Jennifer Hartman never does wrong! This is less of a tear-jerker than her other books that I’ve read, but it still sucked me in. If you’re a fan of BiJennifer Hartman never does wrong! This is less of a tear-jerker than her other books that I’ve read, but it still sucked me in. If you’re a fan of Birthday Girl, this is the book for you! It has the same forbidden love vibes, with lots of angst and sweetness to round it out. A new favourite! ...more
I picked up this book because it was recommended for the “secretly sick heroine” trope, which is a favourite of mine. And boy, does it deliver! Ruby hI picked up this book because it was recommended for the “secretly sick heroine” trope, which is a favourite of mine. And boy, does it deliver! Ruby has SVT, a heart condition, and she realizes she doesn’t want to live her life trapped in the protective bubble her father and brother have set up for her. She wants to see and experience the world. She writes up a bucket list and sets out to check off all the items. Her adventure takes her to the Montana Mountains–to a beautiful town called Resurrection. This book has a lot of angst, and the story is incredibly sweet and life affirming. It’s a bit of a medium-burn romance, and at 500 pages, we get a lot of worldbuilding and character development–not just for the hero and heroine, but also for Charlie’s siblings, who I assume will all get their own love stories down the line. The town of Resurrection is definitely a place I would love to get lost in, and Runaway Ranch seems like an idyllic summer getaway–despite all the suspense and drama that goes down in this book. All in all, this is a beautiful love story with a little bit of romantic suspense and some spice thrown into the mix. 5 stars! ...more
Yet another bingeable read in Misty Walker’s Royal Bastards: Reno series. I’m not typically a fan of the secret baby trope, but this book pulls it offYet another bingeable read in Misty Walker’s Royal Bastards: Reno series. I’m not typically a fan of the secret baby trope, but this book pulls it off nicely. Little Veda is adorable, and I kind of wish we’d had more scenes with the precocious four year old. There are a few other aspects to the story I would have liked to have seen developed more. Particularly, Riley grew up wealthy in California, but we don’t really see a lot of that–neither in the way that she acts nor in the plotline. With Birdie in the first book in the series, the dichotomy between her wealthy upbringing and the nature of the MC clubhouse was brought to the forefront, and the “opposites attract” was a highlight of that story for me. In this book, it just felt like a plot device left unexplored. Regardless, this is a solid 4 star read! ...more
Another hit in this series by Misty Walker! I loved Roch right from his first appearance in Birdie’s Biker, and he’s just as broody and quiet and mystAnother hit in this series by Misty Walker! I loved Roch right from his first appearance in Birdie’s Biker, and he’s just as broody and quiet and mysterious in this one. A selective mute who suffered extreme trauma when he was in the military, he’s very damaged and pushes people away. The only ones he lets his guard down with are the rescue dogs he takes care of and his dead best friend’s family. Truly is his dead best friend’s daughter. As you can imagine, this book is delightfully angsty and features a “forbidden” love! This is an epic case of grumpy sunshine. Truly talks enough for the two of them, and he doesn't mind one bit.
As with the first, there’s a great suspense plotline, and I just ate it all up. ...more
Layla Frost is an incredible romance author with a unique voice and knack for creating characters to fall in love with. Her books are a bit of a slow Layla Frost is an incredible romance author with a unique voice and knack for creating characters to fall in love with. Her books are a bit of a slow burn (which I LOVE), and this one is no exception, despite the fact that Lars and Joss have had a crush on each other from the instant they first laid eyes on one another. They’re polar opposites. Joss is a “good girl” who’s a kindergarten teacher and was cheated on by her high school sweetheart/fiance. Lars is a tattooed bad boy who owns a strip club. Joss is working at her best friend’s bakery in the mornings before school and Saturdays so she can pay off the huge mortgage that her ex-fiance saddled her with. Lars has been going in to the motorcycle shop next door every Saturday for parts he doesn’t need, just so he can stop by for a chocolate chip cookie and a glimpse of her smile… So cute! As if this book couldn’t be any more perfect, it also has a suspense plotline with a twist I didn’t see coming from a mile away (even though the clues were there!) 5+++ stars...more
This is my first Jagger Cole book, and I instantly fell in love with the writing style! Mafia isn’t usually my favourite romance subgenre, but this boThis is my first Jagger Cole book, and I instantly fell in love with the writing style! Mafia isn’t usually my favourite romance subgenre, but this book features a trope that I adore (a secretly sick heroine), and wow, does Cole ever do a perfect job with the execution! Tempest’s 18-year-old relative, Maeve, is being married off to the terrible and feared Dante Sartorre. When Tempest realizes she won’t be able to convince her grandfather to change his mind, she decides to use subterfuge to take Maeve’s place. The sacrifice isn’t as great as you might think. After all, she only has six, maybe eight months left to live. There’s a lot going on in this book, as both Dante and Tempest have numerous secrets in their past that Cole takes her time to unravel as they gradually fall for each other. I adored the storytelling style, and I was highly invested. This is an enemies to lovers story, with lots of suspense and numerous triggers. I hadn’t realized that I’d seen a TikTok about this book until after I’d started reading it (I found it on a secretly sick heroine thread in a Facebook group), but this is the book where the heroine hides a knife in her wedding dress and tries to stab the groom at the altar… That scene–just like the rest of the book–was amazing! 5+++ stars and I’ll definitely be reading more by this author!...more
I bought this book last year, and as a part of a somewhat casual new year’s resolution, I’m no longer “saving” books. So, I dived into this one, and II bought this book last year, and as a part of a somewhat casual new year’s resolution, I’m no longer “saving” books. So, I dived into this one, and I have zero regrets! I adored the story. It’s only about 300 pages long, but somehow McIntyre manages to develop a fantastic relationship between the hero and heroine, a compelling and suspenseful plotline with numerous shocking twists, and build a world that has so many fun and clever nods to the Peter Pan story. My one ‘almost’ complaint is that Wendy isn’t built up as as much of a three dimensional character as Hook/James is. That said, the aspects of her personality that mattered most (her protectiveness for her brother, her complicated relationship with her father), were very well done. And I adored her character arc from a mousy, doormat type of girl to a strong, independent woman who can handle a villainous love interest like Hook. I cannot wait to read the rest in this series! Also, it’s seriously put me in the mood to rewatch Once Upon a Time… so Yay! ...more
I think I’ve found a new favourite MC (motorcycle club) romance author! I received this book in a book box - Book Box Canada’s winter dark romance ediI think I’ve found a new favourite MC (motorcycle club) romance author! I received this book in a book box - Book Box Canada’s winter dark romance edition. This book wasn’t even supposed to be in the box, but one of the other books was delayed, so this one was substituted. Bah, I loved this story! Walker perfectly balances the club life suspense/mystery plotline with the romance between Rigger and Navy. I do want to point out that the back blurb is a little misleading. Rigger is tough as nails, but he’s so incredibly sweet to Navy. And, despite how their relationship is portrayed on the back blurb, this is a slow burn. I like to say this in my reviews, because some people need spice immediately, but I adore (and prefer) the tension and buildup. This is the first in a series, but it’s a spin off series, and I cannot wait to dive into her other books! 5 stars ...more
I loved this book! Maddie is an adorably anxious and sweet character. She’s desperate to find a boyfriend, not just because she needs a date to her beI loved this book! Maddie is an adorably anxious and sweet character. She’s desperate to find a boyfriend, not just because she needs a date to her best friend’s wedding, but because she doesn’t want to be alone anymore. So, she makes a profile on an online dating app and agrees to go out with a guy who’s a little younger than her (she’s 31 and he’s 25). But when it looks like he’s about to stand her up, a much older, handsome looking man shows up. It’s her date’s father, and he’s there to tell her that her date is grounded (LOL). But, one thing leads to another, and silver fox Axel ends up stealing his son’s date. This book is so sweet and spicy and definitely a feel good novel. I’m not usually a fan of fast-burn books, but SJ Tilly can pull them off perfectly! I’m hoping for another book in the series, especially since Dean got a POV in one of the epilogues… ...more
I adored this book! I love romances that feature an unrequited childhood love, and Tilly has executed this concept brilliantly! I’ll also add that I wI adored this book! I love romances that feature an unrequited childhood love, and Tilly has executed this concept brilliantly! I’ll also add that I was delightfully surprised when there was a mild suspense plotline added into the mix. I wasn’t expecting it, and it made the book even that much better! I’m not usually a fan of fast-burn books, but I loved SJ Tilly’s Sleet series, and this one had been on my TBR for a while. I absolutely loved it! I feel like I used a lot of exclamation points in this review, so I’m going to stop. But sorry, not sorry! ...more
I was fascinated by Tyler Grace and his mysterious backstory when I read Torn, so I immediately picked up this book. This is yet another age gap by thI was fascinated by Tyler Grace and his mysterious backstory when I read Torn, so I immediately picked up this book. This is yet another age gap by the queen of the trope, and I adored the angst and heartache this book delivered in spades. While Holly was extremely traumatized in the beginning of the book (she’s rescued from a psycho–by Tyler), enough time passes before Holly and Tyler meet again, that it doesn’t feel at all inappropriate. I adored just how much both Holly and Tyler need each other. This book has its highs and lows. Also, a random side note, but I love books with foxes, and Boomer (short for Boomerang) is so freaking adorable. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy the angstier side of dark romances, but please check out the trigger warnings first! ...more
This is a very fast-burn forbidden romance. I did pick it up because I was craving angst, and it honestly didn’t deliver on that front until towards tThis is a very fast-burn forbidden romance. I did pick it up because I was craving angst, and it honestly didn’t deliver on that front until towards the end. It’s very spicy, and I don’t feel like I had the chance to get to know Greg well enough. That said, the last bit of the book features a bucket-load of drama–when people start to find out about their forbidden romance. I loved that part and it bumped my rating up to 4 stars. I was expecting the book to be more like Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas (an all-time favourite), and while it shares A LOT of the same themes (single dad, her boyfriend is a tool), it just didn’t hit quite the same. Maybe because it was such a fast burn and low on the angst? That said, it’s a fun read if you’re into age-gap fast-burn forbidden romances! ...more
I never thought I’d find it - but I found a book with two of my favourite tropes. The damsel in distress and the penpal trope. *Insert all the excitedI never thought I’d find it - but I found a book with two of my favourite tropes. The damsel in distress and the penpal trope. *Insert all the excited dancing here!* This book was almost perfect. Emerson has been held captive in her aunt’s basement ever since she found out about her illegal behaviour. Emerson’s friends were threatened, and she’s terrified that they’ll be killed if she somehow manages to contact the police. Then, (after her neighbour is killed because she spotted her in the window), a new neighbour moves in next door. Handsome Ryan Warden, who Emerson watches longingly through the window. When she gets her hands on her old cell phone, Emerson starts texting him. Honestly, the author pulled off the rationale that she doesn’t call for police pretty well. My only issue with the book is that the romance is so rushed! She and Warden barely get to know each other before she’s rescued. During the rescue itself, he makes himself scarce because he’s disgusted by how attracted he is to her–she’s too young for him and coming out of a traumatizing situation. But they only go on their first date after 70% through the book, and all the parts of them getting to know each other are glossed over in favour of having that first-time sex scene. Sigh. The reason I love slow burns is because the characters get to know each other, there’s angst associated with it all. I needed more of the falling part. That said, the writing was fun, the book was angsty, and I’m really pleased I found this book! ...more
Susie Tate does it again! I live for the angst of her books, and this one does not disappoint!
This book is told in dual first-person POV (I seem to rSusie Tate does it again! I live for the angst of her books, and this one does not disappoint!
This book is told in dual first-person POV (I seem to remember her other books are third person, but I could be wrong). I love the closeness this perspective gave me for both the hero and the heroine.
Yaz is a catch. She’s naturally gorgeous, a tomboy, and she lives for the sea. She runs a centre for wellness, where she teaches yoga and windsurfing classes, practices with crystals and the whole shebang. Heath, on the other hand, is very straight-laced. He’s a doctor and prefers order and evidence-based decision-making. He’s her older brother’s best friend. When they were younger, he was her biggest advocate. Now, he masks his growing feelings for her by being overly critical and at times quite cruel. He’s attracted to her, but he doesn’t want to be. He has a list of qualities he looks for in a woman, and she doesn’t fit any of them.
Before you say that Heath sounds like a total douche canoe, please note that he has a tragic childhood that’s gradually revealed to the reader, which explains just why he needs so much order and structure and reliability in his life. This book gave me all the feels! It’s a closed-door romance, which I prefer for these types of angsty stories, because the book could focus more on their emotions than on the sexy times. I’m really hoping that Verity (Heath’s sister) gets her own book! ...more
Another hit in this series! I love the “Savage Society” and how these men are completely apathetic and uncaring…. Until they meet their women. This boAnother hit in this series! I love the “Savage Society” and how these men are completely apathetic and uncaring…. Until they meet their women. This book hits a lot of triggers and definitely falls under the category of a forbidden romance. Beckett becomes a professor at the Emerald Hills Prep because he’s compelled to figure out why students are going missing. He’s the only serial killer allowed in this city (LOL). But the instant he lays eyes on Ellery, he’s smitten. His priorities shift and he realizes he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. This book has it all. A dark and twisty suspense plotline. A forbidden romance. Spicy spiciness. A hero and heroine to love and fall for. Even the side characters are brilliant. Despite the fact that Grave and Reign aren’t part of the Savage Society (at least, not yet!), I’m really hoping they get their own books! All in all, a great read if you enjoy dark romances! ...more
I couldn’t put down this bodyguard romance! Their love is forbidden, but oh so sweet. This book wasn’t quite as angsty as “Unconditional”, my favouritI couldn’t put down this bodyguard romance! Their love is forbidden, but oh so sweet. This book wasn’t quite as angsty as “Unconditional”, my favourite QB Tyler book and an all-time favourite romance. That said, there was an appealing blend of angst, romance, and suspense. The book also has a stalker mystery subplot, which was both dramatic and thrilling and exactly what I’d been hoping for in this book. ...more
The second in the “Timeless Love” series, this book can easily be read as a standalone. This is a dark and gritty romance about trauma and healing. ThThe second in the “Timeless Love” series, this book can easily be read as a standalone. This is a dark and gritty romance about trauma and healing. The heroine has been through the ringer, and you should definitely read the content warnings that the author provides in the beginning of the book. This a beautiful story, and while I’d classify it as a dark romance, and technically Xavier is a morally gray hero, he’s quite sweet, good, and kind. His dark(ish) past is hinted at, but it’s never truly elaborated upon. The one thing that I loved the most in the first book was missing from this one. In the first book, the atmosphere is quite unique. It features an unparalleled otherworldliness, where there might be a curse on the men in the Sinclair family, but there also might not. While Dexterity is (very loosely) still inspired by Cinderella, (as the first book was loosely inspired by Snow White), I didn’t feel the same magic of the first book. This might be because there were no paranormal elements, as the “curse” from the first book was already broken with the first couple. I kind of wish that the author had expanded the paranormal aspects of this world she’s created to maintain that haunting ethereal feel that was lacking in this book. This is also quite a long book, and it did drag a little bit in the middle. However, I still fell in love with this story and I absolutely devoured the angst! There is a very large age gap between Xavier and Cinder, but the author handles this quite well, and it didn’t make me uncomfortable. I can’t wait for the third book in this trilogy! Will it be Rhett finding love? Hmm ...more
Germaphobe is a tense and angsty romantic thriller for lovers of dark romance and antiheroes! The book is told from both Cohen and Reagan’s points of Germaphobe is a tense and angsty romantic thriller for lovers of dark romance and antiheroes! The book is told from both Cohen and Reagan’s points of view. I almost would have preferred if we hadn’t gotten Cohen’s point of view, because it was somewhat chaotic and inconsistent, and I might have appreciated the mystery of not knowing what he’s doing or his rationale more if we hadn’t gotten a peek into his head. Everything he does is for Reagan, but honestly, a little bit of communication goes a long way. If he had told her the truth in the beginning, before the events of the book, they could have easily been together without any heartache or coercion. A good psychopath hero will rationalize what he does, but I felt like Cohen needed to have a little more introspection so that we’d better understand why he felt he needed to do what he did. Instead, the author chose the route of trying to keep us in the dark while simultaneously giving Cohen POV scenes, which led to choppy reveals and inconsistent characterization. While I love reading manipulative and creepy heroes, in this book it felt a little unnecessary and off. That said, I loved Cohen’s backstory and his OCD nature and how it tied into everything he did and the story itself. ...more
This is a slow-burn romance that has it all–a relatable, lovable heroine; a damaged, sweet hero, an age gap, mental health rep, and just a bit of suspThis is a slow-burn romance that has it all–a relatable, lovable heroine; a damaged, sweet hero, an age gap, mental health rep, and just a bit of suspense! This book was only 203 pages, but it felt a lot longer (in a good way) as I really got to love and care for the characters. The author’s depiction of Grayson’s mental health struggle is heartbreaking, and I love how she used this platform to combat the stereotypes associated with schizophrenia and other similar disorders. All in all, I recommend this book if you’re looking for a sad book that isn’t too sad, and has that guaranteed HEA :) While there’s a sequel to this book, you really wouldn’t be able to tell by reading this one, as it has a happily ever after and even an epilogue set 5 years later. (I’d thought the sequel would be her baby sister finding love, but it’s continuing with Angie and Grayson’s story.) ...more
*Spoiler Free Review* A great conclusion to the trilogy! It’s not as dark as the first two, but I didn’t mind. The book is surprisingly sweet, and I l*Spoiler Free Review* A great conclusion to the trilogy! It’s not as dark as the first two, but I didn’t mind. The book is surprisingly sweet, and I love how Lucian has really become a simp for Elaine. ...more
Loading...
