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eliserobinsonn__'s review
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship
Minor: Suicide
sienasummerrreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? N/A
4.5
Four years ago one night changed everything. Finn Barlow is known to attract the ladies. Tall, broody and a professional NHL player had one night with a woman who is now his obsession. A year ago tragedy struck and Finn Barlow is back in town and wants answers on what happened that fateful night but I don’t have them. He is making me question everything and I’m determined to prove him wrong.
What a book. First, it starts strong with mysterious events, then during the middle it slows down but that ending brings it back. I didn’t know what to expect. Both these characters have been through a lot. There are a lot of secrets, betrayals and lies. The plot twists I didn’t see coming and guessing who was behind it I was completely wrong. This man Finn is obsessed with the FMC Jocelyn. I felt it was a little much in the middle of the book but with his over protective obsessive behaviour. But I can’t lie Finn Barlow is delicious. I don’t want to say too much it’s best to go in blind but be mindful of content. Also the narrators for the audiobook Janine and Stephen are brilliant recommend.
If you love:
🔹Mysterious Dark Romance
🔹Sports Hockey and Basketball
🔹Mutual Pining
🔹Reformed Playboy
🔹Betrayal and Secrets
🔹Perfect Amount Of Spice
Genre/Type: A Mysterious Dark Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook
Audiobook Length: 13hrs 47mins
Narrators: Stephen Dexter and Janine Granda - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book Two In The Fairview Hockey Series
Tropes or Themes: Sports (Hockey and Basketball), College, Reformed Playboy, Mutual Pining, Found Family, Jealousy, Possessive MMC, MMC Obsessed, Touch Her And Die Vibes, Secrets, Betrayal, Grief, Fainting, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Crawl, Dom and Sub, Sex Club.
Mentions: Suicide, Death Of Parent, Drugged Situation and Sexual Assault.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
What a book. First, it starts strong with mysterious events, then during the middle it slows down but that ending brings it back. I didn’t know what to expect. Both these characters have been through a lot. There are a lot of secrets, betrayals and lies. The plot twists I didn’t see coming and guessing who was behind it I was completely wrong. This man Finn is obsessed with the FMC Jocelyn. I felt it was a little much in the middle of the book but with his over protective obsessive behaviour. But I can’t lie Finn Barlow is delicious. I don’t want to say too much it’s best to go in blind but be mindful of content. Also the narrators for the audiobook Janine and Stephen are brilliant recommend.
If you love:
🔹Mysterious Dark Romance
🔹Sports Hockey and Basketball
🔹Mutual Pining
🔹Reformed Playboy
🔹Betrayal and Secrets
🔹Perfect Amount Of Spice
Genre/Type: A Mysterious Dark Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook
Audiobook Length: 13hrs 47mins
Narrators: Stephen Dexter and Janine Granda - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book Two In The Fairview Hockey Series
Tropes or Themes: Sports (Hockey and Basketball), College, Reformed Playboy, Mutual Pining, Found Family, Jealousy, Possessive MMC, MMC Obsessed, Touch Her And Die Vibes, Secrets, Betrayal, Grief, Fainting, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Crawl, Dom and Sub, Sex Club.
Mentions: Suicide, Death Of Parent, Drugged Situation and Sexual Assault.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Cursing, Gun violence, Medical content, Sexual content, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Rape, Death of parent, Suicide, Drug use, and Sexual assault
haneyhayespr's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
- 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
5.0
challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense
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
This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a steamy and suspenseful romance with a possessive hero, a dash of mystery, and a strong focus on the emotional intensity of a second-chance love story, all set against the backdrop of the high-stakes world of professional hockey. Get ready to be kept on the edge of your seat!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Death, Toxic friendship, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Death of parent, Suicide, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Infidelity, Murder, and Addiction
Moderate: Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Cursing, Violence, Stalking, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, Vomit, Pregnancy, and Addiction
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
This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a steamy and suspenseful romance with a possessive hero, a dash of mystery, and a strong focus on the emotional intensity of a second-chance love story, all set against the backdrop of the high-stakes world of professional hockey. Get ready to be kept on the edge of your seat!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Death, Toxic friendship, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Death of parent, Suicide, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Infidelity, Murder, and Addiction
Moderate: Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Cursing, Violence, Stalking, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, Vomit, Pregnancy, and Addiction
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Death, Toxic friendship, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Death of parent, Suicide, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Infidelity, Murder, and Addiction
Moderate: Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Cursing, Violence, Stalking, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, Vomit, Pregnancy, and Addiction
hbae's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Kidnapping, and Suicide
Moderate: Drug use
maviselune's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Violence, and Sexual content
Minor: Drug use, Suicide, and Addiction
cinderellaeyes's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Where do I even begin? This one was certainly very different from the first book in the series but definitely holds its own.
The one thing that stood out to me, much like book one was the plot. The plot was so freaking good?! I loved all the mystery and the plot twist! So good.
The romance, oh the romance! Finn Barlow is a man of so little words, but when he speaks, my god does he make me swoon. The spice level in this book is red hot too.
Absolutely loved this book!
The one thing that stood out to me, much like book one was the plot. The plot was so freaking good?! I loved all the mystery and the plot twist! So good.
The romance, oh the romance! Finn Barlow is a man of so little words, but when he speaks, my god does he make me swoon. The spice level in this book is red hot too.
Absolutely loved this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Drug abuse, Suicide, and Addiction
raquel28's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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? No
4.5
"'You underestimate how much i want you in my life.' It's not even a matter of want at this point. She's as vital to me as water. As air."
"There's no doubt in my mind that if something happens to this girl. i'll die. Literally, physically, and metaphorically, i will cease to exist."
"'I’m serious, Josslyn. You own me,' I repeat, my voice hoarse. 'My love for you is a living thing inside me. You’re everywhere all the time—on my mind, in my blood, in my bones. I don’t think we can get much closer than that.'"
✨ arc ✨
4,5 🌟
Have you read anything by Claire Contreras?
If not, what are you waiting for?!
If yes, can we talk about her talent for keeping us on our toes?! I love a good mystery, and Claire definitely knows how to keep us entertained.
After reading “Until I Get You,” I had high expectations for this one, and well, IT. DOES. NOT. DISAPPOINT! 🔥
Finneas Alexander Barlow has become my new book boyfriend, and I loved how his character evolves from being a playboy to being completely in love (obsessed!) with Josslyn. (I mean, he gave her sunflowers because they represent loyalty, longevity, and adoration, soooo... 😫)
I also loved Josslyn! Despite everything she went through, she always maintained her kindness and ability to care, even for those who hurt her deeply. Her resilience and warmth make the history more engaging and leave you wanting to see more of her.
I must confess, I found the first few chapters a bit slow, but once you get into the story, it’s hard to put the book down. The suspense was nicely executed, and I didn't see that twist coming at the end. (I think I suspected everyone except the real villain! 🤡)
Filled with revenge, betrayal, and A LOT of chemistry, "When We Lied" is an emotional rollercoaster that will keep you hooked until the last page. If you enjoy spicy romance with mystery and suspense, you need to add this book to your list.
Thank you, Claire Contreras and Valentine PR, for the ARC.
Note 1: since the story is set in Fairview, we get a glimpse of Lachlan, Layla, and Theo’s lives, and it’s adorable 🥲🥰
Note 2: (for those who read “Until I Get You”) If you thought Lachlan was obsessed, get ready because Finn gives him a run for his money in the stalker department 😂🥵
"There's no doubt in my mind that if something happens to this girl. i'll die. Literally, physically, and metaphorically, i will cease to exist."
"'I’m serious, Josslyn. You own me,' I repeat, my voice hoarse. 'My love for you is a living thing inside me. You’re everywhere all the time—on my mind, in my blood, in my bones. I don’t think we can get much closer than that.'"
✨ arc ✨
4,5 🌟
Have you read anything by Claire Contreras?
If not, what are you waiting for?!
If yes, can we talk about her talent for keeping us on our toes?! I love a good mystery, and Claire definitely knows how to keep us entertained.
After reading “Until I Get You,” I had high expectations for this one, and well, IT. DOES. NOT. DISAPPOINT! 🔥
Finneas Alexander Barlow has become my new book boyfriend, and I loved how his character evolves from being a playboy to being completely in love (obsessed!) with Josslyn. (I mean, he gave her sunflowers because they represent loyalty, longevity, and adoration, soooo... 😫)
I also loved Josslyn! Despite everything she went through, she always maintained her kindness and ability to care, even for those who hurt her deeply. Her resilience and warmth make the history more engaging and leave you wanting to see more of her.
I must confess, I found the first few chapters a bit slow, but once you get into the story, it’s hard to put the book down. The suspense was nicely executed, and I didn't see that twist coming at the end. (I think I suspected everyone except the real villain! 🤡)
Filled with revenge, betrayal, and A LOT of chemistry, "When We Lied" is an emotional rollercoaster that will keep you hooked until the last page. If you enjoy spicy romance with mystery and suspense, you need to add this book to your list.
Thank you, Claire Contreras and Valentine PR, for the ARC.
Note 1: since the story is set in Fairview, we get a glimpse of Lachlan, Layla, and Theo’s lives, and it’s adorable 🥲🥰
Note 2: (for those who read “Until I Get You”) If you thought Lachlan was obsessed, get ready because Finn gives him a run for his money in the stalker department 😂🥵
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Sexual content
Moderate: Suicide and Mental illness
Minor: Drug use
spicycronereads's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
I read this as a buddy read with some of my book friends from TikTok and it was a lot of fun. I had read Until I Get You last fall and liked it quite a bit. So I suggested we read this book without really paying much attention to the plot description. I didn’t realize there would be a murder mystery at the heart of it! But it was a lot of fun trying to figure it out and then also being able to comment and share theories with friends on the buddy read.
The timeline is dual POV between the MCs. FMC Josslyn is a college basketball player and social media influencer who has a brief encounter at a seggs club with Finn, who is a player both for the NHL and of hearts. Josslyn is friends with Finn‘s sister, Mallory, who is unalived. The book unfolds over repeated encounters between Finn and Josslyn as they separately try to figure out what happened to Mallory.
The timeline is occasionally confusing. I think partly because there is a mystery so there are red herrings and twists. And, for me at least, it took me a while to realize that there are two seggs clubs (seriously Fairview must be the capital of untimely unaliving and seggs clubs per capita for whatever state it is in!) I was wishing I had read it in print so I could annotate and tab it, which I think would have helped me keep things straight. But any confusion is worth powering through, made up for by great characters, amazing plot twists, and lots of romance and spice.
Josslyn is such a great character. She’s smart and independent and kind. Finn is the kind of alphahole MMC who quickly became a book boyfriend. And his character arc is really great. They both have traumas they are dealing with and their relationship becomes a catalyst for healing. Their chemistry and banter are off the charts.
And speaking of characters, Lyla and Lachlan from Until I Get You make multiple appearances here as Josslyn is related to Lyla by marriage and Lachlan knows Finn through business and hockey. So that was fun and I appreciated seeing how their relationship progressed.
There is some interesting commentary in the book about social media, influencer culture, and intense sports fandom. I need to sit with it a bit longer to really unpack that critique, I think.
The spice is plentiful. It starts off early and like a five alarm fire. Since they start with a hookup and move into romance, there is lots of really hawt spice at the beginning, that tempers a bit as lot of swooniness is added as the narrative progresses. It is a great balance of 💖 and 🌶️. It’s a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ for me, with the understanding that it is also really swoony in parts.
In terms of diverse representation , Josslyn and her bio family are Cuban American. There are other Latine characters among the secondary characters as well. There are queer characters, namely lesbians or bi women. And there is class diversity. Many of the characters have multi generational wealth, but Joslyn’s family is more middle class (and consequently more down to earth, more welcoming, and less toxic than the other families depicted).
Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this, practically devouring it in a little over a day. I was only slowed by my kindle running out of battery! 😂 With that kind of intensity, I have to rate it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. And 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
The timeline is dual POV between the MCs. FMC Josslyn is a college basketball player and social media influencer who has a brief encounter at a seggs club with Finn, who is a player both for the NHL and of hearts. Josslyn is friends with Finn‘s sister, Mallory, who is unalived. The book unfolds over repeated encounters between Finn and Josslyn as they separately try to figure out what happened to Mallory.
The timeline is occasionally confusing. I think partly because there is a mystery so there are red herrings and twists. And, for me at least, it took me a while to realize that there are two seggs clubs (seriously Fairview must be the capital of untimely unaliving and seggs clubs per capita for whatever state it is in!) I was wishing I had read it in print so I could annotate and tab it, which I think would have helped me keep things straight. But any confusion is worth powering through, made up for by great characters, amazing plot twists, and lots of romance and spice.
Josslyn is such a great character. She’s smart and independent and kind. Finn is the kind of alphahole MMC who quickly became a book boyfriend. And his character arc is really great. They both have traumas they are dealing with and their relationship becomes a catalyst for healing. Their chemistry and banter are off the charts.
And speaking of characters, Lyla and Lachlan from Until I Get You make multiple appearances here as Josslyn is related to Lyla by marriage and Lachlan knows Finn through business and hockey. So that was fun and I appreciated seeing how their relationship progressed.
There is some interesting commentary in the book about social media, influencer culture, and intense sports fandom. I need to sit with it a bit longer to really unpack that critique, I think.
The spice is plentiful. It starts off early and like a five alarm fire. Since they start with a hookup and move into romance, there is lots of really hawt spice at the beginning, that tempers a bit as lot of swooniness is added as the narrative progresses. It is a great balance of 💖 and 🌶️. It’s a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ for me, with the understanding that it is also really swoony in parts.
In terms of diverse representation , Josslyn and her bio family are Cuban American. There are other Latine characters among the secondary characters as well. There are queer characters, namely lesbians or bi women. And there is class diversity. Many of the characters have multi generational wealth, but Joslyn’s family is more middle class (and consequently more down to earth, more welcoming, and less toxic than the other families depicted).
Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this, practically devouring it in a little over a day. I was only slowed by my kindle running out of battery! 😂 With that kind of intensity, I have to rate it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. And 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Infidelity
Moderate: Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, and Suicide
Minor: Stalking and Drug use
giulia_acobac's review
dark
mysterious
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Suicide
kenzieburke's review
dark
funny
mysterious
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? No
5.0
If Clare Contreras writes it I’m reading it. Always. Just wow. I love the way she can just hook you so quickly. You will never be bored not one bit. Like page turning spice, mystery, tension and pining?! That’s an elite combo.
The murder mystery was so fun, it kept my mind spinning the whole time. It was just like playing a big game of clue and that was just really fun and engaging.
I loved the cameos from her previous books that was a great world tie in that I throughly enjoyed. Because I will always want more Lachlan and Lyla always.
Finn and Josslyn were amazing main characters, I loved reading their povs, they seemed both really fleshed out and had many really sweet moments. So watching their relationship develop was just really fun and felt like a great natural progression. AND THEIR SPICE UGH. They got passion, and banter, it’s just so good. Never settle for anyone who won’t treat you like how Finn Barlow treats Josslyn.
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and Clare Contreras for the ARC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Mental illness, and Violence