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fresholivebread's reviews
598 reviews
The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A widow enlists the help of a professor to uncover ghostly events at a mansion she's restoring. Alva is resilient and closed off with her secrets; Sam is endearing, quirky and a total sweetheart. He's completely besotted with Alva from start, and is determined to melt her icy walls. Their banter and dynamics are so much fun, especially with the way Sam keeps Alva off balance. They make a great team, and Sam's respect for Alva and her boundaries is great.
I really liked how she slowly begins to trust him; he truly is the light to her darkness. Their romance has sweetness and steam, and Sam's patience and support is just all around wonderful. And he's fierce when it comes to protecting her! The ghost story/mystery is intriguing and sad at the same time. The writing felt a bit modern for the period, but it didn't bother me, I really enjoyed the read.
I really liked how she slowly begins to trust him; he truly is the light to her darkness. Their romance has sweetness and steam, and Sam's patience and support is just all around wonderful. And he's fierce when it comes to protecting her! The ghost story/mystery is intriguing and sad at the same time. The writing felt a bit modern for the period, but it didn't bother me, I really enjoyed the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
Moderate: Forced institutionalization
No Surrender by Morgan Brice
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Vic and Simon are on the hunt as the killer from their first case together escapes. Their romance is stronger than ever, with wedding planning in the midst of killer/ghost chasing. They feel really genuine and solid as a couple, and I really liked how they navigate their feelings, struggles, and external conflicts together. Their communication and care for each other are some of my favorite things in the series. The trust and support they share is so heartwarming, and their work partnership feels a lot more equal in this book, which was a plus. And the steam/passion is simmering! The suspense is great, but it puts Vic and Simon through the ringer - they really need to make it through one book unscathed. There're a few ghostly threads mixed within, which adds to the mystery.
Darkest Hour Before Dawn by Charlie Cochet
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
4.25
Seb and Hudson get caught up in rogue Therian conspiracies. There's a lot of pining (7 years in fact), but with danger looming, Seb is determined to protect Hudson and win him back. Seb is such a great guy, his efforts are all so sweet and he is so so patient and protective. With Hudson...he's brilliant, kind, a little spoilt and frustratingly stubborn. No doubt he loves Seb, but the hot/cold in drawing Seb in, and then rejecting him when his guilt came into play was not it. It made their separation angst felt draggy.
But they're really quite wonderful together once Hudson pulls his head out of his ass, and there are lots of sweet, tender moments. All in all, I did enjoy their romance, and Seb is the ultimate dedicated partner. The action part is great, and Dex continues to entertain. There some pretty emotional team moments, too, loved their found family.
But they're really quite wonderful together once Hudson pulls his head out of his ass, and there are lots of sweet, tender moments. All in all, I did enjoy their romance, and Seb is the ultimate dedicated partner. The action part is great, and Dex continues to entertain. There some pretty emotional team moments, too, loved their found family.
Extreme Honor by Piper J. Drake
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Ex-military dog trainer and a dog whisperer team up to heal Atlas, a grieving dog. David is a classic good guy - sexy, compassionate, 101% dog lover. Lyn shares the same kindness, and is strong in her way. There's some animosity at first, but their mutual dedication gives way to respect, and the admiration leads to growing feelings. Their bonding over Atlas is great, and leads to them opening up.
I liked their romance, and how they constantly support and encourage each other. And Atlas is an absolute star! It was a joy to read his healing journey, his bravery, devotion, and all his cute moments. The suspense is good, and there was a lot of solid research into dogs in military. But the book had a slow start, and Lyn can be rather unreasonable at times. The culprit was not a surprise, but the ultimate revelation was.
I liked their romance, and how they constantly support and encourage each other. And Atlas is an absolute star! It was a joy to read his healing journey, his bravery, devotion, and all his cute moments. The suspense is good, and there was a lot of solid research into dogs in military. But the book had a slow start, and Lyn can be rather unreasonable at times. The culprit was not a surprise, but the ultimate revelation was.
Loose Ends by Morgan Brice
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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? No
4.0
Someone from Vic's past is threatening Simon and Vic, amid the usual ghostly mayhem. I'm really liking Simon and Vic's romance, how stable and happy they are, even when dealing with life's nonsense (eg Simon's mother and his ex). I'm not the hugest fan of ex drama, but it's fairly okay here. There's 100% devotion and trust from both sides, and their relationship is a lot fun, and feels comforting at the same time. Not to mention they continue to steam up the pages! We also get a deeper dive into their background, good and bad. The small moments of uncertainty felt realistic, and their communication remains strong. The mystery and ghosts are colourful as usual, and the crew being best at what they do.
You Can Hide: A Riveting New Thriller by Rebecca Zanetti
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.5
Laurel and Huck face another murder case while Laurel's sociopathic half-sister continues her games. Our MCs' slow burn romance continues along its slow and steady path. The attraction burns as bright as ever, but both are hesitant to define things, especially Huck. They work super well together, and the sexual tension is deliciously palpable. Laurel's cool logic and Huck's fire add to their dynamic.
The genuine friendship between them is such a positive - even when arguing, there's trust there. They're naturally drawn to each other, they're always on each other's minds. I definitely wished for more romance but the pace suited them, and it ends with them taking a few steps forward. Laurel is my current fav FMC, she's so awesome. The suspense is very chilling, and even if Abigail adds an interestingly creepy angle, I still wished she'll GTFO.
The genuine friendship between them is such a positive - even when arguing, there's trust there. They're naturally drawn to each other, they're always on each other's minds. I definitely wished for more romance but the pace suited them, and it ends with them taking a few steps forward. Laurel is my current fav FMC, she's so awesome. The suspense is very chilling, and even if Abigail adds an interestingly creepy angle, I still wished she'll GTFO.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Moderate: Rape
Zero Control by Trina Lane, Trina Lane
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A programmer rescues a sergeant as they work to uncover a military security breach. Alpha military man vs brilliant, cute, flirty tech geek - Rick and Keiji make a good pair, even if it's a bit insta-lusty to start. But there's work being put into the relationship, and the mutual intelligence is a huge attraction. There's some good chemistry and sexual tension, and Rick is very turned on by the workings of Keiji's big brain.
There's refreshing communication; they're open about their feelings and didn't waste time with guessing games. And the dominant x dominant dynamic is pretty steamy! The action/suspense aspect was exciting, but the excessive use of techno babble and acronyms made it confusing at times, and the ending is a little abrupt. Some editing issues, but nothing too bad.
There's refreshing communication; they're open about their feelings and didn't waste time with guessing games. And the dominant x dominant dynamic is pretty steamy! The action/suspense aspect was exciting, but the excessive use of techno babble and acronyms made it confusing at times, and the ending is a little abrupt. Some editing issues, but nothing too bad.
You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
An FBI agent teams up with a fish and wildlife officer when a serial killer strikes in her hometown. Laurel is an intense and focused genius, and her idiosyncrasies makes her an intriguing FMC. Huck is the quintessential closed-off grump, but with protector complex and a caring heart. They speak their minds, so there's a lot of clashing, but there's also some pretty fiery chemistry.
Their attraction is deep, and it was funny how Huck seemed annoyed by his feelings, but couldn't help being protective of Laurel. It's a very very slow burn romance (with some steam), and I enjoyed them together. It ends with them in a good place, but not a HFN - really eager to see how they go forward. The suspense was great but pretty dark - and came together well. Aeneas the dog is adorable, and Ioved that Laurel knits to destress!
Their attraction is deep, and it was funny how Huck seemed annoyed by his feelings, but couldn't help being protective of Laurel. It's a very very slow burn romance (with some steam), and I enjoyed them together. It ends with them in a good place, but not a HFN - really eager to see how they go forward. The suspense was great but pretty dark - and came together well. Aeneas the dog is adorable, and Ioved that Laurel knits to destress!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Rape and Torture
Law Of Love by Lottie Moore
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
3.25
A bodyguard and an art student in forced proximity while dangers lurked. Freya is artsy and spunky, while Kaleb is the broody, grumpy hero. It starts off a little rough, I didn't quite connect with the MCs, their interactions felt awkward and they felt immature at times. They settle in some when Kaleb stopped being being a jerk. I did like how Kaleb uplifts Freya when she struggles with herself, and she's supportive in helping him through his issues.
There's some good bonding and Kaleb is very protective of Freya when things got dicey. But some of the drama and jealousy games are unnecessary. The suspense is rather solid, with some surprises. There're writing/pacing issues and improbabilities (ie Kaleb telling Freya about his secret work within days, things seemed kinda lawless sometimes) but it's a decent enough debut.
There's some good bonding and Kaleb is very protective of Freya when things got dicey. But some of the drama and jealousy games are unnecessary. The suspense is rather solid, with some surprises. There're writing/pacing issues and improbabilities (ie Kaleb telling Freya about his secret work within days, things seemed kinda lawless sometimes) but it's a decent enough debut.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Hard as You Can by Laura Kaye
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Ex-Marine strives to protect a waitress from bad guys. Intense, baggage-filled Shane had a connection with the beautiful Crystal, who's hiding a lot of trauma. Things sparked off pretty fast with some quick attraction. Shane is very protective of Crystal from start and is pretty clear about wanting her. Her past is horrific, and he slowly gains her trust by simply caring. And she remains kind, and is a tough survivor.
Their romance works for me, there's tenderness, emotional bonding and heat. And it was refreshing to see a tortured man being openly sweet and affectionate, and doesn't flip flop on his feelings. And there's no random 80% conflict 🙌🏻. The suspense is good, but it deals with dark issues. The found family dynamic is a nice touch, but the ending felt rushed. Would've liked to see more of their HEA.
Their romance works for me, there's tenderness, emotional bonding and heat. And it was refreshing to see a tortured man being openly sweet and affectionate, and doesn't flip flop on his feelings. And there's no random 80% conflict 🙌🏻. The suspense is good, but it deals with dark issues. The found family dynamic is a nice touch, but the ending felt rushed. Would've liked to see more of their HEA.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Trafficking