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fresholivebread's reviews
685 reviews
Fit to be Tied by Mary Calmes
adventurous
challenging
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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ian and Miro work at their new relationship as they deal with job related dangers. TPersonally, there're some growing pains as they try to get use to each other's quirks and habits, but the little push-pull makes sense in the context. Compromises are made, and things are resolved in a timely manner, and the open and constant communication between them is refreshing. Ian's misgivings about marriage made sense, and he's honest about it.
And there is no doubt about their love and commitment to each other - loved how Miro defends Ian (also, steamy times are hot). The action is full of bangs and booms, but there're also some slow, draggy moments in between, which made the pacing felt uneven at times. Miro and Ian may be all kinds of badass but certain decisions are certainly questionable, lol. Still really enjoyed the romance though.
And there is no doubt about their love and commitment to each other - loved how Miro defends Ian (also, steamy times are hot). The action is full of bangs and booms, but there're also some slow, draggy moments in between, which made the pacing felt uneven at times. Miro and Ian may be all kinds of badass but certain decisions are certainly questionable, lol. Still really enjoyed the romance though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Torture, Cannibalism
The Rookie by Kimberly Kincaid
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A patrol officer and an ADA - one that had tried to prosecute him - had to work together on a case. Xander and Tara are solid MCs - smart, competent, with the drive to do the right thing. They start off with a good partnership and understanding - though I thought some antagonism might've made more sense, given their past. They worked well as a couple, and they're supportive of each other's internal struggles, especially Tara who shows Xander that his past doesn't define him. The romance is paced well for a novella, with a solid emotional connection. Add in some suspense and drama, and this rounded out to be a fast and fun read.
Necropolis by Jordan L. Hawk
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
Whyborne and Griffin joins Christine in Egypt to solve yet another creepy mystery. First off, I fucking loved Christine and she gets all the stars. Getting an equal portion of stars are our MCs - Whyborne and Griffin are in a good place right now, and I loved reading about them working together and being badasses in love. They also work through their insecurities together. Whyborne remains as endearing as ever. I loved his geekiness and how much he adores Griffin, and Griffin is the ultimate protector as usual. They're each other's constant support, and they often defend each other to their shitty families. The mystery is super interesting and creepy af - Hawk is just brilliant at crafting bone tingling mysteries with incredible research put into the background.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism
Wilde at Heart by Tonya Burrows
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A businessman makes a deal with a wild child to save his company. Reece the stuffy, uptight tech geek and Shelby the colourful, impulsive free spirit should be a mismatch, but they couldn't deny the mutual attraction and lust. With Shelby's past, there's a lot of secrecy, and it dragged on a little. Reece is a judgey jerk at first, but he does come to me accept her fully.
Their romance worked for me, they have good chemistry and some pretty steamy heat (he's a virgin and she ties up him, woooo). The vulnerable, emotional moments are where they really bond. But Reece pulled a 100% asshole move whenhow he turns his back on her after reassuring her that he wouldn't. I felt so much for Shelby . And there's definitely not enough grovel! The suspense is good, but Shelby's sister Eva (book 2's FMC) is rather awful. Reece's brothers are great though.
Their romance worked for me, they have good chemistry and some pretty steamy heat (he's a virgin and she ties up him, woooo). The vulnerable, emotional moments are where they really bond. But Reece pulled a 100% asshole move when
Psycho Romeo by Rinda Elliott, Jocelynn Drake
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.25
Social media star/billionaire seeks protection after escalating threats from his stalker. Geoffrey presents as a shallow, party loving pretty boy, but there's a lot more to him - he's strong-willed and protective of those he loves. Sven can be stoic, intimidating but he has a soft side and a heart of gold. Geoffrey has been trying to attract Sven for months, and the forced proximity bodyguard situation finally has Sven cracking, when he sees Geoffrey's kind-hearted and vulnerable side.
There's ample time dedicated to them building a friendship and a connection, and the romance is developed well with some great chemistry and steamy times. Sven really cherishes Geoffrey, while Geoffrey brings a lot of laughter to Sven's life. They're an unlikely couple that really worked well. The stalker suspense is good and lighter than expected, and the cameos of the Unbreakable guys are fun!
There's ample time dedicated to them building a friendship and a connection, and the romance is developed well with some great chemistry and steamy times. Sven really cherishes Geoffrey, while Geoffrey brings a lot of laughter to Sven's life. They're an unlikely couple that really worked well. The stalker suspense is good and lighter than expected, and the cameos of the Unbreakable guys are fun!
Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Book club read. Three high school friends: Angela's dead, Geo's hiding truths, and Kaiser becomes the cop who eventually arrests Geo. And oh, there's a serial killer lurking about. Warning: this is a gory book dealing with (graphic) rape, sexual violence, abuse, murder, infidelity . and all the works. Our MCs are as flawed as can be, cynical, hardened and rather awful people (not to mention they lie a lot).
All the relationships are kinda fucked up, though that's probably the intention. I felt for Kaiser though, he didn't deserve some of the hell he got. The thriller aspect - as disturbing and dark as it may be - great, and the twisty reveals are paced well with elements of shock. Not sure how I felt about the ending -maybe Kai still deserved some happiness, but Geo was still a question mark for me at the end .
All the relationships are kinda fucked up, though that's probably the intention. I felt for Kaiser though, he didn't deserve some of the hell he got. The thriller aspect - as disturbing and dark as it may be - great, and the twisty reveals are paced well with elements of shock. Not sure how I felt about the ending -
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Murder
Moderate: Infidelity
Striking Distance by Pamela Clare
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.75
Navy SEAL rescues a reporter, whom he had an ONS with, and they navigate the aftermath. This is a difficult book, with very heavy issues, and both MCs grapple with a lot of trauma. Laura is strong, resilient and her moments of weakness were realistically written. Javier is great - he's protective, devoted, and so, so caring. Their romance is developed very well. From reconnecting, recognising those intense feelings and to slowly taking it further, a real friendship has always existed.
They're both very supportive and patient with each other. The steam is perfectly done, I loved how he knows her boundaries and takes care of her (plus it's hot as hell). The suspense is solid and exciting, and it was nice seeing familiar faces. Some resolutions were realistically bittersweet, and I kinda wished it had gone the other way, but we did get the HEA.
They're both very supportive and patient with each other. The steam is perfectly done, I loved how he knows her boundaries and takes care of her (plus it's hot as hell). The suspense is solid and exciting, and it was nice seeing familiar faces. Some resolutions were realistically bittersweet, and I kinda wished it had gone the other way, but we did get the HEA.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, War
Moderate: Rape, Torture
First Strike by Pamela Clare
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
A short and steamy novella that's 80% sex as a lead up to the next book in the series. Good connection between the MCs.
Keeping 6 by Freya Barker
adventurous
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? Yes
4.25
An FBI agent and a book shop owner he once rescued become entangled in his book theft case. Kerry is stubborn, pragmatic and a little edgy; Damian is the confident, flirty good guy. Kerry comes off as abrasive at start, wary of Damian but he's quickly enamored, finally acting upon his initial attraction. I liked Damian, but Kerry is a mix bag - I admire her strength but she's too snippy sometimes, and reacts too quickly.
There's little hesitation from Damian as he goes all out to win Kerry once he realises she's someone he wants to keep. It's nice watching Kerry's walls fall with Damian's persistence and care, and their romance is quite sweet. I also loved the portrayal of older characters (both in 40s) with great sex lives. The suspense has good action, and Damian gets to show off his alpha protectiveness. The rowdy side cast is fun, too.
There's little hesitation from Damian as he goes all out to win Kerry once he realises she's someone he wants to keep. It's nice watching Kerry's walls fall with Damian's persistence and care, and their romance is quite sweet. I also loved the portrayal of older characters (both in 40s) with great sex lives. The suspense has good action, and Damian gets to show off his alpha protectiveness. The rowdy side cast is fun, too.
Bourbon & Lies by Victoria Wilder
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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
The cover drew me in before anything else, lol. Laney is a smart, outspoken city girl dropped into witness protection in a small town distillery, and ends up clashing with the stoic, grumpy Grant. The attraction and instalust is pretty instant, but it's also hate to love with snarky quips + innuendo. Some initial mistrust aside, a heartwarming friendship builds as trust grows between them. The banter and flirting soon leads to an intense romance.
Laney really sparks life and light in Grant, and he in turn steadies and grounds her. The affection between them is really sweet, and Grant is very protective. The point of conflict was crafted well, everyone has reasons to do what they did, and Grantwilling to give up everything for Laney had me teary . Plenty of steam - the bourbon session is 🔥! The thread of suspense is exciting and balances well with the romance. And I really loved the family!
Laney really sparks life and light in Grant, and he in turn steadies and grounds her. The affection between them is really sweet, and Grant is very protective. The point of conflict was crafted well, everyone has reasons to do what they did, and Grant
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cannibalism