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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a really incredible New Adult dark romance and book 1 of a series. There are some dark themes, so please check triggers before reading.
The story begins with the FMC, Riley, who is beginning her time as a scholarship student at Halston University, which is a haven for the rich and powerful. She finds herself in the thrall of three friends - Logan, Royce, and Grayson. Riley and Grayson have a history - he was her stepbrother until an accusation against his father split their family apart.
The book is pretty dark - Grayson is out for revenge and will stop at nothing to get it. But Riley's connection with each of the guys grows and changes during the story, and it's interesting to see how things change over time. Even with the darkness, the spice is hot, and the why-choose aspect adds a lot to the story. As an FMC, Riley is interesting because she's scrappy and resourceful -as a single mom she has to do anything she can to get by for her family. Her backstory and relationship with her mother further complicate things as well.
I loved this book on audio - the narrators were excellent. I only wish that the times when one character was narrating but another was speaking, they used the narrator for the person speaking - it was weird to hear Logan's words in Riley's voice (even if deeper), especially when there are multiple narrators for the book. The only other little distraction was that at times the dialogue was stilted - "However" was used a lot in a way that college students would never use it.
I found myself becoming attached to the characters and wanting them all to come around and get together. I'm hoping to hear more about how things evolve in Book 2!
The story begins with the FMC, Riley, who is beginning her time as a scholarship student at Halston University, which is a haven for the rich and powerful. She finds herself in the thrall of three friends - Logan, Royce, and Grayson. Riley and Grayson have a history - he was her stepbrother until an accusation against his father split their family apart.
The book is pretty dark - Grayson is out for revenge and will stop at nothing to get it. But Riley's connection with each of the guys grows and changes during the story, and it's interesting to see how things change over time. Even with the darkness, the spice is hot, and the why-choose aspect adds a lot to the story. As an FMC, Riley is interesting because she's scrappy and resourceful -
I loved this book on audio - the narrators were excellent. I only wish that the times when one character was narrating but another was speaking, they used the narrator for the person speaking - it was weird to hear Logan's words in Riley's voice (even if deeper), especially when there are multiple narrators for the book. The only other little distraction was that at times the dialogue was stilted - "However" was used a lot in a way that college students would never use it.
I found myself becoming attached to the characters and wanting them all to come around and get together. I'm hoping to hear more about how things evolve in Book 2!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Kidnapping
Minor: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Classism
I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to see what happens with the characters in the next book. And how their individual relationships grow and how the group relationship Grows
5/5 What did I just read?! I have cried, laughed, felt enraged, and everything in between. Riley is such a strong FMC! Logan and Royce have some major groveling to do and Grayson can go kick rocks!!
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Frozen hearts by R.A. Smyth is the first book and audiobook in a trilogy called Halston U. The other books are available, but this is the first audiobook. It is narrated by Helena Walters and Oliver Highpoint and they do a fantastic job. I’m super picky about narration and they managed to make the characters all come to life with their own voices and distinct personalities.
This is a dark romance. Emphasis on DARK. If you cannot handle things like mention of prior child SA (Flashbacks), dubious consent, kidnapping, why choose (there are 3 male love interests), rape, single parenthood, bad parents and probably other things I am forgetting, then you may want to read the full trigger list before embarking on this adventure. I was mostly ok with the book, my mind is still reeling a little bit, but for the most, I like the book.
Our FMC is Riley James, a single mother who has overcome a lot of really lousy things in her life to get where she is and now, she is a freshman in college at Halston U. Her goal is to do well in college so that she can get a good job and take care of herself and her daughter. She just wants to study and work to support her family (as a stripper, so if that bothers you maybe move on to another book). This is a single mother and trauma survivor just trying to move on and improve her life and I think the character deserves respect for that.
Riley agrees to tutor a very handsome and extremely tall Hockey player named Logan. Logan is pretty much smitten with her immediately and wants to take her out. They go on a date, the date goes well and then he goes out with his hockey friends after a game and of course, instead of the place they always go to, they go to the strip club where Riley works. Logan’s roommates show up and one of them has a past with Riley and poisons Logan against her. He doesn’t call Riley like he said he was going to and he stops talking to her basically. She also starts running into this really tall scary guy who’s always mad she’s in his way. And then there’s the ex-stepbrother who has the grudge and he is where the story really goes off the rails.
I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, which in this instance is very difficult because there’s this path they all go down that leads them to where they end up, and if any one thing had changed or maybe some questions were asked before jumping to conclusions, the whole thing could have turned out in a much different way.
Overall, it’s a decent story and I am obsessed with finding out what happens next (full disclosure: I did start reading book 2 on KU, but I would much rather have the audio). I know there are 3 books, so I assume this is a trilogy. I wasn’t able to determine if more are planned after that.
I really thought the author was a man. Which is odd for dark romance, and I should have known better. This author writes entitled college men very well and casts Riley into a kind of bimbo college girl light now and then, which is why I thought that. However, R.A. Smyth is a woman, which makes the writing that much more impressive.
This book is not for everyone, that’s for sure. If you’re the kind of person who likes to skip over things that are uncomfortable or spice scenes, I think you can still enjoy most of the story. As is my usual contention with most spicy books, you can take that spice out and still have a good story. That is the case here as well. Sometimes I wonder if authors shouldn’t consider releasing both versions just to get a wider audience, but I’m sure someone has already considered that and there are issues I’m unaware of – but I do like the idea.
I’m giving this book 4.5 stars. If you like why choose dark romance and can handle the triggers previously mentioned (and the ones I forgot that you will find in the full trigger list), then I think this is well worth a listen.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for trusting me with another one of their books and to NetGalley for being the vehicle by which they are able to do so. As per usual, all opinions are my own, and if I don’t like a book, you will definitely know it. This book released on July 28, 2025.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Stalking, Alcohol
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
No
I loved Pacific Prep. I loved Black Creek. This....was something else.
This leaned way more noncon than dubcon, specifically between main characters.
I dont really see the MMCs as redeemable, all things considered. Despite that, I'm interested enough to continue the series and see where it goes. I'm really hoping there's MASSIVE character growth in the next book.
The audio itself was pretty good, but I noticed some mispronunciations that just seemed odd.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape for providing me with this ALC.
This leaned way more noncon than dubcon, specifically between main characters.
I dont really see the MMCs as redeemable, all things considered. Despite that, I'm interested enough to continue the series and see where it goes. I'm really hoping there's MASSIVE character growth in the next book.
The audio itself was pretty good, but I noticed some mispronunciations that just seemed odd.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape for providing me with this ALC.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hockey romance
Why choose
Forced proximity
College age
Dark romance
Dual narration - Helena Walters & Oliver Highpoint
New to me narrators and I liked their voices.
Dark and twisty. Emotional heartbreaking. This sucked me in. I need to see what happens in book 2!
Captivating and entertaining. I want to know how the relationships develop further in the series. I am invested now.
Why choose
Forced proximity
College age
Dark romance
Dual narration - Helena Walters & Oliver Highpoint
New to me narrators and I liked their voices.
Dark and twisty. Emotional heartbreaking. This sucked me in. I need to see what happens in book 2!
Captivating and entertaining. I want to know how the relationships develop further in the series. I am invested now.
I absolutely love every series you've ever written and I've read them all now including this one. In my eyes Grayson will never be redeemable I can't believe the rhetoric that he's feeling in his own head and to other people about her when he's the one that was told a lie
I absolutely love Riley
I absolutely love Riley
I can't believe it took me this long to read this book! I really liked it! I listened to this book in audio and it was narrated in dual narration by Helena Walters and Oliver Highpoint. Definitely funny listening to OH voice an old lady, but I really have no complaints! Only praise for this production.
I loved seeing the three guys fight their feelings for Riley but their attraction to her is absolutely undeniable.
I loved seeing the three guys fight their feelings for Riley but their attraction to her is absolutely undeniable.
dark
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
my heart has been relocated to the pit of my stomach after this one. what a soul-shattering, gut wrencher (in the best way). the raw agony that riley endures throughout this story, let alone her past, had me torn to pieces. i love a good bully romance, and this one is GREAT. the utter torture logan, royce, and grayson put her through, has me a little weary on how RA Smythe will redeem them. that being said, the trauma and darkly disturbing pasts the boys have absolutely clouded their judgements and actions so i truly am on the edge of my seat to explore their groveling, growth and redemption in the continued trilogy!
helena walters and oliver highpoint are both newer narrators to me, and they gained an IMMEDIATE fan. their work on this narration was gut wrenchingly beautiful and the subtle nuances and changes to their narration during various scenes made me emotional!!
thank you to RA Smythe, Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen and review Frozen Hearts!
helena walters and oliver highpoint are both newer narrators to me, and they gained an IMMEDIATE fan. their work on this narration was gut wrenchingly beautiful and the subtle nuances and changes to their narration during various scenes made me emotional!!
thank you to RA Smythe, Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen and review Frozen Hearts!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Mental illness, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Violence, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment
Minor: Blood, Dementia, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
explicit: dubcon/noncon within the harem
moderate: rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment outside of the harem
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes