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fresholivebread's reviews
685 reviews
Broken Honor by Tonya Burrows
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
An operative on mission to rescue his ex-fling, while the secrets of his past looms. Strong and stoic on the outlook, Quinn hides the vulnerabilities of his damaged self. Mara is brave, tenacious, knows her worth and won't accept any less. Their romance has all the works: chemistry, passion and steam - though I wanted to smack Quinn at times. Though I get his self-doubts, he's still kind of an idiot, and his push pull really dragged on go a while.
Mara is willing to fight for him - her tenacity soon breaks through his walls, and he comes to realise how much he needs and loves her. Their healing process is tough, but also beautiful in an emotional way. He's very protective but she holds her own, and actually helps to save his ass. Lots of fast paced action + betrayals, and the HORNET gang is always there supporting Quinn. And Jesse's book should be fun!
Mara is willing to fight for him - her tenacity soon breaks through his walls, and he comes to realise how much he needs and loves her. Their healing process is tough, but also beautiful in an emotional way. He's very protective but she holds her own, and actually helps to save his ass. Lots of fast paced action + betrayals, and the HORNET gang is always there supporting Quinn. And Jesse's book should be fun!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Murder, Pregnancy
The Last One You Loved by L.J. Evans
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
With her life falling apart, a doctor returns to her home town to face the first love whose heart she'd broken. McKenna had trauma in her past + present; Maddox found it hard to forgive the way she left him. But their connection still is powerful, and neither could ignore the pull they still feel. Given everything, it's a tough process of them bringing down the walls and trusting each other again, and to rebuild their love.
I liked how they reconnected, though they I wished they're a bit better at talking. They have their flaws, but they both have big hearts, and are very protective of what's theirs. Their romance has a lot of emotions and angst, but also hope and sweetness. And there's no 3rd act conflict. ✌🏻 Solid suspense, with some awful villains. The family is great - Mila is really cute. The writing felt uneven at start, but flowed better in later parts.
I liked how they reconnected, though they I wished they're a bit better at talking. They have their flaws, but they both have big hearts, and are very protective of what's theirs. Their romance has a lot of emotions and angst, but also hope and sweetness. And there's no 3rd act conflict. ✌🏻 Solid suspense, with some awful villains. The family is great - Mila is really cute. The writing felt uneven at start, but flowed better in later parts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
P.S. I Spook You by S.E. Harmon
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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
4.25
An FBI agent has to partner his ex to solve a cold case, to save his career. Rain is a smart, snarky and a reluctant ghost whisperer; Danny is grumpy, grounded and looks like sex on (two) wheels. Their feelings are still strong, but neither are that willing to take the leap, so it's a slow burn of sorts as they work through the past and present.
They have some pretty amazing chemistry, the banter is entertaining and funny, and I really liked the dynamic between them - they're well-matched and it shows.
They're messy in a very real way and weirdly that makes them endearing to me. Danny's reaction to Rain's secret felt realistic, and ultimately they handled it well enough. And Rain's inner thoughts are super hilarious! The ghostly mystery is interesting but also a bit sad, and Rain's ghosts are certainly adds drama (though Ethan is really likeable).
They have some pretty amazing chemistry, the banter is entertaining and funny, and I really liked the dynamic between them - they're well-matched and it shows.
They're messy in a very real way and weirdly that makes them endearing to me. Danny's reaction to Rain's secret felt realistic, and ultimately they handled it well enough. And Rain's inner thoughts are super hilarious! The ghostly mystery is interesting but also a bit sad, and Rain's ghosts are certainly adds drama (though Ethan is really likeable).
Dead Man's Detective by Rachel Graves
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
tense
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
4.0
An ex-army witch deals with vampires creating chaos, while her cute masseuse may not be what he seems. Elisabeth and Ted/Edward are layered MCs -strong, competent with their own darkness. There's good development to their romance, with some entertaining antics plus a dash of instalust and a heavy dose of steam.
The trust comes quick as well, they're sharing secrets early, hence there's not a lot of relationship drama - though I would've liked some complexity. Ted is very devoted and protective, and he's the "burn the world for you" type. She's very capable though, and they're a good team. Ted also has a sweet side that shows through his care for Elisabeth. The world building is decent - though it could use more detail - and the sleuthing is quite solid. Really enjoyed the read!
The trust comes quick as well, they're sharing secrets early, hence there's not a lot of relationship drama - though I would've liked some complexity. Ted is very devoted and protective, and he's the "burn the world for you" type. She's very capable though, and they're a good team. Ted also has a sweet side that shows through his care for Elisabeth. The world building is decent - though it could use more detail - and the sleuthing is quite solid. Really enjoyed the read!
Power of the Mind by Nicky James
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
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
4.0
Tallus makes Diem take a case on a dodgy psychic - with Tallus as his partner. The very slow burn continues, but it's expected with Diem's issues and his painful past. He's very drawn to the bright, sassy Tallus (who is literally his light), but struggles with feeling unworthy of him. The gradual growth of their romance is done really well - the interactions, the delve into deeper than feelings but with a huge dose of angst. The sleuthing ties in well, and strengthens their connection.
Tallus is always patient, and shows Diem that he is deserving of love. My heart broke for Diem when he bares his soul, and Tallus accepts all parts of him. They're perfectly imperfect character that somehow fits. But it's angst overloaded and I struggled with it at times. The mystery part is great, and I'm looking forward to see how their romance develops. And yay to Quaid/Aslan + Ruiz cameos!
Tallus is always patient, and shows Diem that he is deserving of love. My heart broke for Diem when he bares his soul, and Tallus accepts all parts of him. They're perfectly imperfect character that somehow fits. But it's angst overloaded and I struggled with it at times. The mystery part is great, and I'm looking forward to see how their romance develops. And yay to Quaid/Aslan + Ruiz cameos!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism
Minor: Self harm
False Evidence by Rachel Grant
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
A professor is on the run after an illegal traffic stop, and her ex steps in to help. Lex is tough, brave and resilient. Past JT was a huge asshole (wtf was that crap about 'freeing her'), present JT had confronted his issues, sought therapy and showed growth to be a better person. Despite their past romance ending badly, they've never fallen out of love. JT strives to win Lex's heart again, and proves that he has changed (I still needed more grovel) by owning his mistakes and caring for + protecting her and her daughter.
There's healing, rebuilding, and a stronger, more emotional love at the end of it, plus a lovely HEA. And JT's moments with the adorable Gemma are precious. But as a second/third chance romance, it's kinda messy, with uneven flashbacks. Suspense is solid though. I did enjoy the read, but I expected more, given it's a long awaited book.
There's healing, rebuilding, and a stronger, more emotional love at the end of it, plus a lovely HEA. And JT's moments with the adorable Gemma are precious. But as a second/third chance romance, it's kinda messy, with uneven flashbacks. Suspense is solid though. I did enjoy the read, but I expected more, given it's a long awaited book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Misogyny
Dead of Winter by Rebecca Zanetti
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
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
4.5
An FBI agent sets out to solve murders in an Alaska town, only to be hindered by the unwilling “sheriff“. Ophelia is headstrong and confident, but hides a yearning to belong. Brock is sexy, broody and secretive, and he wants Ophelia out of his town, despite his attraction. The spark is obvious between them, so lots of fiery banter as the fire and feelings come on. Their romance develops well, with the right dose of steam.
Their chemistry is strong, and Brock always jumps to protect Ophelia at the first sign of danger, even she's 100% able to kick ass. He also tends to steamroll her at times (typical of a overly protective Zanetti hero), but she takes non of it, and the fight for dominance is fun. Though he has a soft, caring side that's kinda sweet. The suspense is tight but the overarching mystery is unresolved.
Their chemistry is strong, and Brock always jumps to protect Ophelia at the first sign of danger, even she's 100% able to kick ass. He also tends to steamroll her at times (typical of a overly protective Zanetti hero), but she takes non of it, and the fight for dominance is fun. Though he has a soft, caring side that's kinda sweet. The suspense is tight but the overarching mystery is unresolved.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Kairo's Billionaire by Jocelynn Drake
adventurous
challenging
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? It's complicated
4.25
A hacker awakes to find himself taken by a billionaire needing his help. Kairo may be a nerdy hacker, but he's very dangerous in his own right. Izzie is a sweet cinnamon roll, very caring of everyone, though he can also be somewhat naïve. Forced proximity and circumstances move their romance quickly, though the deep feelings came on rather abruptly. But there's good chemistry between them and they're cute together.
Izzie's incessant self doubt can get a bit repetitive, but the way Kairo constantly uplifts Izzie is very sweet. They're both are very protective of one another, and there's minimal angst and no miscommunications. And there's real effort to understand each other's world. The suspense and action are fun, though the resolution felt anti-climatic. Kairo's team is a hilarious, and Izzie's sister Athena + Joey the ferret are great.
Izzie's incessant self doubt can get a bit repetitive, but the way Kairo constantly uplifts Izzie is very sweet. They're both are very protective of one another, and there's minimal angst and no miscommunications. And there's real effort to understand each other's world. The suspense and action are fun, though the resolution felt anti-climatic. Kairo's team is a hilarious, and Izzie's sister Athena + Joey the ferret are great.
In the Clear by Kathryn Nolan
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
An ex FBI agent hunting an infamous book thief plays a cat and mouse game with his beautiful rival. I've been saving this book and it was every bit as wonderful as I'd hoped for. It was so good to see the walls of rigid, broody but also devastatingly sexy Abe (who had my heart since book 1) crumbling under the tenacity of spunky and vivacious Sloane.
The sexual tension between them is off the charts, with definite fire and sparks, and the way they push and challenge each other is hot as hell.
They both hide their loneliness under their strong personalities, and the way they allow themselves to be vulnerable with each other really tugged at my heartstrings. I loved the way Nolan weaved love and passion in their romance, and the steam is explosive. Abe's dominance when he lets loose is definitely hot! 🥵 Loved the sweet moments, too. The suspense is a lot of fun, and the Codex gang awesome.
The sexual tension between them is off the charts, with definite fire and sparks, and the way they push and challenge each other is hot as hell.
They both hide their loneliness under their strong personalities, and the way they allow themselves to be vulnerable with each other really tugged at my heartstrings. I loved the way Nolan weaved love and passion in their romance, and the steam is explosive. Abe's dominance when he lets loose is definitely hot! 🥵 Loved the sweet moments, too. The suspense is a lot of fun, and the Codex gang awesome.
Midnight Rainbow by Linda Howard
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
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
Ex-soldier is hired to rescue a kidnapped socialite, who's suspected of espionage. Jane is great - she reminds me of Jillian from Heart of Fire - clever, spunky, gutsy but logically defers to Grant when it comes to survival. Grant is the tough, broody loner who can be an ass, but he's also very protective of Jane. Despite early misconceptions, they make a really good team, and understanding + feelings soon grow.
It was great seeing their walls come down - the chemistry's strong, and the romance is fiery and passionate. They got together fast, but in a way that feels natural. I loved their moments together, especially when Grant is being sweet and caring. And Jane's heart and love for Grant is wonderful. But Grant kinda annoyed me during the late standoff. The action is fast-paced and fun, with obligatory danger banging (my catnip).
It was great seeing their walls come down - the chemistry's strong, and the romance is fiery and passionate. They got together fast, but in a way that feels natural. I loved their moments together, especially when Grant is being sweet and caring. And Jane's heart and love for Grant is wonderful. But Grant kinda annoyed me during the late standoff. The action is fast-paced and fun, with obligatory danger banging (my catnip).