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poupimali's reviews
612 reviews
Pride by Nikki J. Summers
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
4.0
I opened the book, and 24 hours later, I was done.
Give me suspense, morally grey characters, and little cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, and I’m down for it.
Tropes:
• Stalker/Serial Killer
• British Aristocratic MMC
• Poetic/Artistic MMC
• He Falls Hard and Fast
• Slow Burn (spice 🌶️🌶️)
• Forced Proximity
• Touch Her and 💀
Content Warnings:
• Murder (with graphic gore)
• Stalking
• Violence
• Torture
• Drugging
This book is a chaotic, obsessive, and thrilling mix of Dexter, American Psycho and a tribute to Banksy.
Alex is the perfect portrait of an aristocratic renegade—tattooed, obsessive, alpha, yet refined and wealthy.
S.K.A.M. is an enigma. An artist. A poet. He is everywhere and nowhere.
Honestly, I found Emma a little less compelling than both male characters, who are intensely fascinating. In this insane story, she is the victim caught in the storm.
The suspense is top-notch, and Nikki’s talent lies in keeping you on edge, making you second-guess everything with endless theories.
If you love morally grey heroes, psychological cat-and-mouse games, and relationships that blur the line between love and destruction, this book will have you devouring every page.
(And also WHAT is this second epilogue?!?!)
I had the privilege to receive this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
(And also WHAT is this second epilogue?!?!)
I had the privilege to receive this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Venom by Yolanda Olson
dark
fast-paced
4.0
Yep it’s disgusting.
Venom is a brutal, psychological horror centered on Esther, a serial killer who sees murder as a service. The carnival, La Douleur Folle, is a place where people willingly submit to torture before dying.
Survival isn’t guaranteed.
If you like the genre, you’ll be satisfied.
Venom is a brutal, psychological horror centered on Esther, a serial killer who sees murder as a service. The carnival, La Douleur Folle, is a place where people willingly submit to torture before dying.
Survival isn’t guaranteed.
If you like the genre, you’ll be satisfied.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child death, Drug use, Gore, Torture, Blood, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Fire/Fire injury
Ocean Echoes by Blake Black
Content warnings:
It’s an emotional rollercoaster—raw, heartbreaking, and beautifully haunting.
I really really loved Sloan.
She is a fiercely independent yet deeply wounded heroine, navigating the scars of her past, the pull of her present, and the uncertainty of her future. (And also has a passion for Zelda. She’s my kind of girl)
Nash, Hunter, and North each try to prove their love to Sloan in their own way, while Saylor’s presence (both seen and unseen) adds a whole new layer of heartbreak.
The steam is chef’s kiss (🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 and then some!) the twists are unexpected, and the emotions hit hard.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This second book closes perfectly this emotional and steamy duet.
The audiobook is narrated by Megan Wicks and Jarman Day in dual.
Tropes:
Why choose (4 brothers)
The audiobook is narrated by Megan Wicks and Jarman Day in dual.
Tropes:
Why choose (4 brothers)
Traumatized FMC but resilient, fiercely independent
Found Family
Hurt/Comfort
Paranormal (ghost involved)
Disability rep
Content warnings:
Grief
Alcoholism
Drink spiked
Forced institutionalization
Forced institutionalization
It’s an emotional rollercoaster—raw, heartbreaking, and beautifully haunting.
I really really loved Sloan.
She is a fiercely independent yet deeply wounded heroine, navigating the scars of her past, the pull of her present, and the uncertainty of her future. (And also has a passion for Zelda. She’s my kind of girl)
Nash, Hunter, and North each try to prove their love to Sloan in their own way, while Saylor’s presence (both seen and unseen) adds a whole new layer of heartbreak.
The steam is chef’s kiss (🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 and then some!) the twists are unexpected, and the emotions hit hard.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug use, and Grief
Whisper Waves by Blake Black
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
the audio is beautifully narrated in dual by Megan Wicks and Jarman Day.
Tropes:
Why choose
Traumatized FMC but resilient, fiercely independent
Found Family
Hurt/Comfort
Paranormal (ghost involved)
Disability rep
Contents warning:
Grief
Suicide
Depression
Mention of SA
Forced institutionalization
Sloan is a fiercely independent but deeply wounded woman who can see and talk ghosts—a gift (or curse who drove her right into a psychiatric institution) that has shaped her entire life. After losing her Nan, the only real family she’s ever had, she sets off in her van to scatter her ashes in a small coastal town.
At the end of the road, she meets the four Jones brothers: the flirty charming Nash, his older brother North, a brooding workaholic single dad, Hunter, the kind, steady one with a disability; Saylor, a strange ghost who is still lingering, for unknown reasons and Lio, North’s son who suffers from a serious condition.
The book ends on an emotional cliffhanger, which leaves me a little wrecked and wanting for more.
(Spoiler: Sloan cries a lot. Like a lot. It can be annoying at some point, but that’s a very personal opinion)
Tropes:
Why choose
Traumatized FMC but resilient, fiercely independent
Found Family
Hurt/Comfort
Paranormal (ghost involved)
Disability rep
Contents warning:
Grief
Suicide
Depression
Mention of SA
Forced institutionalization
Sloan is a fiercely independent but deeply wounded woman who can see and talk ghosts—a gift (or curse who drove her right into a psychiatric institution) that has shaped her entire life. After losing her Nan, the only real family she’s ever had, she sets off in her van to scatter her ashes in a small coastal town.
At the end of the road, she meets the four Jones brothers: the flirty charming Nash, his older brother North, a brooding workaholic single dad, Hunter, the kind, steady one with a disability; Saylor, a strange ghost who is still lingering, for unknown reasons and Lio, North’s son who suffers from a serious condition.
The book ends on an emotional cliffhanger, which leaves me a little wrecked and wanting for more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Sexual assault
Love, Utley by S.J. Tilly
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed that audiobook. It's narrated by Andi Arndt and Jacob Morgan in dual narration. However, the chapters are so short that it feels like a duet. 😄
It's a cute romance between Hannah and Maddox, separated by fate after one night they never forgot.
Fifteen years later, Hannah is a plus-size woman devoted to her family, and Maddox is a former football player and now the new owner of her company.
Fifteen years later, Hannah is a plus-size woman devoted to her family, and Maddox is a former football player and now the new owner of her company.
I have to admit that the dedication made me decide to pick this one:
"This book is dedicated to every woman who has ever had to work with a man."
And well...
It was fun, it was sweet, and it’s all you need sometimes.
Tropes:
- Second chance
- Misunderstanding trope
- Fast pace
- Office romance
- Secret relationship
- No third act breakup
- Spice 🌶️🌶️
A Sinner's Promise by Kylie Kent
dark
funny
lighthearted
tense
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
4.5
This was a wildly entertaining and spicy (🌶️🌶️🌶️) mafia romance packed with an absolute obsessed without boundaries MMC, lust, and also emotional depth.
The audiobook is narrated in dual by Sofia Lette and Shane East
You also have guest appearances by Dorje Swallow, Antony Davis, Vincent Shabah, and Renato Angeli, in the long prologue which set the stories of all the brothers - Gio, Santo, Gabe, Marcello, and Vincenzo.
This isn’t just a romance between Gio and Eloise —it’s a high-speed, hilarious, blood-soaked, adrenaline-fueled journey where love and death walk hand in hand. (And maybe too much I love yous for my liking).
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of passion, bloodshed, and family drama.
Trigger Warnings: Murder, Torture, Rape, and trauma are significant parts of the Story.
The audiobook is narrated in dual by Sofia Lette and Shane East
You also have guest appearances by Dorje Swallow, Antony Davis, Vincent Shabah, and Renato Angeli, in the long prologue which set the stories of all the brothers - Gio, Santo, Gabe, Marcello, and Vincenzo.
This isn’t just a romance between Gio and Eloise —it’s a high-speed, hilarious, blood-soaked, adrenaline-fueled journey where love and death walk hand in hand. (And maybe too much I love yous for my liking).
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of passion, bloodshed, and family drama.
Trigger Warnings: Murder, Torture, Rape, and trauma are significant parts of the Story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Rape, Torture, Violence, and Murder
Face Off by Teagan Hunter
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Prepare to swoon!
This story is narrated in dual by Aaron Shedlock & Emma Wilder who did a great work: every bit of banter, tension, and emotional depth is brought to life in a way that makes this story utterly sweet
Lucas isn’t just a cocky hockey player; he’s layered and that makes him irresistible.
Rory is a dedicated vet and twin sister to his teammate’s girlfriend (Aiden and Hutch). She is a badass, no-nonsense heroine.
This story is narrated in dual by Aaron Shedlock & Emma Wilder who did a great work: every bit of banter, tension, and emotional depth is brought to life in a way that makes this story utterly sweet
Lucas isn’t just a cocky hockey player; he’s layered and that makes him irresistible.
Rory is a dedicated vet and twin sister to his teammate’s girlfriend (Aiden and Hutch). She is a badass, no-nonsense heroine.
Their link? Daisy the chocolate labradoodle found in a dumpster…
If you love swoony MMCs, sassy heroines, and slow-burn goodness, this one is for you!
Tropes
Golden retriever / black cat
If you love swoony MMCs, sassy heroines, and slow-burn goodness, this one is for you!
Tropes
Golden retriever / black cat
He falls first
Hate to love
Easy going Hockey romance
Found family
Spice 🌶️🌶️ (but Chapters 14-16 will worth your wait. Just saying.)
Spice 🌶️🌶️ (but Chapters 14-16 will worth your wait. Just saying.)
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death and Abandonment
Beautiful Fiend by Lola King
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This audio is narrated in dual by Heather Firth and Corvin King.
I am now staring at the wall having an existential crisis and a mental break down.
What happened to me?
I’ve never been so disturbed while reading.
Caden is the most confusing character I’ve read so far: he says all the right things and does all the wrong ones.
He is a perfect sociopath. And yet the more he is with Billie, the more he becomes human.
He communicates with her through songs.
But he doesn’t understand the concept of consent. Like at all.
So many times I was struggling between hating him and loving him.
I think I was in the same state of mind as Billie.
That’s why the author did a brilliant job. This is impossible to be indifferent to the characters.
If you are triggered by sexual assault and rape, don’t. Just DON’T.
This is an important part of this story.
Your mental health worth a lot (more than a book).
I am now staring at the wall having an existential crisis and a mental break down.
What happened to me?
I’ve never been so disturbed while reading.
Caden is the most confusing character I’ve read so far: he says all the right things and does all the wrong ones.
He is a perfect sociopath. And yet the more he is with Billie, the more he becomes human.
He communicates with her through songs.
But he doesn’t understand the concept of consent. Like at all.
So many times I was struggling between hating him and loving him.
I think I was in the same state of mind as Billie.
That’s why the author did a brilliant job. This is impossible to be indifferent to the characters.
If you are triggered by sexual assault and rape, don’t. Just DON’T.
This is an important part of this story.
Your mental health worth a lot (more than a book).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Shared By The Highest Bidder by Tori Chase
lighthearted
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
This audiobook is dual-narrated by a talented cast: Lexi Evans, Gregory Salinas, Logan Anare, and Tyler Griffin.
While the story is engaging, the “why choose” segment feels oddly underdeveloped. What truly stands out is the chaotic mix of legal intrigue, blackmail, and—yes—some steamy scenes.
At its center is Bernadette, a curvy fashion designer as passionate about her craft as she is about reclaiming her stolen designs. She’s juggling everything from a shady ex involved in drugs to a high-stakes auction where her worth—and her work—is literally up for bid. Her guys are equally larger-than-life: Ford, the grumpy bisexual lawyer hopelessly in love with Ashton, a caring yet conflicted doctor; and Emery, a CEO who is commitment-phobic with rough tastes.
While the story and its plots are compelling, I found myself fully invested. I finished the book purely for its narrative—and not for the smut, which, while plentiful, often felt repetitive (same words, different guy). I came for the smut, but I stayed for the plots.
Tropes:
Why choose MMFM
Forbidden love
Insta lust
Age gap
Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
While the story is engaging, the “why choose” segment feels oddly underdeveloped. What truly stands out is the chaotic mix of legal intrigue, blackmail, and—yes—some steamy scenes.
At its center is Bernadette, a curvy fashion designer as passionate about her craft as she is about reclaiming her stolen designs. She’s juggling everything from a shady ex involved in drugs to a high-stakes auction where her worth—and her work—is literally up for bid. Her guys are equally larger-than-life: Ford, the grumpy bisexual lawyer hopelessly in love with Ashton, a caring yet conflicted doctor; and Emery, a CEO who is commitment-phobic with rough tastes.
While the story and its plots are compelling, I found myself fully invested. I finished the book purely for its narrative—and not for the smut, which, while plentiful, often felt repetitive (same words, different guy). I came for the smut, but I stayed for the plots.
Tropes:
Why choose MMFM
Forbidden love
Insta lust
Age gap
Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting