Take a photo of a barcode or cover
fresholivebread's reviews
677 reviews
I Do, or Dye Trying by Aimee Nicole Walker
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Gabe and Josh are happily wedding planning when someone from Gabe's past shows up. These two opposites continue to be a great couple - Gabe's steadiness and Josh's flamboyance go so well together. And Gabe's sensitive side when it comes to Josh is very sweet, he's so in tune to Josh's needs (pretty much the perfect boyfriend). Honestly, both of them have shown a lot of growth (since book 1), and the solid communication and the deep bond are wonderful.
Sweet moments, hot moments, couply, domestic moments - they're all there. Sometimes it's a little too saccharine, but definitely not a big deal for me. I would say the book felt a bit slow moving, especially at the start. The mystery is more peripheral and I had to rack my brains to recall the characters (read the last book a year ago!) but it all worked out well.
Sweet moments, hot moments, couply, domestic moments - they're all there. Sometimes it's a little too saccharine, but definitely not a big deal for me. I would say the book felt a bit slow moving, especially at the start. The mystery is more peripheral and I had to rack my brains to recall the characters (read the last book a year ago!) but it all worked out well.
If the Duke Dares by Darcy Burke
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.25
Persey runs away to avoid marrying a rake but ends up clashing with him anyway. She's headstrong and independent; and I found Acton to more flirty than rakish - incorrigible and charming but sweet in his own way. Their meet cute is hilarious! The chemistry between them is great, coupled with banter, road trips, an easy friendship and secret trysts. Acton is in the process of reforming himself (even before he met Perse), and he's trying hard to be better person - and I love a hero who falls first and falls hard!
Persey can be too stuck on her stereotypical notion of him at times, but he eventually wins her over (loved how he really takes care of her), and they're very sweet and adorable together. Acton strives to be worthy of her and his devotion is lovely. There're also few heartfelt moments that are really touching. Terrible parents (Persey's) alert, thankfully not forgiven. But I loved Acton's arc with his mother.
Persey can be too stuck on her stereotypical notion of him at times, but he eventually wins her over (loved how he really takes care of her), and they're very sweet and adorable together. Acton strives to be worthy of her and his devotion is lovely. There're also few heartfelt moments that are really touching. Terrible parents (Persey's) alert, thankfully not forgiven. But I loved Acton's arc with his mother.
Reckless Fall by Nyssa Kathryn
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
After her failed wedding, Sadie goes home and turns nanny to the sheriff's daughter, unexpectedly falling for him. Kind, caring Sadie has always had a crush on the steady and reliable Eastern, who had only ever seen her as his daughter's nanny…until now. Their bonding over Avery’s welfare leads to deeper feelings (though there's an element of instalove), and Eastern begins to see Sadie for the resilient, loving person she is.
Their romance feels genuine, and Eastern's feelings really deepen when he lets his guard down, though I would've liked a slower burn. Sadie is very protective of Avery, and their family moments are very heartwarming. I liked how they handled it when people from their past creates trouble – they stand strong as a unit to defend each other. The suspense ties in well with their story, and allows Eastern to be protective.
Their romance feels genuine, and Eastern's feelings really deepen when he lets his guard down, though I would've liked a slower burn. Sadie is very protective of Avery, and their family moments are very heartwarming. I liked how they handled it when people from their past creates trouble – they stand strong as a unit to defend each other. The suspense ties in well with their story, and allows Eastern to be protective.
Reckless Trust by Nyssa Kathryn
challenging
emotional
sad
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
4.0
The town pariah returns home and works with a SAR guide who distrusts her when murder strikes. Tilly is resilient and determined, and she's hated for her father's sins. Kayden is righteous, broody and carries a grudge, though he comes to her rescue when the town treats her badly (they're sucky bullies). Given the past, they overcame it quite fast; I expected a slower burn. Kayden is very quickly protective, and defends her when no one will.
The tentative friendship builds naturally, and the way they grow closer and fall for each other is pretty sweet, with a dash of steam. Wasn't impressed with Kayden's knee jerk moment though, and his grovel could use a little more work. But he's all in after that, and makes Tilly the centre of his world. Their romance feels hard fought, and Tilly really deserves all the love. The suspense is interesting enough and kept me engaged.
The tentative friendship builds naturally, and the way they grow closer and fall for each other is pretty sweet, with a dash of steam. Wasn't impressed with Kayden's knee jerk moment though, and his grovel could use a little more work. But he's all in after that, and makes Tilly the centre of his world. Their romance feels hard fought, and Tilly really deserves all the love. The suspense is interesting enough and kept me engaged.
Finding the Way Back by Brittney Sahin
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
5.0
An ex-SEAL and his agent best friend race to uncover a plot to assassinate his presidential hopeful father. Addy is such an awesome FMC - she's a sweetheart but also tough as nails and can kick major ass. Knox is dominant to the core, loyal and with a big heart. I loved their friendship - there's great chemistry and a real connection between them, and the innate trust is wonderful. Their romance is definitely slow burn, with so much pining spanning over years.
It's very explosive and sexy when they finally give in to their true feelings! And it's a treat seeing two highly capable characters being super protective of each other, I really enjoyed that dynamic. And their utter devotion to each other is so melty, their bond is swoony and unbreakable . Knox's secret keeping makes sense and Addy understands. Great suspense and twists, and the team adds humour to the chase and action.
It's very explosive and sexy when they finally give in to their true feelings! And it's a treat seeing two highly capable characters being super protective of each other, I really enjoyed that dynamic. And their utter devotion to each other is so melty, their bond is swoony and unbreakable . Knox's secret keeping makes sense and Addy understands. Great suspense and twists, and the team adds humour to the chase and action.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Reckless Hope by Nyssa Kathryn
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? No
3.75
Running from her past, Harper ends up in small town and catches the eye of a bar owner. She's a strong FMC who's no stranger to letdowns and hardship. Cody is kind and perceptive, with a huge protective streak. He's a non-broody hero that knows what he wants, and goes for it, despite meddling exes. But he's respectful of boundaries, and has a lot of patience and care for Harper. Kinda too good to be true.
It's quite instalove, but their friendship grows well, and she starts to trust him, and feel safe with him. They have a strong connection, and there's good communication between them; both are honest about how they feel. He's super sweet and caring towards. Harper deserves her HEA, and Cody unequivocally gives her that. The suspense/drama is good, and the found family vibes are great, but it also had some slow/slightly mundane parts.
It's quite instalove, but their friendship grows well, and she starts to trust him, and feel safe with him. They have a strong connection, and there's good communication between them; both are honest about how they feel. He's super sweet and caring towards. Harper deserves her HEA, and Cody unequivocally gives her that. The suspense/drama is good, and the found family vibes are great, but it also had some slow/slightly mundane parts.
Reading Between the Lines by Nicky James
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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
5.0
Diem and Tallus go out of town to solve a make it or break it case. Their relationship continues to grow, with some lovely physical + emotional development. Diem still struggles, but puts a lot of effort in working on his issues, especially on his aversion and fear of touch. It's so great to see him finally being able to cuddle Tallus and show physical affection without freaking out a lot (the bath scene 🥹). Tallus is still the most patient, caring boyfriend ever; his gentle touch in pushing Diem to confront his fears and his support for him gave me all the swoony feels.
Diem trying to articulate his feelings and opening up + Tallus' sass, humour and tenderness for Diem are some of the best parts for me. Honestly, I just want to give Diem the biggest hug. The mystery is interesting, chilling and gritty, and the guys tackled it as a team. It all played out well, and Diem/Tallus take giant steps forward.
Diem trying to articulate his feelings and opening up + Tallus' sass, humour and tenderness for Diem are some of the best parts for me. Honestly, I just want to give Diem the biggest hug. The mystery is interesting, chilling and gritty, and the guys tackled it as a team. It all played out well, and Diem/Tallus take giant steps forward.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Physical abuse
Minor: Addiction
Jonah's Ghost by K. Alex Walker
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
Taryn is haunted by a ghost in her new home, only to later meet FBI Agent Ash, who looks very familiar. They're both strong, intriguing with secrets of their own. The book starts out rough - the set-up felt feels clunky and stilted. But the premise is interesting. The connection between Ash and Taryn isn't particularly strong at start (and also a little weird), in fact I was more drawn to their past selves Jonah/Odette.
But they connected better further in, and they create their own bond, though more depth would make their romance stronger. It feels kind of floaty at parts, blurring the lines of past and present. But Ash is very sweet, and he really protects Taryn, and they share some lovely, emotional moments. The ghostly, psychological murder mystery is interesting but it's a bit muddled at times. But it ends strongly with a fitting HEA.
CW:abuse, confinement, racism; Taryn has explicit sex with her husband the villain, though it feels more coerced/dub-con bordering on assault
CW:Taryn has explicit sex with her husband the villain, though it feels more coerced/dub-con bordering on assault
But they connected better further in, and they create their own bond, though more depth would make their romance stronger. It feels kind of floaty at parts, blurring the lines of past and present. But Ash is very sweet, and he really protects Taryn, and they share some lovely, emotional moments. The ghostly, psychological murder mystery is interesting but it's a bit muddled at times. But it ends strongly with a fitting HEA.
CW:
CW:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Kidnapping
Over the Top by Rebecca Zanetti
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
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
An ex-SEAL gives in to his feelings for BFF's little sister, while trouble follows him. I've been anticipating this, with the sweet, feisty Dawn and the broody, intense Hawk. Though Dawn's fire borders stupid stubbornness when she insists she can deal with criminals and resists safety precautions. Hawk's very alpha tendencies worked for me, he needed to be so to protect her.
They have great chemistry, and really smoked up the pages during steamy times. I had a soft spot for the more insecure, pining version of Hawk, the sweet moments where Dawn is with him, and fights for him are great. With her, he also learns to lean on others, and I loved how Dawn's brothers stood by him. Some solid action/chase, and the meddling old ladies are a hoot. It's a good, sexy read, and the Zanetti-styled found family vibes are great
They have great chemistry, and really smoked up the pages during steamy times. I had a soft spot for the more insecure, pining version of Hawk, the sweet moments where Dawn is with him, and fights for him are great. With her, he also learns to lean on others, and I loved how Dawn's brothers stood by him. Some solid action/chase, and the meddling old ladies are a hoot. It's a good, sexy read, and the Zanetti-styled found family vibes are great
Without Warning by Reese Knightley
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-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
3.5
Sparks fly between a bodyguard and the billionaire he's protecting. Both MCs were burned by past experiences, but sweet, resilient Harrison remains hopeful while the grumpy Ryder is more bitter and jaded, and also very judgey. There's some initial antagonism, but when danger goes boom, they find themselves in closed quarters, and trust + feelings start to build.
Ryder's hot-cold was draggy *and* a drag, but Harrison's gentleness and care for him touched him and made him better. He's also very protective of Harrison, and there's a pretty great big gesture from him to prove his love. I liked that both are looking for something deeper and lasting, and they found it in each other. The stalker plot is engaging but there're a couple of loose plot points. The writing was also a little choppy, and tighter editing would've made it better.
Ryder's hot-cold was draggy *and* a drag, but Harrison's gentleness and care for him touched him and made him better. He's also very protective of Harrison, and there's a pretty great big gesture from him to prove his love. I liked that both are looking for something deeper and lasting, and they found it in each other. The stalker plot is engaging but there're a couple of loose plot points. The writing was also a little choppy, and tighter editing would've made it better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking
Moderate: Gun violence