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fresholivebread's reviews
686 reviews
Hold Tight by Hannah Shield
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-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
3.75
Ex-SEAL plays wingman for his friend but falls for her while protecting her from her past. They both have their issues: Faith from her ex and Tanner with PTSD and anxiety issues. They started off with a cute friendship, the banter and the humor is fun, and the romance development flows well, although a little insta-lovey. Plenty of intense, steamy moments, and the care that Tanner shows Faith stands out.
Tanner is the stronger character, a non-grumpy, genuinely good guy. His PTSD is portrayed fairly well except for the whole denial thing. Faith is sweet and kind, but also kind of a doormat - she needs to stand up for herself more! She does show some steel eventually and she's so caring towards Tanner. They're such good support to each other. The suspense is straightforward and provides Tanner the fodder to be totally protective.
Tanner is the stronger character, a non-grumpy, genuinely good guy. His PTSD is portrayed fairly well except for the whole denial thing. Faith is sweet and kind, but also kind of a doormat - she needs to stand up for herself more! She does show some steel eventually and she's so caring towards Tanner. They're such good support to each other. The suspense is straightforward and provides Tanner the fodder to be totally protective.
The Ghost Illusion by Kat Martin
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
A psychologist seeks the help of a paranormal PI when strange events occur in her inherited house. Eve is smart and practical while Ran is intense and broody. They felt a little underdeveloped at start, but gained depth as the book progressed. Their romance takes a while to build, as both MCs are adverse to relationships - Eve is recently divorced and Ran is a widower - but sparks predictably fly.
They have decent chemistry and a good connection, and there's enough emotion and steam to make their romance work for me. However, I wasn't a fan of the rather repetitive "this will inevitably end" narrative. Stronger conviction from both MCs would've made the romance stronger. The ghostly mystery is intriguing but there's also an issue of things coming out of nowhere, which felt random.
They have decent chemistry and a good connection, and there's enough emotion and steam to make their romance work for me. However, I wasn't a fan of the rather repetitive "this will inevitably end" narrative. Stronger conviction from both MCs would've made the romance stronger. The ghostly mystery is intriguing but there's also an issue of things coming out of nowhere, which felt random.
How to Save a Human by Alice Winters
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-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
4.25
River, who was abused by vampires in the past, finds himself falling for one. DeGray didn't get much spotlight previously, and he comes off as kind, caring, good guy. River is a hoot - quirky, playful, reminiscent of Finn from book 1, but still unique in his own way. Their romance is full of laughs and mishaps, but carries more emotional depth than others in the series.
River had really gone through a lot and is amazingly strong (I just wanted to cuddle him), and it's great to see him gradually trusting DeGray. And DeGray is very protective and supportive, and wants to see River safe and happy. Their sweet and adorable moments are just delightful. The suspense is solid but also kinda sad. It was a good read - very angsty at times with River's illness, and the more serious tone to the romance worked well.
River had really gone through a lot and is amazingly strong (I just wanted to cuddle him), and it's great to see him gradually trusting DeGray. And DeGray is very protective and supportive, and wants to see River safe and happy. Their sweet and adorable moments are just delightful. The suspense is solid but also kinda sad. It was a good read - very angsty at times with River's illness, and the more serious tone to the romance worked well.
Hunted by Suzanne Wright
adventurous
challenging
funny
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 harpy ropes a hellhorse into a fake dating scheme, just as his past begins to resurface. Lark is no-nonsense, badass and loyal to the core. Teague is a slight departure the usual alpha Wright heroes - he's charming, flirty, wacky and kind of a himbo, though he's no less dominant (in and out of bed). They have terrific chemistry, and the way they rile each other up is just hilarious. Their romance burns hot, and they're equally possessive and protective of each other.
There're also some tender moments, and Teague can be quite gentle and sweet, and he's always there for her. And I Iiked that Lark is honest about her feelings for him, and is so accepting of his past. The action was a bit underwhelming however, and the final battles felt somewhat muted. Lark's crazy demon is gold, though. But I loved Knox and gang being protective busybodies.
There're also some tender moments, and Teague can be quite gentle and sweet, and he's always there for her. And I Iiked that Lark is honest about her feelings for him, and is so accepting of his past. The action was a bit underwhelming however, and the final battles felt somewhat muted. Lark's crazy demon is gold, though. But I loved Knox and gang being protective busybodies.
Honor Reclaimed by Tonya Burrows
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
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
3.75
An operative chances upon the photojournalist who had wronged him while on mission. We met Seth in the Wilde series, where he was suffering severe PTSD from. He may be broken but there's determination to prove himself. Phoebe is brave and compassionate, and never sees Seth differently. The romance is slow burn (with his trauma), though the chemistry is very much present.
There's emotion, there's angst and Phoebe fights hard to make him see his worth. The push pull fits the context, with their feelings and trust slowly deepening. Their romance works - it's great to see Seth returning to his old self, but Phoebe kept her secrets for far too long. I'm not fan of prolonged secrets causing late drama, and it felt like a deus ex machina for the HEA (still glad they got there). Very intense action, but team times are less fun this round.
There's emotion, there's angst and Phoebe fights hard to make him see his worth. The push pull fits the context, with their feelings and trust slowly deepening. Their romance works - it's great to see Seth returning to his old self, but Phoebe kept her secrets for far too long. I'm not fan of prolonged secrets causing late drama, and it felt like a deus ex machina for the HEA (still glad they got there). Very intense action, but team times are less fun this round.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence
Depiction of PTSD
The Necromancer's Dance by Sheena Jolie, SJ Himes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
Angel, the sole necromancer in Boston, seeks the help of Elder vampire Simeon when old enemies surfaced. Angel is strong, powerful but also very weary with all he's facing. Charming, sexy Simeon has been carrying a torch for Angel since they met, and makes his move when he realises Angel needed his help. He has a hard past, and Simeon is wonderfully supportive in helping him deal with all of it, plus in facing the current danger.
Their romance works well - it admittedly moves fast but doesn't feel very insta. There's an actual courting process by Simeon, and them getting together gives plenty of sweet, sexy and emotional moments. His protectiveness of Angel are some of the best parts. The mystery is solid but the world building is a little slow and slightly convoluted in spots.
Their romance works well - it admittedly moves fast but doesn't feel very insta. There's an actual courting process by Simeon, and them getting together gives plenty of sweet, sexy and emotional moments. His protectiveness of Angel are some of the best parts. The mystery is solid but the world building is a little slow and slightly convoluted in spots.
No Escape From War by Cynthia Eden
adventurous
challenging
funny
tense
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
A journalist and PI on the hunt for a killer while old feelings resurface. Rose is smart and tenacious and War is stubborn and broody. A huge misunderstanding caused their break-up so this reunion resulted in some antagonism and taunting banter that eventually sparks the fire back to life. The mistrust at the start was rough but I liked that things are cleared up in good time (and not kept for the 80% conflict). War puts so much effort in pursuing Rose again, and Rose makes him work for it.
I liked seeing Rose being super capable, and War being all possessive protective regardless. And once they realise their feelings, there’s minimal push and pull. Their romance is pretty steamy, with some sweet moments, and War really redeemed himself for me. The suspense is good but the villain wasn't hard to guess. The book also lacked Eden's signature twist.
I liked seeing Rose being super capable, and War being all possessive protective regardless. And once they realise their feelings, there’s minimal push and pull. Their romance is pretty steamy, with some sweet moments, and War really redeemed himself for me. The suspense is good but the villain wasn't hard to guess. The book also lacked Eden's signature twist.
A Crown of Iron & Silver by Hailey Turner
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-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
4.25
Patrick and Jono search for a missing child amid fae conspiracies, risking war and alliances. These two continue to have kitchen sinks thrown at them, and the world gets a little more complicated with new mythology/characters. But our MCs and their romance continue to shine. Although the bond was forced onto them in some ways, they have fully embraced it, and made it their choice.
The way they rely on and support each is truly something special, and they trust each other wholeheartedly. Their growing feelings are wonderfully portrayed, and all their moments together, steamy and otherwise, are just so fun and enjoyable (and hot). The action plot is intense, but past incidents can be explained better - got confused a couple of times . Patrick continues to jump head first into fires, but that's part of his charm. Loved the pack times and Wade is awesome.
The way they rely on and support each is truly something special, and they trust each other wholeheartedly. Their growing feelings are wonderfully portrayed, and all their moments together, steamy and otherwise, are just so fun and enjoyable (and hot). The action plot is intense, but past incidents can be explained better - got confused a couple of times . Patrick continues to jump head first into fires, but that's part of his charm. Loved the pack times and Wade is awesome.
The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
4.75
A widow enlists the help of a professor to uncover ghostly events at a mansion she's restoring. Alva is resilient and closed off with her secrets; Sam is endearing, quirky and a total sweetheart. He's completely besotted with Alva from start, and is determined to melt her icy walls. Their banter and dynamics are so much fun, especially with the way Sam keeps Alva off balance. They make a great team, and Sam's respect for Alva and her boundaries is great.
I really liked how she slowly begins to trust him; he truly is the light to her darkness. Their romance has sweetness and steam, and Sam's patience and support is just all around wonderful. And he's fierce when it comes to protecting her! The ghost story/mystery is intriguing and sad at the same time. The writing felt a bit modern for the period, but it didn't bother me, I really enjoyed the read.
I really liked how she slowly begins to trust him; he truly is the light to her darkness. Their romance has sweetness and steam, and Sam's patience and support is just all around wonderful. And he's fierce when it comes to protecting her! The ghost story/mystery is intriguing and sad at the same time. The writing felt a bit modern for the period, but it didn't bother me, I really enjoyed the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse
Moderate: Forced institutionalization
No Surrender by Morgan Brice
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
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? No
4.25
Vic and Simon are on the hunt as the killer from their first case together escapes. Their romance is stronger than ever, with wedding planning in the midst of killer/ghost chasing. They feel really genuine and solid as a couple, and I really liked how they navigate their feelings, struggles, and external conflicts together. Their communication and care for each other are some of my favorite things in the series. The trust and support they share is so heartwarming, and their work partnership feels a lot more equal in this book, which was a plus. And the steam/passion is simmering! The suspense is great, but it puts Vic and Simon through the ringer - they really need to make it through one book unscathed. There're a few ghostly threads mixed within, which adds to the mystery.