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Salt in the Wound by Sierra Simone
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
Whoa! What is up with Sierra Simone writing dark romances that have a strong focus on religion, religious calling, and kink exploration?! Having been raised in a loosely Protestant household, much of the nuances of Catholicism is lost on me and leaves me with a bajillion questions. Yet, I find myself searching the web for the definitions and trying to learn.
Salt in the Wound by Sierra Simone is a quick read as novella and prequel to Salt Kiss. Since she was 12 years old, all Isolde has wanted to be is a nun and serve her god and church. Shortly before her high school graduation, Isolde's father informs her she will marry Mark Trevena after her college graduation. Isolde is furious. Mark runs an infamous s3x club that specifically caters to patron's k!nks. Isolde's uncle, a Cardinal in the Catholic Church, talks her into following a new religious purpose -- marry Mark, exploit her role as his wife and partner at a s3x club and pass secrets to him to further the church's mission. Mark gives lessons to Isolde on how to "act" like a good submissive while at the s3x club. Neither anticipates the complications of mutual attraction and feelings getting in the way of their fake, arranged marriage...
Tropes explored include age gap, BDSM, arranged marriage, forced proximity, and v!rgin x experienced MC.
With Isolde's unconventional upbringing, she has all the hallmarks of a burgeoning spy. However, she still cannot escape her naive heart's desires, partially fueled by her lack of sexual or relationship experience. As a FMC, Isolde is a frustrated, idealistic, headstrong woman with a strong moral compass. There are times in the beginning when I wanted to slap her out of her inner rantings, but she quickly grew on me and I ended up loving her.
As the MMC, Mark Trevena was an enigma who I couldn't figure out. I wasn't sure what his intentions were with Isolde and couldn't understand why he was fixated on marrying her. There is mystery surrounding his reasons and I kept reading as I furiously tried to tease out the hidden 'whys'. Given the age gap and Mark's previous life experiences, Isolde turns out to be no match for his conniving ways.
I wish the story would’ve been presented with duet narration and two POVs, instead of solely being from Isolde's POV. I think the different perspectives would’ve created a richer reading experience for the reader... and I was dying to get inside Mark's head.
Salt in the Wound ends on a semi-cliffhanger, which makes sense because it is a prequel to a series. As soon as I finished this book, I immediately purchased Salt Wound and cannot wait to see what Simone has in store for Mark and Isolde.
Great Quote (includes spoiler):
“It was bad enough that I’d been forced into this marriage, but to have fallen in love with him too? To have been played, tricked, and now abandoned? It was just salt in the wound.”
“And for my naiveté, my unconscious arrogance—my making a false idol out of Mark Trevena—I deserved it. Wound, salt, and all.”
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Salt in the Wound by Sierra Simone is a quick read as novella and prequel to Salt Kiss. Since she was 12 years old, all Isolde has wanted to be is a nun and serve her god and church. Shortly before her high school graduation, Isolde's father informs her she will marry Mark Trevena after her college graduation. Isolde is furious. Mark runs an infamous s3x club that specifically caters to patron's k!nks. Isolde's uncle, a Cardinal in the Catholic Church, talks her into following a new religious purpose -- marry Mark, exploit her role as his wife and partner at a s3x club and pass secrets to him to further the church's mission. Mark gives lessons to Isolde on how to "act" like a good submissive while at the s3x club. Neither anticipates the complications of mutual attraction and feelings getting in the way of their fake, arranged marriage...
Tropes explored include age gap, BDSM, arranged marriage, forced proximity, and v!rgin x experienced MC.
With Isolde's unconventional upbringing, she has all the hallmarks of a burgeoning spy. However, she still cannot escape her naive heart's desires, partially fueled by her lack of sexual or relationship experience. As a FMC, Isolde is a frustrated, idealistic, headstrong woman with a strong moral compass. There are times in the beginning when I wanted to slap her out of her inner rantings, but she quickly grew on me and I ended up loving her.
As the MMC, Mark Trevena was an enigma who I couldn't figure out. I wasn't sure what his intentions were with Isolde and couldn't understand why he was fixated on marrying her. There is mystery surrounding his reasons and I kept reading as I furiously tried to tease out the hidden 'whys'. Given the age gap and Mark's previous life experiences, Isolde turns out to be no match for his conniving ways.
I wish the story would’ve been presented with duet narration and two POVs, instead of solely being from Isolde's POV. I think the different perspectives would’ve created a richer reading experience for the reader... and I was dying to get inside Mark's head.
Salt in the Wound ends on a semi-cliffhanger, which makes sense because it is a prequel to a series. As soon as I finished this book, I immediately purchased Salt Wound and cannot wait to see what Simone has in store for Mark and Isolde.
Great Quote (includes spoiler):
“And for my naiveté, my unconscious arrogance—my making a false idol out of Mark Trevena—I deserved it. Wound, salt, and all.”
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: First person POV, single narrator
HEA: No
Cliffhanger: Yes
Tropes: Age gap, religious themes, v!rgin x experienced MCs, BDSM,
Series / Standalone: Series
Series / Standalone: Series
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
. . . . . . . .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Tied by Carian Cole
Overall I highly recommend Tied by Carian Cole (if you can handle the content - check the warnings.) I adored the MCs and having my heart torn out and stomped upon. :)
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
SUMMARY:
My childhood was stolen by a monster. I've forgotten what love feels like. What happiness feels like. What hope feels like. I am numb.
He's possibly as damaged as I am. Maybe even more. He is scarred just as much on the inside as the outside. Just like me. He doesn't speak. He doesn't smile. He hides in the woods like an animal. I should be scared of him, but I'm not. He's the only one that has ever made me feel. And I want to make him feel too. Feel everything...
REVIEW: Wow! This book was soooooo full of trauma! The angsty sadness was up there! Check the content warnings before reading. Emotional wreckage aside...
I really enjoyed Tied by Carian Cole.
Tyler and Holly were slow to warm to each other and even slower to trust themselves or their feelings. When they warmed to each other, they attempted to be everything the other MC needed. Despite both of their horrific pasts, their willingness to open their tender hearts to each other was gorgeous. They did their best to support the other in whatever way their partner needed. Their dedication and patience to recovery and learning to love again was breathtaking.
Tyler's and Holly's non-stop, heartbreaking revelations continued to surprise and shock me at every turn. Just when I didn't think either of their fragile souls could handle another setback, the last plot twist was dropped on us. I was late to catch on to the foreshadowing, but when it was spelled out for me, I let out a big ol' GASP and slapped my hand over my mouth. All I can say is YOWSERS! because I don't want to accidentally give anything away.
Tied was definitely a slow burn romance with little spice, which was perfect. I don't think the story would have been tolerable or believable if Ms. Cole had written it any other way. With the MCs hearts and souls in tattered ruins, it took painstakingly slow hard work to be reassembled in a beautiful-ugly mosaic.
My childhood was stolen by a monster. I've forgotten what love feels like. What happiness feels like. What hope feels like. I am numb.
He's possibly as damaged as I am. Maybe even more. He is scarred just as much on the inside as the outside. Just like me. He doesn't speak. He doesn't smile. He hides in the woods like an animal. I should be scared of him, but I'm not. He's the only one that has ever made me feel. And I want to make him feel too. Feel everything...
REVIEW: Wow! This book was soooooo full of trauma! The angsty sadness was up there! Check the content warnings before reading. Emotional wreckage aside...
I really enjoyed Tied by Carian Cole.
Tyler and Holly were slow to warm to each other and even slower to trust themselves or their feelings. When they warmed to each other, they attempted to be everything the other MC needed. Despite both of their horrific pasts, their willingness to open their tender hearts to each other was gorgeous. They did their best to support the other in whatever way their partner needed. Their dedication and patience to recovery and learning to love again was breathtaking.
Tyler's and Holly's non-stop, heartbreaking revelations continued to surprise and shock me at every turn. Just when I didn't think either of their fragile souls could handle another setback, the last plot twist was dropped on us. I was late to catch on to the foreshadowing, but when it was spelled out for me, I let out a big ol' GASP and slapped my hand over my mouth. All I can say is YOWSERS! because I don't want to accidentally give anything away.
Tied was definitely a slow burn romance with little spice, which was perfect. I don't think the story would have been tolerable or believable if Ms. Cole had written it any other way. With the MCs hearts and souls in tattered ruins, it took painstakingly slow hard work to be reassembled in a beautiful-ugly mosaic.
"I wanted to be responsible for igniting a feeling in a soul just as lonely and broken as my own. I can almost believe this girl could love me, scars, damage, ugliness and all. And oh , how ferociously I would love her back if given the chance." Tyler, Tied by Carian Cole
Overall I highly recommend Tied by Carian Cole (if you can handle the content - check the warnings.) I adored the MCs and having my heart torn out and stomped upon. :)
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual - duet narration
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: age gap, anti-hero, friends to lovers, small town
Series / Standalone: standalone
Series / Standalone: standalone
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Conviction by Nicole Edwards
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
4.75
Conviction by Nicole Edwards was a random pick from the library. It is my first book by Edwards and I didn't know much about the plot. I thought I was picking up a typical workplace, grumpy x sunshine, boss x employee romance; however, Conviction turned out to be a deliciously hot read with a bad@ss FMC, Samantha, who knew her professional (and personal) worth and a sweet but blunt and assertive MMC, Logan.
The plot was acceptable, nothing spectacular. The first little bit was slow-ish, but once you gave the story a chance, things began moving at a delightful pace. The MCs interactions included fun banter and witty comebacks - showcasing that Samantha was no wallflower or pushover.
What really had my kn!ckers in a bunch was all of the exquisitely tantalizing spicy scenes, including unexpected scenes with MFM and MMFM. The MC's feelings for each other took a while to come about and a little longer to feel believable for the reader BUT the MCs chemistry..... straight FIRE. Nicole Edwards was masterful in their sm*t writing. I cannot wait to check out her other novels.
The narrators were not my favorite. I could tolerate the male narrator but the female narrator was ghastly. Her tone was flat and inflection was wrong. I probably would have enjoyed this book more if i had read it, instead of listening to it. The story itself was a 5-star for me. Unfortunately I think I need to deduct a star because of the narration, so I'll land on 4-point-something stars as my final rating.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The plot was acceptable, nothing spectacular. The first little bit was slow-ish, but once you gave the story a chance, things began moving at a delightful pace. The MCs interactions included fun banter and witty comebacks - showcasing that Samantha was no wallflower or pushover.
What really had my kn!ckers in a bunch was all of the exquisitely tantalizing spicy scenes, including unexpected scenes with MFM and MMFM. The MC's feelings for each other took a while to come about and a little longer to feel believable for the reader BUT the MCs chemistry..... straight FIRE. Nicole Edwards was masterful in their sm*t writing. I cannot wait to check out her other novels.
The narrators were not my favorite. I could tolerate the male narrator but the female narrator was ghastly. Her tone was flat and inflection was wrong. I probably would have enjoyed this book more if i had read it, instead of listening to it. The story itself was a 5-star for me. Unfortunately I think I need to deduct a star because of the narration, so I'll land on 4-point-something stars as my final rating.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual, duet narration
HEA: Yes? It ended sorta abruptly
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: workplace romance, boss x employee, dominant MMC, k!nk exploration
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Alcohol
Bossman by Vi Keeland
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Bossman by Vi Keeland was a boss x employee, workplace romance. The book starts with hilarious shenanigans when Chase and his clueless date unexpectedly crashes Reese's awful date, as he pretends to be her cousin and ex middle school love interest. Afterwards Reese cannot stop thinking about Chase and wishing she could connect with him again. Once Parker and Reese do connect, it's instalove on his part, but Reese isn't giving in easily to his advances. Her circumstances have changed since she is a new employee at the company that Chase owns and runs. Reese adores her new job and does not want her potential involvement with the boss to ruin her reputation with her co-workers. Chase pursues Reese with fervor, consumed with his feelings for her -- which surprise him since he hasn't had feelings for any woman since he tragically lost his fiancé years ago.
Fun antics ensue, followed up with plenty of d!rty talking that I was here for. The spice was relatively tame considering the delicious sm*tty promises of c@rnal pleasure, but it was fine and I would not consider that a drawback.
Right as things are beginning to heat up, we are hit withthe dreaded third act breakup. When done right, I am happy to sit through a well-written, angsty third act breakup, but this wasn't that. This predictable breakup could have easily been avoided with very basic communication and didn't feel overly genuine or believable. The only saving grace was how adorable of a pretend "stalker" Chase turned out to be. Well that <---- and the epilogue had some sweet, redeeming qualities that I enjoyed.
Overall, I recommend the book. I gave it four stars because of the fun banter, great d!rty talking, Chase's full on attempt to woo a reluctant Reese, and the plot had me invested in what was going to happen next.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: workplace romance, boss x employee, instalove (kinda?)
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
Fun antics ensue, followed up with plenty of d!rty talking that I was here for. The spice was relatively tame considering the delicious sm*tty promises of c@rnal pleasure, but it was fine and I would not consider that a drawback.
Right as things are beginning to heat up, we are hit with
Overall, I recommend the book. I gave it four stars because of the fun banter, great d!rty talking, Chase's full on attempt to woo a reluctant Reese, and the plot had me invested in what was going to happen next.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: workplace romance, boss x employee, instalove (kinda?)
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking
Sweet Seduction by Maya Banks
- 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? Yes
3.5
Sweet Seduction is book three of the Sweet series written by Maya Banks. I thought the series could be read as stand alone a but I think it would’ve been better to have read books one and two before book three. The series focuses on a group of 6-8 friends who are prominently featured in book three, making it feel a little bit more like a soap opera with multiple love stories rather than a novel focusing on one main couple.
This book hits the ground running with sp!ce and keeps it coming. (Pun intended.) The s3x club scenes with threesomes were h0t! Whatever Maya Banks may lack in plot (an occasional gripe of mine), she more than makes up for with s3xy times.
Julie and Nathan, the two MCs, had lots of angst and miscommunication between the two of them. Sometimes it was frustrating but mostly the conflict was just their messed up way of expressing their love language.
In particular, I LOVED Julie. She was a bada$$ b!tch who didn’t take sh!t from anyone, especially men. She owned her s3xuality and reveled in her voluptuous curves and jiggling a$$. Julie knew what she wanted in bed and wasn’t afraid to go after it. She didn’t tolerate weak fools who lacked the skills to please her. Sooooooo refreshing to see a plus sized, confident FMC siren own her pleasure!!!
Overall the book was an easy read / listen. I didn’t love the narrators voice but it was manageable. I personally prefer duet narration but since this book is pretty old (published in 2012), my guess is that duet narration wasn’t a popular thing yet. (?!)
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book hits the ground running with sp!ce and keeps it coming. (Pun intended.) The s3x club scenes with threesomes were h0t! Whatever Maya Banks may lack in plot (an occasional gripe of mine), she more than makes up for with s3xy times.
Julie and Nathan, the two MCs, had lots of angst and miscommunication between the two of them. Sometimes it was frustrating but mostly the conflict was just their messed up way of expressing their love language.
In particular, I LOVED Julie. She was a bada$$ b!tch who didn’t take sh!t from anyone, especially men. She owned her s3xuality and reveled in her voluptuous curves and jiggling a$$. Julie knew what she wanted in bed and wasn’t afraid to go after it. She didn’t tolerate weak fools who lacked the skills to please her. Sooooooo refreshing to see a plus sized, confident FMC siren own her pleasure!!!
Overall the book was an easy read / listen. I didn’t love the narrators voice but it was manageable. I personally prefer duet narration but since this book is pretty old (published in 2012), my guess is that duet narration wasn’t a popular thing yet. (?!)
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual - Duet
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: sex club, assertive FMC
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol
Torn by Carian Cole
The way Kenzi and Toren’s relationship slowly morphs into something more than friends, the way their love for each other grows and begins leaning towards romance is delightful. Toren fights his attraction for Kenzi every inch of the way. He does his very best to disregard his feelings, censor and deny his thoughts, and not act on them. Whereas as soon as Kenzi accepts her feelings for Tor, she full on pursues him. She is stubborn and has made her mind up. Nothing deters her from exploring her feelings with Tor.
As expected, the taboo relationship encounters some pushback that causes friction in several relationships. Some of the fallout is as expected, but there is a twist or two towards the end that I wasn’t expecting and made for interesting reading.
Overall I loved the book. It was beautifully written, had a delicious slow burn leading up to enthralling spicy scenes, and an enchanting love between two phenomenal MCs who deserved all the love in the world.
challenging
emotional
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
5.0
Torn by Carian Cole is an incredible romance full of many taboo tropes, including age gap (18 year old woman, 32 year old man), forbidden love, and daughter dating her dad’s BFF.
Because of the topics, some folks are uncomfortable with the book and have even labeled it as ped0philia. As a mom to four children, I am extremely sensitive to these concerns AND I don’t think the book rises to that level of alarm. Would I want my 18 y.o. daughter to date a 32 y.o. man? Absolutely not. However, this is fiction and there are many subjects or characters behaviors that I allow myself to enjoy while reading romance that I would never tolerate in real life. In any case… I am conflicted about loving this book but love it, I do!
Torn is beautifully written. I loved the prose and literary devices. The way the two MCs express their love and support for each other is exquisite – the tender song lyrics (which are sweet and avoid straying into corny), as well as the dialogue and text messages and handwritten letters in calligraphy… The list could go on.
Because of the topics, some folks are uncomfortable with the book and have even labeled it as ped0philia. As a mom to four children, I am extremely sensitive to these concerns AND I don’t think the book rises to that level of alarm. Would I want my 18 y.o. daughter to date a 32 y.o. man? Absolutely not. However, this is fiction and there are many subjects or characters behaviors that I allow myself to enjoy while reading romance that I would never tolerate in real life. In any case… I am conflicted about loving this book but love it, I do!
Torn is beautifully written. I loved the prose and literary devices. The way the two MCs express their love and support for each other is exquisite – the tender song lyrics (which are sweet and avoid straying into corny), as well as the dialogue and text messages and handwritten letters in calligraphy… The list could go on.
“My love, walk in the rain with me, kiss me in the misty fog. Let me hold you all night under the hush of the wind. I’m waiting for you, throwing pennies, making wishes. I’m wishing only for you, always for you. … Wish for me too and I’ll make it come true. I love you forever and longer.”
The way Kenzi and Toren’s relationship slowly morphs into something more than friends, the way their love for each other grows and begins leaning towards romance is delightful. Toren fights his attraction for Kenzi every inch of the way. He does his very best to disregard his feelings, censor and deny his thoughts, and not act on them. Whereas as soon as Kenzi accepts her feelings for Tor, she full on pursues him. She is stubborn and has made her mind up. Nothing deters her from exploring her feelings with Tor.
As expected, the taboo relationship encounters some pushback that causes friction in several relationships. Some of the fallout is as expected, but there is a twist or two towards the end that I wasn’t expecting and made for interesting reading.
Overall I loved the book. It was beautifully written, had a delicious slow burn leading up to enthralling spicy scenes, and an enchanting love between two phenomenal MCs who deserved all the love in the world.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual, duet narration
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: age gap, forbidden love, taboo relationship, daughter dating dad's BFF
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Medical content
Overheard by Maya Banks
3.0
I am not a huge fan of novellas. Because novellas are so short, they don't dive deep enough into the characters or their mindsets. I prefer more details and depth to my reads. It takes me more time to fall in love with the characters and novellas don't do that for me. That notwithstanding, Overheard by Maya Banks was a fun and SPICY novella. A quick 3 hour listen.
The sm*tty little read dove head first into sp!cy talking and by the 30% mark, the door was flung wide open, complete with light k!nk exploration. It didn't disappoint when it just kept on smutt!ng.
The forced HEA ending was not necessary after such a short amount of time. Because I went into this novella assuming the MCs would simply enjoy sp!cy romps and good times. I think the promise of HEA after a couple dates was impossible to find relatable or realistic. (Yes, I know none of the sm*t I read is realistic, but still... LOL)
If you're looking for a short read with lots of sp!ce and less plot, pick up Overheard by Maya Banks.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The sm*tty little read dove head first into sp!cy talking and by the 30% mark, the door was flung wide open, complete with light k!nk exploration. It didn't disappoint when it just kept on smutt!ng.
The forced HEA ending was not necessary after such a short amount of time. Because I went into this novella assuming the MCs would simply enjoy sp!cy romps and good times. I think the promise of HEA after a couple dates was impossible to find relatable or realistic. (Yes, I know none of the sm*t I read is realistic, but still... LOL)
If you're looking for a short read with lots of sp!ce and less plot, pick up Overheard by Maya Banks.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: friends to lovers
INSTAGRAM: @Book_Lover_IRL
INSTAGRAM: @Book_Lover_IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book.Lover.IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content
Guilty as Sin: The Sin Trilogy, book 2 by Meghan March
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Guilty as Sin by Meghan March is book two of the Sin Trilogy. It starts with the aftermath of the revelation at the end of book one.
SUMMARY: Now that Whitney is back home in Gable, Lincoln is determined not to let her get away again. However, it seems as though everyone is out to get them and keep them apart just like before. Another secret from the past comes out and causes an even bigger rift in their relationship than ten years ago. This book has quite a few surprises, twists and turns.
Review coming soon...
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SUMMARY: Now that Whitney is back home in Gable, Lincoln is determined not to let her get away again. However, it seems as though everyone is out to get them and keep them apart just like before. Another secret from the past comes out and causes an even bigger rift in their relationship than ten years ago. This book has quite a few surprises, twists and turns.
Review coming soon...
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual, duet narration
HEA: Not yet... hopefully in book 3
Cliffhanger: Yes
Tropes: Billionaire, enemies to lovers,
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Classism