dlbhrb's reviews
665 reviews

Unthinkable by Dani Galliaro

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I am truly impressed by how this author transforms challenging subjects into a captivating and aesthetically heartwarming stories.  

Mara’s remarkable resilience was on full display as she bravely navigated the challenges of being a single parent of two and managing her disability. Loved her humorous, witty, comebacks.  

Jack, a grumpy and bad-tempered hockey player, is a single dad of two with a crazy ex-wife. The  smoldering chemistry between Mara and Jack was undeniable, making it a heartwarming and captivating story that left me yearning for more. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

I want to thank the author Dani Galliaro and Happilybookedpr for a free advance review copy, and I am on leaving this review voluntarily.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring tense slow-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? It's complicated

5.0

Oh my goodness, this book was an exhilarating rollercoaster ride! The race was on to find Andarna’s missing family, discover ways to maintain the wards, and find a cure for Xaden.

There were thrilling adventures, heartwarming surprises, and some not-so-pleasant surprises. I swear my stomach stayed in my throat until the very end of the book. It’s an incredible series. 

Taking Over the Dark by Tilly Ridge

adventurous challenging dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes

5.0

Hold on tight because this story starts with a bang and doesn’t slow down. It was a race against time to rescue Nash and Elli from their captors. Secrets start unraveling, and their adversaries remained at large, posing a constant threat. 

The spice in this story will have you sitting in the snow to cool off. This thrilling story was filled with action and drama that it kept you entertained until the end. 

I want to say thank you to Tilly Ridge and Luna Literary Management for a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Knot My Pack by Crea Reitan

dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

5.0

When Talya and  Colby met, they knew they were mates and they bonded. However, their unique approach to forming a pack made it difficult for others to accept them. Then to be kidnapped and have traumatic things done to them. After being rescued, they were placed in a witness protection plan on an island, akin to the island of misfit toys. The Betas and Alphas on the island had emotional baggage. While they were safe from the group that had kidnapped them, the threat of their captors remained. The story was captivating, but I felt hanging by the way the story ended. 

Forced Proximity by Jaymin Eve, Tate James

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

Evelyn, a young woman still traumatized by a past experience, finds herself at an elite, super-secure college for the wealthy and famous. Evelyn is introduced to five incredibly attractive yet incredibly annoying men who seem to be constantly around her. As she navigates this new world, she is determined to overcome her trauma and embrace her life. As the six characters get to know each other and enjoying college there still danger lurking. A building explodes harming Evelyn plus an attempted kidnapping occurs. The story takes a shocking turn with a cliffhanger ending. 

The Friend Zone by Melissa Adams

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I really felt heartbroken for Bay at the beginning of this narrative, as her unfortunate circumstances appeared to persist relentlessly. It seemed as though there was no hope or relief in sight. However, fortunately, the light at the end of the tunnel finally emerged for Bay, bringing her some much-needed good fortune. I thoroughly enjoyed reading how the story unfolded in favor for Bay and her three men, allowing them to achieve a happy ending. 

Overexposed by Heather Long

adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

Oh my goodness, you’ll absolutely going to adore this exquisite story and won’t want to stop reading once you begin. The witty banter and teasing in this book are simply outstanding. The couple scenes are incredibly hot and steamy, so I highly recommend having a fan and a cold drink nearby. The plot and interactions will keep you utterly captivated and yearning for more when the story concludes. 

I want to thank the authors Tate James and Heather Long and Good Girls PR for a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Fight by Sloane St. James

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

Fight, the first book in the series, was an excellent read. Callaghan, grappling with the pain of being cheated on, and Scottie, a running from the consequences of her past, found themselves drawn to each other. Their connection was instantaneous, but their journey together was far from easy. Their pasts interfered causing obstacles. Despite the challenges, the book was incredibly entertaining until the very end. 

Chase Lovett Wants Me by Helena Hunting

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I fell in love with Cammie and Chase’s story from the very beginning. It was a perfect freshman love story. Cammie had been crushing on the hockey player Chase since college started. Fates intervened when they were forced to room together after a fire drill disaster in their residence.

Chase fell head over heels for Cammie, and she finally got her wish. Despite their differences—Cammie was an introvert, while Chase was an extrovert—they found that opposites did indeed attract. They faced several obstacles, but their love for each other endured. They also had a few great friends who helped them along the way, and let’s not forget their supportive family. It was a truly great story. 

Thawed Gladiator: Varro by Alana Khan

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

What a delightful story unfolds when a modern woman encounters a gladiator from the Roman era. Laura embarks on a quest to find a hidden treasure, and her unexpected discovery is a frozen Roman gladiator, Varro. Initially, he was a slave, enduring unimaginable hardships. Later, Varro was elevated to the status of a gladiator. It was amusing to witness Laura’s attempts to explain contemporary concepts to this ancient Roman gladiator.  

It was a learning experience for both of them. There was playful banter, laughter, heartache, exchange of life experiences, and an undeniable attraction between them. It was an engaging read until the very end.