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fresholivebread's reviews
689 reviews
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 ππ». 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 ππ». 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, Trafficking
Finding Her Chance by Brittney Sahin
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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
A drunken ONS resulted in marriage, but annulment takes a step back when she's targeted. Liam, a carefree playboy on the surface, often hides his depths and it takes smart, savvy and compassionate Emily to breach his walls. Both of them carry some emotional baggage, and it takes time and effort for them to overcome that, and build a trusting relationship. They have a genuine friendship, and a shoulder of support is always there.
Thereβs something about a big, dominant man revealing his vulnerabilities and getting comfort from the woman he loves that just gets to me. Their romance is sweet, steamy and rather emotional at times, and Liam being protective is on point, though his push pull annoyed me at times. The suspense plot comes with a cute 8 year old genius, plus lots of explosive adventures and action.
Thereβs something about a big, dominant man revealing his vulnerabilities and getting comfort from the woman he loves that just gets to me. Their romance is sweet, steamy and rather emotional at times, and Liam being protective is on point, though his push pull annoyed me at times. The suspense plot comes with a cute 8 year old genius, plus lots of explosive adventures and action.
Wicked Ugly Bad by Cassandra Gannon
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Framed by Cinderella, Letty drags Marrok (the Wolf) along on her prison break and chaos ensue. This is a topsy-turvy world where Bad is Good and vice versa. Letty is a firecracker, smart and tough. Marrok is cocky, flirty, and 100% bamboozled by Letty. Their chemistry and banter are excellent, and they soon forge a deeper connection. It's a slower burn for Letty, but Marrok knows his True Love instantly. There're many funny and sweet moments, and he's very besotted and protective.
Their first time together is tender and π₯, Marrok is so careful and Letty trusts him fully. I melted everytime he says "my wife", and I loved his vulnerability with Letty. And their adventures with the gang are fun! Loved how it all played out, with a great HEA. But Cindy's pretty nuts and I really didn't need pages of her having kinky sex with rat men. Some editing issues, but I wasn't too bothered. Really enjoyed this!
Their first time together is tender and π₯, Marrok is so careful and Letty trusts him fully. I melted everytime he says "my wife", and I loved his vulnerability with Letty. And their adventures with the gang are fun! Loved how it all played out, with a great HEA. But Cindy's pretty nuts and I really didn't need pages of her having kinky sex with rat men. Some editing issues, but I wasn't too bothered. Really enjoyed this!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
SEAL of Honor by Tonya Burrows
adventurous
challenging
funny
fast-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
3.75
A retired SEAL turned mercenary clashes with the sister of the rich guy he's been tasked to rescue. Gabe is the efficient, alpha leader who expects his orders to be followed, and ballsy, witty Audrey, with a stubborn streak of her own, challenges him constantly. Expectedly, their sarcastic banter and battle wills leads to sparks and scorching hot feelings. Audrey's tenacity gains Gabe's respect, she's a great match for him and he grounds her.
Their romance has intensity, emotion and sweetness, but Gabe's flip-flopping can get a bit meh, though that protective streak is great. And my favourite trope, the danger bang, is sufficiently covered here. π The paving of the book could be better, however. The suspense felt a little patchy sometimes, but there's some good action. A somewhat rushed conclusion, and the ragtag group of mercs make for good fun.
Their romance has intensity, emotion and sweetness, but Gabe's flip-flopping can get a bit meh, though that protective streak is great. And my favourite trope, the danger bang, is sufficiently covered here. π The paving of the book could be better, however. The suspense felt a little patchy sometimes, but there's some good action. A somewhat rushed conclusion, and the ragtag group of mercs make for good fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Don't Forget Me Tomorrow by A.L. Jackson
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-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
Rebel protects his BBF's little sister, as his past haunts to him. Dakota is a strong and spunky and Ryder is the obsessed, growly bad boy with a shady past. Lots of pining - she thinks he's not into her (but it was obvious he is), he thinks he doesn't deserve her. I enjoyed their romance - there's a ride or die friendship, a very strong connection plus lots of intensity, emotion and steam when they get to it.
Ryder really works hard to be a man he felt is worthy of her, and he's always there for her and her son. He'll do anything to protect her but his guilt can get too consuming. And Dakota had always stood by him and loved him. The suspense is decent - a mix between past and present with stalker vibes. But the whole thing on gunmetal eyes, midnight man etc was repetitive, and the staccato writing style still felt jarring. Good HEA though!
Ryder really works hard to be a man he felt is worthy of her, and he's always there for her and her son. He'll do anything to protect her but his guilt can get too consuming. And Dakota had always stood by him and loved him. The suspense is decent - a mix between past and present with stalker vibes. But the whole thing on gunmetal eyes, midnight man etc was repetitive, and the staccato writing style still felt jarring. Good HEA though!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use
The Other Side by A.J. Wynn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
Two teachers at an elite prep school teams up when students turn up missing or dead. Our MCs had a history, when Chance saved Violet. It took a while to warm to Violet - she's kinda judgey at start (ie Chance's wealth), but she later proves to be scrappy, tenacious and she truly cares for her students. I really liked her by the end of it. Chance is a cheerful, charming sweetie, and it was very easy to love him. Theirs is slow-burn, workplace romance with some rivalry at the start, but deeper feelings build when they come together to solve the mysteries.
Chance is very smitten and respectfully persistent; he never gave up on Violet, and she learns to open up and trust him. They help each other to grow, and that strengthens their romance. The mystery may be dark and twisty but the romance is heartwarming and sweet, with no lack of sensual passion. Loved their HEA! CW: child sexual abuse, grooming (not explicit), suicide
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Suicide
Minor reference to grooming
Crocus by Amy Lane
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Aaron and Larx have merged their families, facing new challenges with Larx's eldest and some students. The way navigate their relationship in the face of the 1000 things happening at the same time was written really well. This is a mature couple that communicates, even when things were uncomfortable. They tackled challenges together, and their love strengthens with every difficult thing they had to deal with.
There's no lack of sweet, cuddly moments, although they had to scramble, plot and plan to get their sexy times. There're also angsty hurt/comfort times, and the family moments are great, though maybe some drama was unnecessary. As with the last book, there are two subplots but it blended better. It felt a little crowded with new characters but that showcased the men's hearts of gold.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault
Minor: Abortion
Bonfires by Amy Lane
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A principal and a deputy deals with their growing attraction amid town tensions and violence. Larx and Aaron are older MCs, single dads, and very likeable, with protective tendencies and their own code of honor. They've been friendly for years, but it only takes a short while for them to fall hard. There's enough exploration and build-up in their romance - the way they handle their feelings, and they're able to communicate clearly about their needs and expectations.
The TLC between them is sweet, and I liked the family bonding times. Though sometimes they can act like teens! However, the suspense felt very loaded - Lane tries to tackle one serious issue too many, and the bigotry is *rough*. A stronger focus on romance would've been good, but they're it for each other, and their HEA is solid.
The TLC between them is sweet, and I liked the family bonding times. Though sometimes they can act like teens! However, the suspense felt very loaded - Lane tries to tackle one serious issue too many, and the bigotry is *rough*. A stronger focus on romance would've been good, but they're it for each other, and their HEA is solid.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Child abuse, Violence
Before We Fall by Aurora Rose Reynolds
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-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? It's complicated
3.5
A hairstylist and a detective are drawn together after their spouses cheat (with each other). Miranda is strong, sensitive while Tucker is pretty swoony - intense, sweet, protective and he *cooks*. It didn't take them too long to to get over the betrayal ("marriage is dead"), though there's a process of them dealing with the fallout. Their romance builds by starting off as an odd sort friendship.
I felt things progressed a bit too quickly, but the chemistry is strong enough, just that it'll benefit from a little more depth. Tucker is confident in his feelings, which is great, and he makes effort to bond with Miranda's son. There's *a lot* of ex drama, which I could really do without. But our MCs handle things well, and there's little miscommunication angst. This is billed as a RS, but suspense is kinda just on the periphery, and it's a bit shallow. And the editing could be better.
I felt things progressed a bit too quickly, but the chemistry is strong enough, just that it'll benefit from a little more depth. Tucker is confident in his feelings, which is great, and he makes effort to bond with Miranda's son. There's *a lot* of ex drama, which I could really do without. But our MCs handle things well, and there's little miscommunication angst. This is billed as a RS, but suspense is kinda just on the periphery, and it's a bit shallow. And the editing could be better.
Tailspin by Sandra Brown
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
A freight pilot and a doctor on a race to deliver a secret box amid chaos. The book hits the ground running, with them being rightfully wary of each other. There's snappy banter and heated glances as the brash loner Rye had his world crashed by the beautiful, evasive Brynn. The romance technically plays out over 48 hours (but felt slow burn), but SB is so good at building the chemistry and sexual tension between them. Their feelings felt believable, as they learn to understand and trust each other. The sensual touch in their romance fits really well.
Rye is great, beneath the asshole exterior is a heart of honor and gold, and he would do anything and everything to protect Brynn. Brynn felt less fleshed out at first, but I learned to appreciate her strength and determination. Lots of enjoyable twists in the suspense. Wished the epilogue was longer, though. CW:in depth discussion of blood cancer
Rye is great, beneath the asshole exterior is a heart of honor and gold, and he would do anything and everything to protect Brynn. Brynn felt less fleshed out at first, but I learned to appreciate her strength and determination. Lots of enjoyable twists in the suspense. Wished the epilogue was longer, though. CW:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Medical content
Moderate: Violence