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caffeinatedcrystal's reviews
92 reviews
Fractured Hope by Kady Cordova.
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Just finished up Fractured Hope, Kady Cordova's debut, and the first book in the Hope's Ridge series.
To put it plainly, I loved it.
I grew up on lifetime movies, and my favorites were always the stories of abused women escaping their abusive husbands and starting a new life somewhere else. So, after reading the blurb, I felt pretty sure I'd love this story, and I was right!
Bodhi has planned and saved to escape his horribly abusive partner, Derek. Things are getting worse, and he needs to leave now before it's too late. Bodhi escapes and, through what feels like fate, ends up in a new state in a little town called Hope's Ridge.
Atticus loves his family and his job in the mechanic shop he runs with his brothers. Through a disastrous meet accident, he crosses paths with the new in town Bodhi.
That's the bare bones of the plot. New town, plenty of characters, a bad guy, and a family of brothers who will all eventually get their hea.
I loved Bodhi. His persistence and his strength. He was so scared through so much of the story, but he was a survivor and a fighter. I wanted to hug him and protect him.
I think this was a wonderful debut. It's perfect for the reader who likes a little bit more plot over spice.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. Could be Seb and the rehab nurse? Maybe Lyric and Kay? Theo and the doctor? Who knows?! But I'm here for it. Maybe we'll get a super age gap with Max the Sheriff *even though it seems he's happily married to his wife* That is one thing I love about a new series. The possibilities are endless!
Features: dyslexia rep, panic attacks, partner abuse
To put it plainly, I loved it.
I grew up on lifetime movies, and my favorites were always the stories of abused women escaping their abusive husbands and starting a new life somewhere else. So, after reading the blurb, I felt pretty sure I'd love this story, and I was right!
Bodhi has planned and saved to escape his horribly abusive partner, Derek. Things are getting worse, and he needs to leave now before it's too late. Bodhi escapes and, through what feels like fate, ends up in a new state in a little town called Hope's Ridge.
Atticus loves his family and his job in the mechanic shop he runs with his brothers. Through a disastrous meet accident, he crosses paths with the new in town Bodhi.
That's the bare bones of the plot. New town, plenty of characters, a bad guy, and a family of brothers who will all eventually get their hea.
I loved Bodhi. His persistence and his strength. He was so scared through so much of the story, but he was a survivor and a fighter. I wanted to hug him and protect him.
I think this was a wonderful debut. It's perfect for the reader who likes a little bit more plot over spice.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. Could be Seb and the rehab nurse? Maybe Lyric and Kay? Theo and the doctor? Who knows?! But I'm here for it. Maybe we'll get a super age gap with Max the Sheriff *even though it seems he's happily married to his wife* That is one thing I love about a new series. The possibilities are endless!
Features: dyslexia rep, panic attacks, partner abuse
Dad Next Door by Willow Dixon
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
DAD NEXT DOOR was the squishiest, most feel-good story I've read in a while. Quinn and Tristan deserve the entire world and a whole box of stars.
This is book five in the Crimson Club series, and again I must remind you, BEG YOU, not to sleep on this series. It's the best.
Quinn, stagename: Stone, has been a character I've been waiting for. He was interesting and sweet as a side character, and I knew his hea would have to be epic. AND IT WAS.
Side note: romance authors keep writing sphinx cats into their stories, and it's making me want one!
Quinn has recently bought a fancy new house. One day after moving in, he hears a cry for help! Of course, being the stand-up babe he is, he rushes to help. The neighbors sphinx cat Jinx has escaped, and with no fur, he can't survive in the wild.
That little rescue mission sets the stage for Tristan, the dad next door, to go thank Quinn for helping, and a friendship blossoms so quickly. It's not only quick, but so pure and sweet.
Tristan has a bad ex, and issues from a bad marriage. Quinn has ADHD and he's demi. These all play parts in the story that cause these two to go from friendship to soulmate.
Again, this book was so squishy and soft and perfect.
These two mcs were amazing, and I loved their communication and the support they shared.
Leo was adorable.
The Crimson Club crew did not disappoint.
The demi rep was on point.
The slowness. The sweetness. Perfect.
I ADORED this story.
I'm so glad these two got their hea.
This is book five in the Crimson Club series, and again I must remind you, BEG YOU, not to sleep on this series. It's the best.
Quinn, stagename: Stone, has been a character I've been waiting for. He was interesting and sweet as a side character, and I knew his hea would have to be epic. AND IT WAS.
Side note: romance authors keep writing sphinx cats into their stories, and it's making me want one!
Quinn has recently bought a fancy new house. One day after moving in, he hears a cry for help! Of course, being the stand-up babe he is, he rushes to help. The neighbors sphinx cat Jinx has escaped, and with no fur, he can't survive in the wild.
That little rescue mission sets the stage for Tristan, the dad next door, to go thank Quinn for helping, and a friendship blossoms so quickly. It's not only quick, but so pure and sweet.
Tristan has a bad ex, and issues from a bad marriage. Quinn has ADHD and he's demi. These all play parts in the story that cause these two to go from friendship to soulmate.
Again, this book was so squishy and soft and perfect.
These two mcs were amazing, and I loved their communication and the support they shared.
Leo was adorable.
The Crimson Club crew did not disappoint.
The demi rep was on point.
The slowness. The sweetness. Perfect.
I ADORED this story.
I'm so glad these two got their hea.
On Thin Ice by Hayden Hall
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
ON THIN ICE book 6 in the Arctic Titans series was π₯π₯π₯π₯ the vibe of this book was so different, and not just because it takes place at the family lake house instead of the hockey team house. We finally get Asher and Jordan's story. The stepbrothers.
The book starts off with Asher in a very internal monologue-y kind of way, explaining the backstory of his feelings for Jordan. We get the (frankly weird) introduction between the two, the family dynamics, and all of Asher's internalized pining and frustration with his doomed to be unrequited feelings for his stepbrother Jordan. There's lots of waxing poetic on Jordan's infruriatingly perfect body and the weird sense of "following him" forever from a distance.
It's so damn angsty. I swear Asher is minutes away from screaming, "I'm noooooooot oooooookaaaaaay."
I absolutely loved every minute of it.
Jordan is the fusser. He fusses. He nitpicks Asher. "Guiding" him and "giving him advice." Dude is seriously a repressed caretaker dom. ππππ we find out that Asher's feelings might not be so unrequited.
This all comes to a boil at the summer lake house.
The family dynamics are awkward, but then again, they ARE keeping their creeping on the down low. There's bound to be some awkwardness.
The steamy scenes were πΆπ₯πΆπ₯ delicious, and the whole *baby boy* nickname thing was a nice touch.
Jordan and Asher were perfect.
And an absolute mess.
There were big moments, moving scenes, and then when the big storm happened, it was [redacted]
Loved this book, just like I loved all the other Arctic Titans books! Absolutely recommend this series. One more to go!
The book starts off with Asher in a very internal monologue-y kind of way, explaining the backstory of his feelings for Jordan. We get the (frankly weird) introduction between the two, the family dynamics, and all of Asher's internalized pining and frustration with his doomed to be unrequited feelings for his stepbrother Jordan. There's lots of waxing poetic on Jordan's infruriatingly perfect body and the weird sense of "following him" forever from a distance.
It's so damn angsty. I swear Asher is minutes away from screaming, "I'm noooooooot oooooookaaaaaay."
I absolutely loved every minute of it.
Jordan is the fusser. He fusses. He nitpicks Asher. "Guiding" him and "giving him advice." Dude is seriously a repressed caretaker dom. ππππ we find out that Asher's feelings might not be so unrequited.
This all comes to a boil at the summer lake house.
The family dynamics are awkward, but then again, they ARE keeping their creeping on the down low. There's bound to be some awkwardness.
The steamy scenes were πΆπ₯πΆπ₯ delicious, and the whole *baby boy* nickname thing was a nice touch.
Jordan and Asher were perfect.
And an absolute mess.
There were big moments, moving scenes, and then when the big storm happened, it was [redacted]
Loved this book, just like I loved all the other Arctic Titans books! Absolutely recommend this series. One more to go!
Temperance by Lark Taylor
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I loved this book. I am exactly as devastated as I expected to be.
Lark Taylor woke up and chose to write kinky fuckery with the latest installment of the Damned Connections series. I am not mad about it.
To be clear: I didn't think I'd enjoy this one as much because I didn't much like Blaise in the other books. I was wrong, so so wrong, and I sincerely apologize to Lark AND the character.
Blaise and Toby's book, TEMPERANCE, is a whopper at 401 pages - but it goes back a couple of books. Their story was playing out during Luck of the Devil, Patience, and Justice, so there was a lot of ground to cover. We finally get the story on what was going on with all those loaded looks.
Blaise will break your heart. No two ways about it. I've struggled with my depression & and cptsd, and I've had a lot of Blaise's feelings, so I felt even more connected to his character and his pain. Lark did a phenomenal job of taking us there. It was so well done. I cried buckets.
Okay, now for the fun part.
Toby is a dom. A vampire dom, who bartends at The Closet and plays doctor for the human mates of the demon bros. He's been a dom for centuries, and he knows he can help Blaise move past his trauma and start to live again after [redacted]. The most important thing to remember: don't fall in love. It's a contract, not a relationship.
Blaise is a fire mage whose twin is now happily mated, his clan has been wiped out by ghasts, and he knows he will never make up for his GIANT earth shattering fuck up. Falling deeper into his depression and ptsd, he has a meet-violence with Blaise, and the *spark* of attraction was immediate. Now, all he has to do is guard his heart and not fall in love with his master.
If you're looking for found family, saving the earth and preventing the apocalypse, BDSM, D/s, big feelings, miscommunication, devastating moments in the rain, "I lied to protect you", angels, oh gd they're all gonna die again, please Lark don't make me cry anymore, and sex scenes that are kinky and spicy and OTT- then keep your eyes out for TEMPERANCE out May 16th.
Lark Taylor woke up and chose to write kinky fuckery with the latest installment of the Damned Connections series. I am not mad about it.
To be clear: I didn't think I'd enjoy this one as much because I didn't much like Blaise in the other books. I was wrong, so so wrong, and I sincerely apologize to Lark AND the character.
Blaise and Toby's book, TEMPERANCE, is a whopper at 401 pages - but it goes back a couple of books. Their story was playing out during Luck of the Devil, Patience, and Justice, so there was a lot of ground to cover. We finally get the story on what was going on with all those loaded looks.
Blaise will break your heart. No two ways about it. I've struggled with my depression & and cptsd, and I've had a lot of Blaise's feelings, so I felt even more connected to his character and his pain. Lark did a phenomenal job of taking us there. It was so well done. I cried buckets.
Okay, now for the fun part.
Toby is a dom. A vampire dom, who bartends at The Closet and plays doctor for the human mates of the demon bros. He's been a dom for centuries, and he knows he can help Blaise move past his trauma and start to live again after [redacted]. The most important thing to remember: don't fall in love. It's a contract, not a relationship.
Blaise is a fire mage whose twin is now happily mated, his clan has been wiped out by ghasts, and he knows he will never make up for his GIANT earth shattering fuck up. Falling deeper into his depression and ptsd, he has a meet-violence with Blaise, and the *spark* of attraction was immediate. Now, all he has to do is guard his heart and not fall in love with his master.
If you're looking for found family, saving the earth and preventing the apocalypse, BDSM, D/s, big feelings, miscommunication, devastating moments in the rain, "I lied to protect you", angels, oh gd they're all gonna die again, please Lark don't make me cry anymore, and sex scenes that are kinky and spicy and OTT- then keep your eyes out for TEMPERANCE out May 16th.
Malibu by Emmy Sanders
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Just finished my Malibu reread. I forgot how much I loved this book.
Mal and Henrik are just *chef's kiss*
Malibu is a s e x worker. He works at Elite 8 studios as a p* rn star, he escorts & cams on the side to make money. He gets the job offer of a lifetime: 6 months of work, half a million dollars, to basically be at Henrik's beckon call. He is desperate for the money, so he agrees.
Henrik is a workaholic and set in his ways. He's blind and thinks that means no one will ever want him except for his money. So he pays people to live with him so he won't get lonely. He's gruff and particular before you get past his walls - then he becomes a real cinnamon roll.
They're in a sort of forced proximity situation, and in the process, they get to know each other. They are obviously perfect for each other.
This book has AMAZING anxiety rep. Mal had a panic disorder and ptsd. The way Emmy writes this is perfect.
I love this story. So much.
You can read this as a standalone!
Mal and Henrik are just *chef's kiss*
Malibu is a s e x worker. He works at Elite 8 studios as a p* rn star, he escorts & cams on the side to make money. He gets the job offer of a lifetime: 6 months of work, half a million dollars, to basically be at Henrik's beckon call. He is desperate for the money, so he agrees.
Henrik is a workaholic and set in his ways. He's blind and thinks that means no one will ever want him except for his money. So he pays people to live with him so he won't get lonely. He's gruff and particular before you get past his walls - then he becomes a real cinnamon roll.
They're in a sort of forced proximity situation, and in the process, they get to know each other. They are obviously perfect for each other.
This book has AMAZING anxiety rep. Mal had a panic disorder and ptsd. The way Emmy writes this is perfect.
I love this story. So much.
You can read this as a standalone!
Work: Strictly Professional by Jesse H Reign
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I need to start off by saying OH MY GOD, I LOVED THIS BOOK.
This was perfection: feelings and heat and big gestures. Absolutely dreamy.
Derek, Miller's father from book one, wasn't at all who we were lead to believe. I went in thinking I'd hate him, and that couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, he is a giant jerk, but is he? Really? We learn things, very important things that have to remain redacted for spoilers sake. But just know, Derek is not who we thought he was.
And sweet baby Wyn. I love him. He is such an awesome guy, I wish we could be friends in real life. The pride he takes in his job, his humor, his "sex sabbatical" - he is a character who is just authentically himself.
The story kicks off with Wyn being pushed into a PA job for Derek - a client who is UNMANAGEABLE. Wyn has his work cut out for him, dealing with this very unreasonable man.
After events lead them to Miller and Ryan's wedding in Hawaii, the plot starts plotting in a very familiar way. Remember Rent: Paid in Full? The vibes are similar, and with [redacted] comes feelings.
There was so much I loved about this book. Jesse does a fantastic job luring us in and hooking us.
If you're a fan of consensual workplace sexual harrassment, big moments, even bigger gestures, a quirky hilarious mc, a broody mad sad dad, laugh out loud moments, endearing side characters, and a damn good well written story then look no further.
This was perfection: feelings and heat and big gestures. Absolutely dreamy.
Derek, Miller's father from book one, wasn't at all who we were lead to believe. I went in thinking I'd hate him, and that couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, he is a giant jerk, but is he? Really? We learn things, very important things that have to remain redacted for spoilers sake. But just know, Derek is not who we thought he was.
And sweet baby Wyn. I love him. He is such an awesome guy, I wish we could be friends in real life. The pride he takes in his job, his humor, his "sex sabbatical" - he is a character who is just authentically himself.
The story kicks off with Wyn being pushed into a PA job for Derek - a client who is UNMANAGEABLE. Wyn has his work cut out for him, dealing with this very unreasonable man.
After events lead them to Miller and Ryan's wedding in Hawaii, the plot starts plotting in a very familiar way. Remember Rent: Paid in Full? The vibes are similar, and with [redacted] comes feelings.
There was so much I loved about this book. Jesse does a fantastic job luring us in and hooking us.
If you're a fan of consensual workplace sexual harrassment, big moments, even bigger gestures, a quirky hilarious mc, a broody mad sad dad, laugh out loud moments, endearing side characters, and a damn good well written story then look no further.
His Damaged Pride by Jena Wade, Jena Wade, Lorelei M. Hart
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
A solid and enjoyable shifter story!
Gideon, an alpha lion shifter, gets attacked in his home by [redacted] somehow *fate*, he ends up smack dab in the middle of Asilo territory.
Asilo is the pack lands run and inhabited exclusively by omega shifters. On a run, Morgan, an omega leopard shifter, finds his mate. Who just so happens to be Gideon in his near death state.
Gideon and Morgan both know immediately that they're mates. Watching Gideon be 100% supportive of Morgan and his forerunning duties was a joy. Gideon was so concerned about helping all the omegas at Asilo. He was the perfect mate for Morgan.
This story had lots of plot, a rescue mission, magic healers, and not a lot of smut.
If mafia mcs are on one side of the spectrum, Gideon and this abo universe is on the other.
A quick and sweet read!
Gideon, an alpha lion shifter, gets attacked in his home by [redacted] somehow *fate*, he ends up smack dab in the middle of Asilo territory.
Asilo is the pack lands run and inhabited exclusively by omega shifters. On a run, Morgan, an omega leopard shifter, finds his mate. Who just so happens to be Gideon in his near death state.
Gideon and Morgan both know immediately that they're mates. Watching Gideon be 100% supportive of Morgan and his forerunning duties was a joy. Gideon was so concerned about helping all the omegas at Asilo. He was the perfect mate for Morgan.
This story had lots of plot, a rescue mission, magic healers, and not a lot of smut.
If mafia mcs are on one side of the spectrum, Gideon and this abo universe is on the other.
A quick and sweet read!
Wild at Heart by Riley Hart, Christina Lee
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
WILD AT HEART is Porter & Sully's love affair. When casual starts having feelings, missed communication happens, and then eleven years go by... you're left with an angsty mess of first love and the right place/wrong time.
Porter is mad at everything in the entire world. Honestly, even though he is a mad sad boy, he spends a majority of the book being a complete d*ck. His one true love is horses, and Bishop Sullivan.
Sully knows his future. It's taking over the family ranch when he needs to. He and Porter are a secret, and then suddenly Porter disappears and doesn't come back for 11 years.
When he does, the plot starts plotting, and the steam starts steaming. Not only do we get Porter and Sully's love story, we also get the adventures of the ranch and the other ranch hands.
This was a great story, and I loved how soulmatey the two mcs were. They loved each other SO much, and I loved them so much.
Great story, absolutely recommend!!!!
Porter is mad at everything in the entire world. Honestly, even though he is a mad sad boy, he spends a majority of the book being a complete d*ck. His one true love is horses, and Bishop Sullivan.
Sully knows his future. It's taking over the family ranch when he needs to. He and Porter are a secret, and then suddenly Porter disappears and doesn't come back for 11 years.
When he does, the plot starts plotting, and the steam starts steaming. Not only do we get Porter and Sully's love story, we also get the adventures of the ranch and the other ranch hands.
This was a great story, and I loved how soulmatey the two mcs were. They loved each other SO much, and I loved them so much.
Great story, absolutely recommend!!!!
Tempest by Kiki Clark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
π𧑠I enjoyed being sucked back into the parahuman world & the Kincaid Pack Universe.
Tempest takes place in Silver Oak, with the feline shifter pack there. Y'all, I adored this story. So many big feelings, and I just wanted so badly for the two mcs to be happy!
Cash is a proud Enforcer for the Silver Oak Pack. He loves them all so much and just wants to protect. He has tons of issues, but he's so endearingly sweet. Sent out to the boarder to check for a breach he finds an exhausted eagle shifter.
Since this is a fated mates story, you know what happens. And it DID. And it was GLORIOUS.
Ore crash lands into the Silver Oak Pack, unknowingly setting off a series of events and unlocking a mystery. All while finding his fated. *squeals!*
I loved Cash and Ore together. I loved their miserable pining. I loved their angst.
I also loved how the author writes an underlying plot that takes place throughout every book. The Kincaid Pack series had the [redacted] storyline, and the Silver Oak Pack has their own mystery too, that kickstarted in THE MOBSTER'S MATE. You don't wanna miss that one.
TEMPEST will be perfect for you if you're looking to get lost in a shifter romance with: found family, pack & pack dynamics, size difference, amnesia trope lite, well written characters, and a book you just don't to put down. Not to mention pretty fire steamy scenes.
I loved Tempest.
I loved Cash and Ore.
Loved the side characters.
Loved seeing *redacted*!!!!!!!!!!!
Tempest takes place in Silver Oak, with the feline shifter pack there. Y'all, I adored this story. So many big feelings, and I just wanted so badly for the two mcs to be happy!
Cash is a proud Enforcer for the Silver Oak Pack. He loves them all so much and just wants to protect. He has tons of issues, but he's so endearingly sweet. Sent out to the boarder to check for a breach he finds an exhausted eagle shifter.
Since this is a fated mates story, you know what happens. And it DID. And it was GLORIOUS.
Ore crash lands into the Silver Oak Pack, unknowingly setting off a series of events and unlocking a mystery. All while finding his fated. *squeals!*
I loved Cash and Ore together. I loved their miserable pining. I loved their angst.
I also loved how the author writes an underlying plot that takes place throughout every book. The Kincaid Pack series had the [redacted] storyline, and the Silver Oak Pack has their own mystery too, that kickstarted in THE MOBSTER'S MATE. You don't wanna miss that one.
TEMPEST will be perfect for you if you're looking to get lost in a shifter romance with: found family, pack & pack dynamics, size difference, amnesia trope lite, well written characters, and a book you just don't to put down. Not to mention pretty fire steamy scenes.
I loved Tempest.
I loved Cash and Ore.
Loved the side characters.
Loved seeing *redacted*!!!!!!!!!!!