one to see how I get on, but after this, I don't have high hopes. 🌶🌶
From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Ivan Lukov and Jasmine Santos have been in the same ice skating circuit for years. Ivan also happens to be Jasmine's best friends brother. These two don't have the best relationship. They snark/antagonise each other constantly. Competing again feels out of Jasmine's reach since her ex pairs partner ditched her out of the blue. That is, until she is presented with an offer, she can't refuse even if that means working with the infuriating and cocky Ivan.
Another relisten of a favourite comfort read. I've lost count of the times I've reread this now tbh. The back and forth banter between Jas & Ivan is great and immediately endears you to their story. Well, it did for me. This is grumpy/grumpy and both Ivan & Jas come across as jerks at times but as the story unfolds you see behind those initial masks to the determined, passionate, hardworking, dedicated, loyal, witty characters that these two and their relationship are. This is quintessential Mariana Zapata with delicious slow burn, sarcastic/witty humour, and layered characters you can't help but love. Callie Dalton and Teddy Hamilton narrate and provide the perfect performance for Ivan & his meatball. 🌶
“Because I’m okay with you having ten other people be your favourite. But you’re always going to be my favourite person. Always, no matter what.”
Another relisten of a favourite comfort read. I've lost count of the times I've reread this now tbh. The back and forth banter between Jas & Ivan is great and immediately endears you to their story. Well, it did for me. This is grumpy/grumpy and both Ivan & Jas come across as jerks at times but as the story unfolds you see behind those initial masks to the determined, passionate, hardworking, dedicated, loyal, witty characters that these two and their relationship are. This is quintessential Mariana Zapata with delicious slow burn, sarcastic/witty humour, and layered characters you can't help but love. Callie Dalton and Teddy Hamilton narrate and provide the perfect performance for Ivan & his meatball. 🌶
“Because I’m okay with you having ten other people be your favourite. But you’re always going to be my favourite person. Always, no matter what.”