Reviews

Heartless Heroes by J.L. Beck, C. Hallman

mrsmaddyp's review

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5.0

I read HD Carlton’s story in this anthology, What Lies Between us, and absolutely loved it!

It’s an MM novella that follows Link and Echo. It’s a friends to enemies to lovers dark romance with a murder mystery thrown in and all of the spookies.

Even after being acquitted, everyone at the school still thinks Echo murdered his girlfriend; Links twin sister.
It’s set in a spooky college where rich parents ship their troublesome kids. There are hidden passages and unfriendly ghosts around every corner and I am so stoked to learn more about the school.

We are getting a full length novel for these two, but this short story still gives you angst, some super hot spice, and the perfect amount of mystery to keep you on the hook. And we do get a HFN.

Definitely recommend, especially for spooky season.

theladyreads_smut's review

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emotional reflective medium-paced

4.25

jreadsdarkromance's review

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5.0

Review for His Deadly Games

I cannot wait for more of this! It's only a few chapters for an upcoming book, but holy crap what a ride. This one is a bit darker, considering who the mmc is. I was not thinking of him to get his own spin off, but I AM HERE FOR IT! Gimmie more!!

kristiereadbetweenthewines's review

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5.0

Review for WHAT LIES BETWEEN US by HD Carlton. Available in Heartless Heroes


UMMMM THIS WAS AMAZING! Per usual, HD gives us an unique story that leaves you always wanting more.

This is a gothic college romance following Link and Echo. Link's twin sister was murdered and he believes Echo did it. So what happens when he gives in to his desires of wanting Echo?

Will he fall for his sister's murderer??

This is a short story - m/m - enemies to lovers - HFN - psychological thriller - murder mystery romance. This does end abruptly with a happily for now, but HD will be making a full length novel for them!

5/5 stars AMAZING

**ARC for review**

crazyyummy1209's review

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4.0

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What Lies Between Us by H.D Carlton (ARC review)

To be honest, I rarely read MM romance and I have a particular taste when it comes to that genre. I prefer enemies to lovers trope where the main characters have great loathe for each other, and H.D Carlton delivers exactly that.

What Lies Between Us is just *chef kiss*. It was such a suspenseful and intense story that revolves around Echo being accused as a murderer and Link blaming him for his sister's death. These two can't stand each other and they always at each other's throat.

I can't even explain how obsessed I am with Link and Echo story. Their chemistry and sexual tension are totally off the chart. Like damn, they are so sexy together and I just love all their interactions.

Overall, it is such an enjoyable story but it ends with a cliffhanger. There are so many mysteries that need to be resolved and I honestly can't wait for their sequel! Highly recommend!

katebuysbooks's review

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-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

4.5

books_sunshine_and_chocolate's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

jennysbooks96's review

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5.0

W H A T Lies Between Us by HD CARLTON
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Tropes:
- MM
- Light CNC
- Murder mystery

So far, in this book I have read What Lies Between Us by HD Carlton. Like all of us HD’s books, this is yet another story that has grade A spice, with an EXCELLENT/thrilling plot. This story has you reading more to desperately know what happens next and LET ME TELL YOU the spice is top notch (but who’s surprised, not me).

This story follows Echo- who has been convicted of murdering his girlfriend. However, he has claimed his innocence throughout. Throughout the darkness encompassing his life. Echo, has always been captivated by his girlfriend’s twin brother Link. Link has always been skeptical on where Echo lies within this case. However, as these character’s relationship grows…a new secret is unraveled.

whisperingchapters's review

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4.0

WHAT LIES BETWEEN US by H.D. Carlton

It's no secret that I love H.D. Carlton's writing. Her prose is always dark, mysterious, borderline paranormal and spooky, perfect for this season!

If everyone would rather believe that I’m the bad guy, then I’m more than happy to play the part.

Echo is living with the blame of supposedly murdering his on-and-off ex-girlfriend. Everywhere he turns, he gets scrutinized, ostracized, and gets the most hate from his ex-gf's twin brother. Link and Echo used to be friends, but that all went down the drain when Echo gets blamed for murder. Unfortunately, neither can't help the explosive chemistry and attraction they have for each other.

“I’m so fucking angry, Echo,” he whispers, followed by a soft moan. One of his hands slides up around my jaw, tipping up my chin and ensnaring my gaze in his. “Because you should’ve been mine first.”

As is H.D. Carlton brand, her characters are always dark, and her romance is always spicy hot, almost California pepper hot! Can I just say Echo and Link had me panting, almost sweating, and fanning my face? These two came in hot, and the hatred just amplifies it all.

It wouldn't be an H.D. book without some paranormal and spooky aspects, and this one brought just the beginnings of it. Keep in mind this is a university that could pass as a castle, which means this is full of hidden passageways and things just lurking in the dark, waiting to catch you.

“You can breathe when you come.”

As What Lies Between Us is part of an anthology, we only get a taste of what to expect of the full-length novel. If what I read was already good, this book promises to be intense, explosively catastrophic, and dark.

IF YOU LIKE:
👨🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽 M/M
💘 Forbidden
😈 Dark Romance
🧠 Psychological Thriller
🔎 Murder Mystery
🫣 Paranormal aspects
👯 Ex's Twin Brother
🏫 Dark Academia
👻 Ghosts
🤫 Hidden Passageways
🔥 Dirty Talk

bookishbellee's review

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Reviewing WHAT LIES BETWEEN US by HD Carlton 

Omg- NO ONE, AND I MEAN NO ONE DOES DARK ROMANCE LIKE HD CARLTON 

First of all compelling romance ✅
Spooky, haunted vibes ✅
Phenomenal and atmospheric setting ✅
Instantly hooks you in ✅
Forbidden romance situation that is just THE BEST ✅ 
Plot/murder mystery that literally has me completely entranced ✅
Leaves you wanting so much more ✅ 

I loved Echo and Link’s story from HD and I can’t wait for more of them!!