fresholivebread's reviews
689 reviews

Black and White: An MM Shifter Romantic Suspense Novel by Vinni George

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adventurous emotional funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

Jaded bounty hunter/orca shifter Nero protects Felix, a cute and feisty hacker/otter shifter from threats. It's very instalove, with a good dose of instalust, explained by them immediately recognising each other as fated mates. It didn't bother me too much, the romance has good enough bones, and they do work on getting to know each other, being friends, and building trust before sealing the bond. 

They have some heartfelt moments, and Nero is a huge softie under his big bad orca demeanor. He's also very protective of Felix and doesn't hesitate to show it. Felix is spunky and cute, and very attached to Nero. The time they spent in their shifter forms (size difference ahoy) is sweet, and I wished there's more of that. The suspense is a bit mediocre, and a thread of it will continue in book 2.
The Boss Assignment by Victoria Paige

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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? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

A billionaire kidnaps a virologist to deal with a bioweapon. Antonio is controlling, arrogant and shady (and somewhat punchable at times) but brilliant, spunky Charly brings out his better, softer side. Their antagonism (despite some attraction) makes for a slow burn romance, with palpable chemistry, sparks and snarky banter. Antonio's slow realisation of how brave and precious Charly is makes him determined that she is his to keep. 

His fierce yet tender protectiveness + possessiveness when Charly told him about her dad is 👩🏻‍🍳😘. And his dominant, growly side (in and out of be) is hot af. Charly sees through Antonio's facade, and knows she can trust him with her heart. The emotional side of their romance is written well. Enjoyed the suspense, but also felt a couple of loose ends could've been tied up better. 

Dead Serious Case #2: Mrs Delores Abernathy by Vawn Cassidy

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.25

Another ghostly spirit pops up and Tristan is again dragged into solving her murder. Tristan and Danny's relationship is progressing nicely, and they're all kinds of adorable, even if Tristan is hiding his ghost-seeing abilities. They have their moments of vulnerability and insecurity, but they try to be honest in communicating. Danny is super protective of Tristan - the sweetness of their romance is lovely and there's minimal angst with Tristan's secret. 

Danny's reaction when Tristan told him was the best - I loved a supportive boyfriend! Slight nitpick, wished we could see more of Tristan supporting Danny - so far it seems like Danny is doing the heavier emotional lifting, and his own issues aren't really explored. The mystery is stronger than the last, and the side cast is fun (Chan ❤️). Dusty as Tristan's spirit guide is as hilarious as ever. 
Dead Serious Case #1: Miz Dusty Le Frey by Vawn Cassidy

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adventurous challenging emotional funny lighthearted sad medium-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

4.0

A forensic pathologist was badgered by a ghost to find her killer, and falls for the detective in charge. Nerdy, awkward Tristan and sexy, protective Danny make great MCs. Tristan's quirkiness and shyness is endearing, and Danny is very enamoured by that. Their romance borders on insta-lovey, but they make a great couple, I liked that they have heartfelt talks in getting to know each other. 

There's plenty of heat and heart, and Danny truly accepts Tristan's quirks. The care he shows Tristan, and the way he gets all moony is adorable. Tristan's gain of confidence is nice to see. And Dusty is a hoot - though there's some unexpected emotion among the humor which made me teary as hell. The murder case isn't a particularly strong one, the killer felt very gotcha as
they weren't even present for most of the book...
Power Term by Kennedy L. Mitchell

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny 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? Yes

4.5

Randi has been taken, and Trey frantically searches for her. Facing psychopaths, Randi stays tough, and keeps her spunk, humor and grit as she plots and waits for rescue. And the faith she shows in Trey is tremendous, and her love for him keeps her fighting. Trey is one protective, determined hero who would burn the world to rescue Randi. His internal monologues shows his absolute devotion for her. 

Even though they're apart, the romance is still at the forefront - their love and passion for each other is obvious. Suspense wise, it's a satisfactory ending and things wrapped up nicely. Loved there's ample page time for closure and their HEA is nicely detailed. But hot as it was, reunion sex given their injuries is NOT possible IRL. Disbelief suspended for steam! 😂 The epilogue from Trey's POV is great. And special mention to Tank, a total 🌟 and 100% my MVP. CW:
descriptive torture, sexual assault


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Power Surge by Kennedy L. Mitchell

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Randi is now the President, working to clean up Kyle's mess, while Trey struggles with some inner demons. Randi is gaining strength as a leader, unapologetic brash self and all. Trey is a shadow of his former self for a big part, though his love and desire to protect Randi is never really gone. He's having it rough, and Randi does everything she can to support him. 

Trey's wallowing in self pity and Randi's stubbornness can be frustrating but it also felt realistic given the situations. Staying steadfast in their love through all the mess isn't easy, especially when they get locked up in their own heads. Butl their love is fierce, their bond unbreakable, and they will always come back to each other. The political drama is honestly freewheeling right now, but I'm invested. And  I fucking loved Tank, he's the absolute best.
Power Switch by Kennedy L. Mitchell

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

4.25

Trey is fake-engaged in a bid to help Randi build alliances, while she dodges attempts to kill her. The lengths that Trey goes to for Randi and to keep her safe is a fierce testament of his feelings for her. Randi remains real and tough in facing off against the crazy asshole President plus another 100 threats. She despairs, she struggles, but ultimately she never gives up. 

Their love is really solidified here, and neither of them are willing to let go, but circumstances sucked, alongside the angst. At least there's still some sweet moments. But the fake dating drama felt unneeded, especially on Randi's part cos there's actually some attraction there. And the political drama keeps throwing curveballs. But can I just say I freaking love Tank (head of Randi's SS and Trey's BFF), what a total gem.
Power Twist by Kennedy L. Mitchell

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful fast-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

4.0

Now VP of USA, Randi continue facing threats while trying keep her distance from Trey. There's good development in their relationship, although them being apart is painful. And super agent Trey is so supportive, and protective of Randi to the MAX. He uses all his resources to help her fight, and he would do anything, and sacrifice everything for her. I loved Randi's courage and wit, and how she remains her true defiant self. 

There's angst, but also plenty of heart, emotions and passion - their stolen moments are precious (and steamy!) Trey's dominant side...whew! And so glad when Randi finally verbalised the L-word. The political intrigue is great - but the antics and the misogyny that Randi has to fight is very hard to take. No HEA/HFN, and the twists keep coming. 
Power Games by Kennedy L. Mitchell

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful 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

4.0

Passions flare between a Secret Service agent and the VP candidate amid political conspiracies. Randi is a very strong and persistent MC, having fought and scrapped for everything she achieved. Trey is cocky, dominant and pretty lethal. They're very layered, very flawed but still somehow make one root for them. Their chemistry is electric right off the charts, I really liked their banter and how they egg each other on. 

Beyond that, there's respect and a ton of attraction, and delving into each's other psyche sparks off mutual passion. They breached each other's walls and form an alliance, and Trey staunchly stands by Randi. And things are *steamy* when they get down to it! The political plot is twisty, complicated and the romance  left me on the edge with a cliffy, as they remain apart (TBC however).
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Cold Silence by Toni Anderson

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adventurous 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? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

An FBI agent and a hacker races to find a serial killer on the dark web. Loyal, charming and type A Shane + brilliant and introverted Yael are great MCs. Try as they might to ignore the mutual attraction - Yael has secrets due to her past while Shane has his own agenda, but they're just drawn to each other. They both don't "do" relationships, but they formed a strong connection, and their romance is paced well. 

I liked how their feelings deepened, with Shane being very protective of her at all costs. He's so caring, and being with her makes him want a lot more. Yael learns to let Shane in to her heart, and there's a good balance of sweet, hot and emotional moments. But total honesty could've come sooner, wasn't fond of the conflict, and I could use more time devoted to making up. The case is disturbing, but well plotted. And I got my big dose of Alex Parker! 😂 
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