fresholivebread's reviews
685 reviews

All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles

adventurous challenging dark 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

4.5

A true crime podcaster clashes with the sheriff on her cold case investigation while danger looms. Riley is resilient, driven, empathetic and strives to live her life to the fullest. Colt is broody and reserved, and an asshole at start with his knee jerk accusations. But he's very drawn to her and soon gets over being a jerk (though I needed more grovel). They both have trauma and shared regrets, which brought them closer together. 

The emotional aspect of their bond is portrayed very well. However, things can get heavy and very heart wrenching (yes, there were tears). Riley's compassion, Colt's protectiveness + tenderness make their romance a wonderful one, and they have some really sweet and heartwarming moments (a good dose of heat). The suspense is great - twists aplenty and a lot of emotion involved. And I adored Tater the princess cat and the loyal Bowser. 

Secret Spark by Kelly Farmer

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.0

PSA: the cover is completely gorgeous. A barista falls for her Supervillain neighbour, whom she assumes to be a Superhero. Sadie is sweet, and craves a little excitement in her life; Joan is a super cool villian, but she has a truly good heart. Sadie is very smitten with her new Superhero love - having dated bad people, she thought Joan is finally a good one. Joan never lies exactly, but withhold truths. That cause a little angst, which is resolved fairly quickly. 

Their romance is really cute - they have a lot of fun, and the connection feels genuine. Plus the spicy times are spicy! The chemistry is great, and they bring out the best in each other. The exploration between "good" and "bad" is thoughtful and humourous at the same time. I really jived with the whole vibe of the book, and it's a fun, lovely read. 

Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Eve meets a frustrating case and finds that Summerset may just have the intel she needs. This case deals with the Urban Wars, which was something that was talked about but never truly elaborated (though I gotta say, what was depicted as war in 2020s feels a bit uncomfortable, with today's context). The investigation process brings out a lot of secrets, with a revenge angle. But always a treat seeing Eve, Peabody and co. racking their brains, figuring things out! I had hope for Eve and Summerset to have more than one moment, but I guess they're just not wired that way. 😂 Eve and Roarke is couple goals as usual - I just loved how their love is so obvious in every moment. And Eve's squad and her found family rocks as usual (love Peabody)!

Hungry Like the Wolf by Paige Tyler

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

A journalist sets out to discover the secrets of a highly elite SWAT team. Mac is intrepid, determined but terribly pushy, and Gage is the alpha, dominant and capable hero (but not a jerk). The attraction is instant although the conflict is there. Gage doesn't want Mac to know the truth, but the courting, relationship etc is very smooth (and insta-fast). His pack is not happy with her digging so there's a lot of balancing for Gage. 

The chemistry is decent, with lots of steamy times. There could be a stronger emotional connection, however. And Mac REALLY pissed me off when she thought about going ahead with her story after Gage saved her life - and she's forgiven far too quickly. But Gage made the book for me, and I liked the suspense, though the world building and lore could be stronger. Also too much growling, I geddit, y'all are wolves... 

Wild Rain by Christine Feehan

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny 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

4.0

A woman escaping an assassin finds herself in a rainforest, rescued by a mysterious man. Rachael is resilient, guarded and very closed off; Rio is isolated, broody, but very much in tune with his emotions. There's a fast connection, and both felt like they knew each other, but couldn't place it (this is a little fuzzy - they're fated mates and was together in a past life, but the familiarity was never explained exactly). The chemistry and underlying sexual tension are electric, and they learn to trust each other. 

Their romance has a very dreamy, sensual feel. Rio can get super protective and growly (leopard shifter and all), but he's also really tender and soft towards Rachael. And she shows him that he's lovable, honourable and she loves him fiercely. I felt that the world building and pacing was slow in places especially at start, but the action/suspense side of things is intriguing, and the reveals are surprising.

The Awakening by Christine Feehan

adventurous challenging mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

A short and erotic intro to the world of leopard shifters. Not a lot of depth to the MCs but a good enough set up of the world, leading into the first book. I was excited to see it set in Borneo, except there was hardly anything to distinguish it as Borneo...and the ending was *super* abrupt, almost like she gave up writing. 

The Necromancer's Dilemma by Sheena Jolie, SJ Himes

adventurous challenging emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Angel and Simeon navigate their relationship amid murdery, supernatural shenanigans. Angel remains grumpy and prickly, only showing his softer side to Simeon, though he does care a lot for his loved ones. Simeon is still the most patient devoted boyfriend, who pampers Angel - although sometimes he feels a little too perfect. He always knows what to say and do, and is very protective of Angel. 

Their romance is pretty smooth sailing - they communicate well and there's a strong bond. In some sense that's great, but it felt like some tension and depth is missing since they're still feel like a new couple. It didn't feel like they truly know each other yet, even with the obvious devotion they have. Still, that's better than having misunderstandings. The action is a bit frazzled - too much happening at once, but still a fun world to be in. And Eroch the dragon is adorable! 

Uncharted by Adriana Anders

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful tense 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

4.5

A pilot on mission crashes in the Alaskan wild, and has to depend on a wanted mountain man to survive. Leo is a stubborn, feisty daredevil, who wrangle with the wary, stoic Elias. Though there's some attraction, there's also suspicion from both sides, which makes the romance a bit of a slower burn. The journey of building trust + feelings was fueled by forced proximity, body heat sharing and survival needs. 

The romantic tension and their moments of tenderness is pretty swoony (and danger banging is a yes). The kickass alpha/alpha dynamic is great, and they just won't leave each other. Leo brought hope back to Elias after his years in isolation, and I loved Elias' protectiveness, and how he respects Leo's competence. The icy setting is very vivid, the action had me on the edge, and the side cast is great, especially Bo the dog and old Amka.

Paging Dr. Hart - Spicy by Melissa Dymond

emotional funny hopeful 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? Yes

4.5

 A doctor fights her attraction to her annoying junior while dealing with her past. Black cat vs. retriever! Tiffany may be an ice queen with walls, but she's also a survivor, having fought against all odds to be where she is. Ethan is 100% lovable - he's sexy, charming and cheerful. The romance is pretty slow burn, with forced proximity creating chances. Ethan falls first, and falls hard, and he's her biggest defender. He's very open about how he feels, and fights to melt her ice. 

And how Tiffany comes to terms about her past with Ethan's support was written well. He's very patient, and I loved all their sweet moments (Disney World! ♥️). The bit of suspense integrated well. The book has a lot of heart, and though some parts on illness and Tiff's past was difficult to get through, I still enjoyed the read. Some threads are left hanging but HEA's there. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault

Beast in Shining Armor by Cassandra Gannon

adventurous 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

4.5

A prince plots to take back his throne from his usurper, who's also his life long rival. Avenant is certainly flawed - he's narcissistic and arrogant, but his vulnerability and complete devotion to Belle (even if he's really bad at showing it) made me love him like. Belle is unapologetically bitchy, smart and feisty, and 100% a match for Avenant, but I wished she's less stubborn about their bond. The banter and bickering is hilarious, though Avenant has been pining for Belle since forever. 

The "can't stand you but will die to protect you" energy they have is so good. The sexual tension is excellent, with great payoff. Avenant's secret insecurities are kinda heartbreaking and I loved the moments when Belle saw through him. Their romance is sweet and hot, and they're pretty perfect together. The originality of the upside down world remains entertaining, and the action is fun.