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alxisrae's reviews
120 reviews
Second Edition by Cleo White
Second Edition is easily one of my faves for 2024 and I can say that with stern confidence. Cleo gives us a beautiful story about love, family, growth & fighting for the ones you love.
And I really love how we were able to get to know these characters background a little throughout the book so we got a bit of why they are the way they are. Like Ellis and his divorce and how that affects the MCs. Also how Zoe plays into this since Ellis is a single father and a lot of the choices he makes center around her as well. The background characters added a lot to this story as well and I really liked that! Maude has got to be my favorite along with Zoe. Another note is that I think Cleo did a very good job with Zoe’s neurodivergence and how we got to see this little girl come out of her shell in this love story.
Each character I found something to relate to. Jo’s people pleasing and how that really affected her. Ellis and how he was guarded and afraid after being hurt so deeply. And even Zoe with her neurodivergence. I feel in love with each of them!
Being in this chateau only causes the tension between Jo and Ellis to grow till it eventually snaps and then the (and I mean this in the best way) FILTH that follows is sooooo good. The scene of these two in the backseat of Ellis’s car…lord have mercy I was not prepared. The mouth on this man 🥵🥵🥵!! The praise and daddy kink was done in a way where I wasn’t cringing and getting second hand embarrassment. And trust that has happened with other stories that tried to bring this kink into the story.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
Second Edition is easily one of my faves for 2024 and I can say that with stern confidence. Cleo gives us a beautiful story about love, family, growth & fighting for the ones you love.
And I really love how we were able to get to know these characters background a little throughout the book so we got a bit of why they are the way they are. Like Ellis and his divorce and how that affects the MCs. Also how Zoe plays into this since Ellis is a single father and a lot of the choices he makes center around her as well. The background characters added a lot to this story as well and I really liked that! Maude has got to be my favorite along with Zoe. Another note is that I think Cleo did a very good job with Zoe’s neurodivergence and how we got to see this little girl come out of her shell in this love story.
Each character I found something to relate to. Jo’s people pleasing and how that really affected her. Ellis and how he was guarded and afraid after being hurt so deeply. And even Zoe with her neurodivergence. I feel in love with each of them!
Being in this chateau only causes the tension between Jo and Ellis to grow till it eventually snaps and then the (and I mean this in the best way) FILTH that follows is sooooo good. The scene of these two in the backseat of Ellis’s car…lord have mercy I was not prepared. The mouth on this man 🥵🥵🥵!! The praise and daddy kink was done in a way where I wasn’t cringing and getting second hand embarrassment. And trust that has happened with other stories that tried to bring this kink into the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content
Minor: Death, Death of parent
A Curse for Samhain by Dahlia Donovan
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I really really enjoyed this story. The setting of a small Scottish village gave this story the coziest of vibes. I wish that I could go to this village and walk around and just never leave it seemed so magically perfect. The way that within this short novel we were able to meet our characters, fall in love with them, and feel for them was so enjoyable. I liked Hyde the most, related to them heavily since I am also nuro-spicy and autistic. It was fantastic to see representation while reading. I want a sign now that says “shhhh” when I don’t want to speak with people.
The cutest little romantic moments between Hyde and Teresa progressed so well within this story with still holding onto the mystery of what is happening in the small community. You really got the sense of “found family” with every character that you met, even if they had a little conflict within their relationships.
I am soooo happy to of had the chance to read this little beauty. I could read 100 more books about this little world.
The cutest little romantic moments between Hyde and Teresa progressed so well within this story with still holding onto the mystery of what is happening in the small community. You really got the sense of “found family” with every character that you met, even if they had a little conflict within their relationships.
I am soooo happy to of had the chance to read this little beauty. I could read 100 more books about this little world.
Alpha's Burden by Luna Lark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Death of parent
Minor: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? No
2.75
Broken Pieces by Yinn Quirós
emotional
inspiring
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? No
4.5
The dedication alone had me loving this book!
This book was beautiful. The writings, the characters, the tragedy/trauma and the ending was just beautiful and flowed so well together. Aria was a little sassy and overall badass (even if she didn’t see herself that way) and the way Damien loved this woman so passionately and fully was so good to read and see grow. My favorite part was when Damien turned to her and basically was like “we’re end game baby” and Aria was sitting there like 😯
The two were just two broke souls that came back together and healed one another. I found that I couldn’t put this one down it was that good. Just the right amount of angst along with hurt/comfort. And the spice was 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Damien’s dirty, filthy mouth 🥵🥵🥵 lord have mercy? I had to fan myself a few times.
The background characters were also great - you’re able to get their personalities as well without it clashing with the MCs. Also the twist at the end! I didn’t see that coming at all!! I was really wondering how this was all gonna wrap up cause I thought someone it but didn’t piece it all together till the end.
This book was beautiful. The writings, the characters, the tragedy/trauma and the ending was just beautiful and flowed so well together. Aria was a little sassy and overall badass (even if she didn’t see herself that way) and the way Damien loved this woman so passionately and fully was so good to read and see grow. My favorite part was when Damien turned to her and basically was like “we’re end game baby” and Aria was sitting there like 😯
The two were just two broke souls that came back together and healed one another. I found that I couldn’t put this one down it was that good. Just the right amount of angst along with hurt/comfort. And the spice was 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Damien’s dirty, filthy mouth 🥵🥵🥵 lord have mercy? I had to fan myself a few times.
The background characters were also great - you’re able to get their personalities as well without it clashing with the MCs. Also the twist at the end! I didn’t see that coming at all!! I was really wondering how this was all gonna wrap up cause I thought someone it but didn’t piece it all together till the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol
Minor: Stalking, Death of parent
Wildfire by Hannah Grace
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
Half Cocked by Sybil Knight
I really enjoyed the dark comedic twist to this dark enemies to lovers romance. I thought Danica and Connor were so funny - they bickered like a married couple from damn near the moment they met. Danica was sassy, damaged and sexy - she was my favorite! I love how she didn’t take any shit and was just this bad ass FMC. But god has girl been through so fucking much!
The chemistry between the MCs was really good and the flow of this story was easy for follow along even with the time jumps between the past and the present. I like how flashbacks were used to sort of answer questions as they came along. Also showed that the main conflict wasn’t as black and white as it was thought to be.
This is a dark romance so please make sure to check trigger warnings before reading - this is also a crime/mafia background storyline so there is a lot of violence, 🩸 and 🔪 !
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really enjoyed the dark comedic twist to this dark enemies to lovers romance. I thought Danica and Connor were so funny - they bickered like a married couple from damn near the moment they met. Danica was sassy, damaged and sexy - she was my favorite! I love how she didn’t take any shit and was just this bad ass FMC. But god has girl been through so fucking much!
The chemistry between the MCs was really good and the flow of this story was easy for follow along even with the time jumps between the past and the present. I like how flashbacks were used to sort of answer questions as they came along. Also showed that the main conflict wasn’t as black and white as it was thought to be.
This is a dark romance so please make sure to check trigger warnings before reading - this is also a crime/mafia background storyline so there is a lot of violence, 🩸 and 🔪 !
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Death, Death of parent
Deadly Secrets by A.M. Acosta
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? No
4.0
I really really enjoyed this one. It’s a reverse harem mixed with a suspense thriller. Won me over with that sentence alone!! Sienna…I wanted to shake and hug that girl sometimes. I ached for her when she went through her life changing tragedy. But she had me going “goddamn” sometimes lol. But she picked herself up and continued on like the stronger character she continued to grow into. With her going to college she meets Noah who is friends with her “friend turned enemy” Alexander “Ander” and her one night stand from back home - Zayn. And this girl is confuuuuused. But holy f*ck are the spicy scenes in this book 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I had to walk away sometimes to catch my breath. Our girl Sienna was GETTING IT!! But while she’s going through the ups and downs of this romance - there is a stalker hell bent on murdering our girl. The pace of this thriller was really good. I felt like I wasn’t able to figure out who the stalker was till the end. Which I liked cause that ruins a book for me if I guess too quick! Dark romance girlies you’re gonna like this one. It’s a quick read! And sooooooo good!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Alcohol
Moderate: Torture, Violence
Minor: Blood
Bone Crier's Moon by Kathryn Purdie
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Kidnapping
Deadly Desires by Ashley McKnight
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
4.0
This was another read where I started it and got sucked in quickly! It was a fast read so if you’re looking for something quick this might be the read for you. I liked Melody the most thought she was really strong beyond what she had been through. I do wish we got more of her and Brooke - but understand why we didn’t. Their friendship just seemed so cute! Also Melody is a plus size FMC so I adore those whenever I am able to come across them.
Though this book contains dark themes I appreciate when it came to certain topics and moments in the story it wasn’t too dark. And the ending…my guess’s were wrong and I really wast expecting it - in a good way!! Liked the mystery before the big reveal and how along the way it wasn’t too obvious. I think that was done very tastefully. Please, check trigger warnings before read this story.
Overall, enjoyed this read and recommend you grab a copy!
Though this book contains dark themes I appreciate when it came to certain topics and moments in the story it wasn’t too dark. And the ending…my guess’s were wrong and I really wast expecting it - in a good way!! Liked the mystery before the big reveal and how along the way it wasn’t too obvious. I think that was done very tastefully. Please, check trigger warnings before read this story.
Overall, enjoyed this read and recommend you grab a copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Sexual harassment
Minor: Gun violence, Self harm, Car accident