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book_lover_irl's reviews
452 reviews
Obsession: Addiction Duet Book 2 by Vivian Wood
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Let me start by saying Addiction and Obsession by Vivian Wood REALLY NEEDS to come with a content warning. When I checked, I did not find any CWs or TWs in the beginning of the audiobooks, physical books, or even on the author's website. There are some very sensitive topics (eating disorders, alcohol addiction, miscarriage, and car accident / medical trauma) discussed in explicit detail. Given the depth and length that the sensitive topics are discussed, it is irresponsible to forego the CW.
This duet delves into two types of addictions while exploring the budding relationship between Sean, a tattoo artist, and Harper, a model. In Addiction, the story begins when Harper walks into Sean's tattoo parlor and he is struck with insta-lust. We begin Obsession by exploring the cliffhanger that we left off on from book one.
What comes next is more a study in the two MCs addictions -- their inner dialogue and cognitive dissonance, convoluted feelings, physical sensations and experiences, as well as descriptive details -- than it is a spicy romance. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely some spicy dark-ish scenes, including BDSM. However, there are also long stretches where the plot's sole focus is the MCs relationships with their addictions, not each other.
I went into this book relatively clueless, so I was conflicted as I began navigating the tough topics. As a person in the recovery community, the MCs inner dialogue, faulty reasoning, and selfish thoughts while under the influence resonated with me. Much of their struggles mirrored my struggles of deciding to get clean and then the challenges during early recovery. If nothing else, this novel nails what it is like to live under the oppressive feelings of addiction — until the end of the second novel when it gets a little too HEA too quickly. It is a fictional novel, so I'll give the author leeway to deviate from real life and wrap up the story with a cute little bow / HEA. However, real life recovery, specifically early recovery, is BRUTAL.
If you are in early recovery foralcoholism, drug use, or eating disorders , I highly recommend taking a step back from this story and evaluating where you are with your mental health and recovery. Parts of the story could absolutely be triggering and / or cause cravings.
Do I recommend this novel as a spicy romance novel? No. It doesn't delve deep enough into the couple's relationship enough for me. Do I recommend this novel as a study of addictive thoughts and actions? Absolutely.
Overall I highly recommend this duet — IF you check the CWs, are in a good place with your mental health and NOT in early recovery for any addictive behaviors or substances.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Not yet?
Cliffhanger: Yes
Tropes: Addiction, bad boy/good girl, rich MMC, BDSM
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
This duet delves into two types of addictions while exploring the budding relationship between Sean, a tattoo artist, and Harper, a model. In Addiction, the story begins when Harper walks into Sean's tattoo parlor and he is struck with insta-lust. We begin Obsession by exploring the cliffhanger that we left off on from book one.
What comes next is more a study in the two MCs addictions -- their inner dialogue and cognitive dissonance, convoluted feelings, physical sensations and experiences, as well as descriptive details -- than it is a spicy romance. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely some spicy dark-ish scenes, including BDSM. However, there are also long stretches where the plot's sole focus is the MCs relationships with their addictions, not each other.
I went into this book relatively clueless, so I was conflicted as I began navigating the tough topics. As a person in the recovery community, the MCs inner dialogue, faulty reasoning, and selfish thoughts while under the influence resonated with me. Much of their struggles mirrored my struggles of deciding to get clean and then the challenges during early recovery. If nothing else, this novel nails what it is like to live under the oppressive feelings of addiction — until the end of the second novel when it gets a little too HEA too quickly. It is a fictional novel, so I'll give the author leeway to deviate from real life and wrap up the story with a cute little bow / HEA. However, real life recovery, specifically early recovery, is BRUTAL.
If you are in early recovery for
Do I recommend this novel as a spicy romance novel? No. It doesn't delve deep enough into the couple's relationship enough for me. Do I recommend this novel as a study of addictive thoughts and actions? Absolutely.
Overall I highly recommend this duet — IF you check the CWs, are in a good place with your mental health and NOT in early recovery for any addictive behaviors or substances.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Not yet?
Cliffhanger: Yes
Tropes: Addiction, bad boy/good girl, rich MMC, BDSM
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexual content, Blood, Vomit, Medical trauma, Car accident
Addiction by Vivian Wood
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Let me start by saying Addiction by Vivian Wood (and it's duet partner, Obsession) REALLY NEEDS to come with a content warning. When I checked, I did not find any CWs or TWs in the beginning of the audiobooks, physical books, or even on the author's website. There are some very sensitive topics (eating disorders, alcohol addiction, miscarriage, and car accident / medical trauma) discussed in explicit detail. Given the depth and length that the sensitive topics are discussed, it is irresponsible to forego the CW.
Wood's book, Addiction, delves into two types of addictions while exploring the budding relationship between Sean, a tattoo artist, and Harper, a model. When Harper walks into Sean's tattoo parlor, he is filled with insta-lust. What comes next is more so a study in the two MCs addictions -- their inner dialogue and cognitive dissonance, convoluted feelings, physical sensations and experiences, as well as descriptive details -- than it is a spicy romance. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely some spicy dark-ish scenes, including domination, restraints and pain for pleasure. However, there are also long stretches where the plot's sole focus is the MCs relationships with their addictions, not each other.
I went into this book relatively clueless, so I was conflicted as I began navigating the tough topics. As a person in the recovery community, the MCs inner dialogue, faulty reasoning, and selfish thoughts while under the influence resonated with me. Much of their struggles mirrored my struggles of deciding to get clean and then the challenges during early recovery. If nothing else, this novel nails what it is like to live under the oppressive feelings of addiction (until the end of the second novel when it gets a little too HEA too quickly. But it is a fictional novel, so I'll give the author leeway to deviate from real life and wrap up the story with a cute little bow / HEA.)
If you are in early recovery foralcohol or drug addiction, or eating disorders , I highly recommend taking a step back from this story and evaluating where you are with your mental health and recovery. Parts of the story could absolutely be triggering and / or cause cravings.
Do I recommend this novel as a spicy romance novel? No. It doesn't hit enough on the couple's relationship enough for me. Do I recommend this novel as a study of addictive thoughts and actions? Absolutely.
Wood's book, Addiction, delves into two types of addictions while exploring the budding relationship between Sean, a tattoo artist, and Harper, a model. When Harper walks into Sean's tattoo parlor, he is filled with insta-lust. What comes next is more so a study in the two MCs addictions -- their inner dialogue and cognitive dissonance, convoluted feelings, physical sensations and experiences, as well as descriptive details -- than it is a spicy romance. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely some spicy dark-ish scenes, including domination, restraints and pain for pleasure. However, there are also long stretches where the plot's sole focus is the MCs relationships with their addictions, not each other.
I went into this book relatively clueless, so I was conflicted as I began navigating the tough topics. As a person in the recovery community, the MCs inner dialogue, faulty reasoning, and selfish thoughts while under the influence resonated with me. Much of their struggles mirrored my struggles of deciding to get clean and then the challenges during early recovery. If nothing else, this novel nails what it is like to live under the oppressive feelings of addiction (until the end of the second novel when it gets a little too HEA too quickly. But it is a fictional novel, so I'll give the author leeway to deviate from real life and wrap up the story with a cute little bow / HEA.)
If you are in early recovery for
Do I recommend this novel as a spicy romance novel? No. It doesn't hit enough on the couple's relationship enough for me. Do I recommend this novel as a study of addictive thoughts and actions? Absolutely.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Not yet?
Cliffhanger: Yes
Tropes: Addiction, bad boy/good girl, rich MMC, BDSM
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Gore, Self harm, Sexual content, Blood, Vomit, Medical trauma, Car accident
Ariah & Lucian: A Pikemoore Falls Novel by Tay Mo'Nae
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This is probably showing my naïveness, but what does it mean when the author says a character “claps their a$$ cheeks” and “flutters their butt”. Like I can’t even picture what that would look like? Is it because I’ve never been to a strip club?
In any case, on to the actual book review — This wasn’t my normal read. I struggled to get through it because parts of the writing seemed repetitive. No shade intended but perhaps the author could’ve used a thesaurus to broaden the words she used to describe people, things or situations that she referred to on a regular basis.
The MCs were interesting and semi-unpredictable and this helped keep me invested enough to keep reading. The FMC was entirely too ready to throw hands (ALL.THE.TIME) and was always running her mouth. I didn’t love the chip on her shoulder but it was understandable because of the way her ex treated her. The MMC was also a hothead but had softer edges that made me like him more than the FMC.
Overall the read was okay, plot fairly predictable and pacing a happy medium. I doubt I’ll read further in the series. I need a break from motorcycle clubs for a while.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Duet
HEA: HFN
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: MC, pregnancy, single parent
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
In any case, on to the actual book review — This wasn’t my normal read. I struggled to get through it because parts of the writing seemed repetitive. No shade intended but perhaps the author could’ve used a thesaurus to broaden the words she used to describe people, things or situations that she referred to on a regular basis.
The MCs were interesting and semi-unpredictable and this helped keep me invested enough to keep reading. The FMC was entirely too ready to throw hands (ALL.THE.TIME) and was always running her mouth. I didn’t love the chip on her shoulder but it was understandable because of the way her ex treated her. The MMC was also a hothead but had softer edges that made me like him more than the FMC.
Overall the read was okay, plot fairly predictable and pacing a happy medium. I doubt I’ll read further in the series. I need a break from motorcycle clubs for a while.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Duet
HEA: HFN
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: MC, pregnancy, single parent
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug use, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Heart of the Devil by Meghan March
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
I flew through the Forge Trilogy in a week. The story of Jericho Forge and India Baptiste was dramatic, passionate, and powerful. The two MCs were damaged souls who had rough starts in life. They scrabbled by and fought valiantly to make something out of their lives. They both wanted more and wouldn't stop until they succeeded.
Jericho was a major alpha-hole who was relentless and merciless in his pursuits, both professionally and personally. Before he met Indie, his sole goal in life was revenge. India was a scrappy, brilliant and fierce FMC whose headstrong determination to "play the man, not the game" was a joy to read. She did not bow to anyone's demands.
The plot twists in book three (although slightly predictable) were extremely entertaining and engaging. They kept me hanging on, turning page after page, so I could discover what happened next in the MCs journey. The final twist at the very end of the book was surprising and I was here for it!
I highly recommend the Forge Trilogy. All three books kept my interest and spurred me to read the next one so I could see how things worked out.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes (in 3rd book of trilogy)
Cliffhanger: in books 1 and 2 of trilogy
Tropes: Rags to Riches, Billionaire, Marriage of Convenience
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Jericho was a major alpha-hole who was relentless and merciless in his pursuits, both professionally and personally. Before he met Indie, his sole goal in life was revenge. India was a scrappy, brilliant and fierce FMC whose headstrong determination to "play the man, not the game" was a joy to read. She did not bow to anyone's demands.
The plot twists in book three (although slightly predictable) were extremely entertaining and engaging. They kept me hanging on, turning page after page, so I could discover what happened next in the MCs journey. The final twist at the very end of the book was surprising and I was here for it!
I highly recommend the Forge Trilogy. All three books kept my interest and spurred me to read the next one so I could see how things worked out.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes (in 3rd book of trilogy)
Cliffhanger: in books 1 and 2 of trilogy
Tropes: Rags to Riches, Billionaire, Marriage of Convenience
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol
Luck of the Devil by Meghan March
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story of Jericho Forge and India Baptiste is dramatic, passionate, and powerful. The two MCs are damaged souls who had rough starts in life. They scrabbled by and fought valiantly to make something out of their lives. They both want more and won't stop until they succeed.
Jericho was a major alpha-hole who was relentless and merciless in his pursuits, both professionally and personally. Before he met Indie, his sole goal in life was revenge. India was a scrappy, brilliant and fierce FMC whose headstrong determination to "play the man, not the game" was a joy to read. She did not bow to anyone's demands.
So far I highly recommend the Forge Trilogy. Book two was as good as book one. They have kept my interest and spurred me to read the next book so I can see how things work out. Onto the third book to see if there is a HEA!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Not yet - maybe in book 3?
Cliffhanger: Yes
Tropes: Rags to Riches, Billionaire, Marriage of Convenience
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Jericho was a major alpha-hole who was relentless and merciless in his pursuits, both professionally and personally. Before he met Indie, his sole goal in life was revenge. India was a scrappy, brilliant and fierce FMC whose headstrong determination to "play the man, not the game" was a joy to read. She did not bow to anyone's demands.
So far I highly recommend the Forge Trilogy. Book two was as good as book one. They have kept my interest and spurred me to read the next book so I can see how things work out. Onto the third book to see if there is a HEA!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Not yet - maybe in book 3?
Cliffhanger: Yes
Tropes: Rags to Riches, Billionaire, Marriage of Convenience
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder
Deal with the Devil by Meghan March
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Deal with the Devil by Meghan March is book one of a trilogy. This fast paced story includes all the feels — plenty of angst, desperate situations, yearning inner dialogue, s3xy quips and funny banter. The sexual chemistry between India Baptiste and Jericho Forge is palpable and I am here for it. Watching the MCs soften towards each other and begin to enjoy each other’s company is delicious.
The book ends on a cliffhanger (which makes sense since it is a trilogy) and leaves a lot of unanswered questions. I can’t wait to learn more about the mystery in the next book. On to read Luck of the Devil asap…
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Duet
HEA: No
Cliffhanger: Yes
Tropes: Billionaire, damsel in distress, touch her & ☠️
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
The book ends on a cliffhanger (which makes sense since it is a trilogy) and leaves a lot of unanswered questions. I can’t wait to learn more about the mystery in the next book. On to read Luck of the Devil asap…
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Duet
HEA: No
Cliffhanger: Yes
Tropes: Billionaire, damsel in distress, touch her & ☠️
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
In The Red by Chelsea Camaron
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I read a fair number of motorcycle club books but I’ve never read one that focuses on a nomadic club. The Devil’s Due Club is about six “brothers” who wander around seeking vigilante justice when the legal system fails victims or their loved ones.
In the Red is a high octane novel with obnoxiously funny banter. Since it’s book one in a new MC series, the author takes a little bit of time introducing the readers to all of the club members. These teasers made me excited to see how the other stories will unfold. Collector (Dover) is a complex, alpha-hole MMC with childhood trauma still haunting him. Emerson (Sunny) is a kick a$s, strong FMC who shares that childhood trauma and grief, letting it affect her into present day.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: diet
HEA: yes
Cliffhanger: no
Tropes: motorcycle club, wounded hero
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book.Lover.IRL
GOODREADS: Book_Lover_IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
In the Red is a high octane novel with obnoxiously funny banter. Since it’s book one in a new MC series, the author takes a little bit of time introducing the readers to all of the club members. These teasers made me excited to see how the other stories will unfold. Collector (Dover) is a complex, alpha-hole MMC with childhood trauma still haunting him. Emerson (Sunny) is a kick a$s, strong FMC who shares that childhood trauma and grief, letting it affect her into present day.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: diet
HEA: yes
Cliffhanger: no
Tropes: motorcycle club, wounded hero
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Rape, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Explosive by K.E. Osborn
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Explosive by K.E. Osborn told the story of Raine and Zero.
Great story with entertaining plot, amusing main characters, a decent amount of action and nice spice. Nothing spectacularly earth shattering or unique about the book but still a satisfying read. Somewhat forgettable.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: diet
HEA: yes
Cliffhanger: no
Tropes: motorcycle club, wounded hero
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Great story with entertaining plot, amusing main characters, a decent amount of action and nice spice. Nothing spectacularly earth shattering or unique about the book but still a satisfying read. Somewhat forgettable.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: diet
HEA: yes
Cliffhanger: no
Tropes: motorcycle club, wounded hero
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Medical trauma, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Zack by Sawyer Bennett
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
I tend to avoid sports romances but I needed a book that started with Z for a book challenge and that’s not as easy to find as you’d think.
Zack by Sawyer Bennett was an easy, light read with some delicious spice. I appreciated the emotional inner reflections. I loved the strong willed and tender hearted FMC who wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is and who legit embraced the “we listen and we don’t judge” ethos. It took the MMC a long time to get his head out of his arse but while he waffled and worked through things, at least he was truthful about where his head was (mostly).
Overall I give the book 4 out of 5 stars. I sped through it. I would most likely read it again (if I were the type to ever reread any book).
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: nanny, single dad, sports romance
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Zack by Sawyer Bennett was an easy, light read with some delicious spice. I appreciated the emotional inner reflections. I loved the strong willed and tender hearted FMC who wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is and who legit embraced the “we listen and we don’t judge” ethos. It took the MMC a long time to get his head out of his arse but while he waffled and worked through things, at least he was truthful about where his head was (mostly).
Overall I give the book 4 out of 5 stars. I sped through it. I would most likely read it again (if I were the type to ever reread any book).
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: nanny, single dad, sports romance
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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Sexual content
The Sinner by Shantel Tessier
Did not finish book. Stopped at 65%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 65%.
I just can't do it. I cannot finish The Sinner by Shantel Tessier. I knew it was a dark romance but this is something else. I've read plenty of dark romances and enjoyed most of them. I read Still Beating by Jennifer Hartman, Pretty Little Savage by Lucy Smoke, Riches to Riches by Ames Mills and Mindf*ck Series by S.T. Abby. Those had dark themes and tropes. The Sinner feels like it is ENCOURAGING violence against women, pleasure of a man above the humanity of a woman, and straight up awful misogyny - expecting women to quietly slip back into the 1950s. with zero rights over their own bodies.
I guess I have discovered a trope I cannot condone -- dub con and consensual non-consensual. I might also have an intolerance for bully romances. Previously I didn't think I had many TWs, now I know better.
I cannot get on board with the violence that continues to happen to poor Ellington. Every time I think perhaps Sin / Easton is mellowing a teensy bit to be a less despicable human being (not even good -- just less horrific), he proves that violence in the name of his s3xual pleasure is king and he has zero regard for Elli. I get that, in theory, someone who has been abused so severely for years may have a skewed idea of what intimacy and pleasure should be. However, I cannot understand why Sin wouldn't at least attempt to give Elli pleasure in a way that isn't straight up considered sexual assault and abuse. Try BDSM and drop the need to make her bleed and cry. If Elli is never shown a different way to experience pleasure, how will she know if she does or does not like it?
I know my opinions will be unpopular and I totally get it if you love this book and these tropes. I'm not here to yuck your yum. I'm simply unable to hop on that train and enjoy the ride. I really wanna know how The Sinner ends, but not enough to keep reading the book. 2025 is supposed to be the year that I embrace DNF if a book isn't for me, so here I am. Cheers to The Sinner being my first DNF for 2025.
Stars: 0 -- DNF for me
I guess I have discovered a trope I cannot condone -- dub con and consensual non-consensual. I might also have an intolerance for bully romances. Previously I didn't think I had many TWs, now I know better.
I know my opinions will be unpopular and I totally get it if you love this book and these tropes. I'm not here to yuck your yum. I'm simply unable to hop on that train and enjoy the ride. I really wanna know how The Sinner ends, but not enough to keep reading the book. 2025 is supposed to be the year that I embrace DNF if a book isn't for me, so here I am. Cheers to The Sinner being my first DNF for 2025.
Stars: 0 -- DNF for me
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ -- according to BookTok. I couldn't get past the violence.
POV: Dual
HEA: No clue. DNF
Cliffhanger: No clue. DNF
Tropes: Bully romance, touch her and d!e, friends 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 hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Incest, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical trauma, Stalking, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail