A review by lady_h_reads
The Heart of Smoke by K Webster

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful 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? Yes

4.5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

I’m growing dizzy with the need to obliterate him with pleasure. I want so much more than I’ll ever deserve or receive.

 

The Park family is back in this third interconnected standalone in the Shameful Secrets series. It is now the emotionally withdrawn son’s turn for a HEA. While not a particularly dark romance, some darker themes are explored, so check TW if necessary.

 

This book has a slow start. The Park family is extensive with MANY issues (just read the first two books to get a taste), so there are a lot of initial name-droppings and character/plot recaps. Once we get established in the story, especially once the outsider Tate has been introduced to everyone, the plot progresses quickly. 

 

I love a tortured hero! Both MMCs are broken. Jude with the crippling self-hatred from his mother’s death in a fire. Tate, who is running from an abusive and controlling ex. While their relationship starts off in a bit of a captor/captive situation, they end on a sweet note. 

 

This is medium burn and moderately spicy. There are MM bi-awakening moments and a burgeoning dom/sub relationship between the MCs. 

 

It is not necessary to read the first two books in the series – I read this as a total standalone – I would recommend reading them in order. 

 

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Tropes/Features: captor/captive, light enemies to lovers vibes, forbidden romance, forced proximity, therapist/patient, age gap, tortured hero, hurt/comfort, MM bi-awakening, size difference

Narrator: Dual 1st Person POV

Relationship Type: MM, medium burn, moderate spice

Book Type/Ending: Interconnected standalone with HEA

TW/CW: Available in book