icarusfallstan's reviews
167 reviews

Getaway Girl by Tessa Bailey

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

3.5

It was such a cute and quick read and it’s been on my tbr for a while so I’m glad I read it

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

emotional medium-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? It's complicated

3.0

tbh I really don’t know how to feel abt this book 

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.0

Wanting Mr. Cane by Shanora Williams

adventurous emotional medium-paced

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

3.0

All Things Burn by Jodie Slaughter

adventurous dark emotional 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

3.75

This is definitely a hidden gem in kindle unlimited romances. As someone who often struggles to read dark romances related to the mafia/mob world, I found myself swooning and giggling while reading this book. The writing style definitely had me hooked as the author has a talent for creating tension throughout the story, there are so many small scenes that I've highlighted bc of how well it was written. The characterisation was also pleasant, I was able to understand Callum and Halle's psyche because of how well articulated it was. I often find in dark romances, some authors don't add nuance to the characters situation, but the author does a good job in discussing the lengths one will go through to ultimately protect themselves. 

Though, I do feel like there was something missing, I didn't feel the stakes of their situation. I understood the severity of their situation but I didn't feel as invested in the action. Often times, I forgot about what Callum needed to do because there was other things that was going on that put that plot onto the sidelines. 

Overall, this book made me discover my love for hitman romances and I have Jodie Slaughter to thank. This book has great potential and should be more appreciated. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to read more about morally grey men, this book had that perfect balance. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder

Moderate: Domestic abuse

Sordid by Nikki Sloane

adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced

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

3.5

I read this book while sleep deprived so I really am confused with how I feel about this book 

I picked this up as I wanted to explore more of Nikki Sloane's back catalogue and try to read a dark romance that was out of my comfort zone. I feel really conflicted with how the whole book played out as the non-consensual element was the main plot device that drives the story. This does reveal a darker element to Luka and his life/family dynamics that adds an interesting element to what stakes there are in their family, though there wasn't any more depth to the narrative. Luka's mindset was crazy but it wasn't enough for me to believe that it drove him to go to these lengths, I wish we got more detail into this aspect. Even though he apologises, Im still reluctant on how everything was resolved. I wish he worked harder for her forgiveness though its justified why she fell for him quickly bc she kinda has stockholm syndrome. 

I really liked the setting the premise of a pre-med student going to a frat party, meeting their TA mystery crush and then getting kidnapped was alluring enough for me to keep going, it kept me hooked and I binged this book wanting to know how she made it out alive. idk if its bc I was sleep deprived but the romance between Luka and Addison really grew on me and I became invested in their story. **again i was sleep deprived when i read this book**

overall, don't give this book a try if you have heavy tw with rape and dubious consent. Even if you're looking to explore the dark romance genre, I wouldn't suggest starting out with something as content heavy as this. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Toxic relationship

Moderate: Murder

Surrender by Rilzy Adams

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was such a fun and steamy novella thats definitely adventurous. Usually some smut scenes in books can start to feel repetitive but Rilzy Adams always adds her own spin which makes them feel so original. This added to a great reading experience as it had me gasping and giggling at their playful banter, especially at some things Lennox said and did too. 

The novella ticked all the right boxes for me and would recommend to anyone who looking for a quick, smutty read. Even as a smut reader, this novella still had me blushing hard 

Always Been You by Q.B. Tyler

adventurous challenging lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

i dont know where to even begin.

One thing about QB Tyler, is she will always deliver with the smut and tied with heavy taboo elements, this makes you question a lot of things about life and yourself. But I cant deny the truth, this book was entertaining to read.

I couldn't stop reading about Gabrielle and James' twisted journey especially since I wanted to see the reactions of their family members when everything got revealed. I wont lie that was my favourite part, seeing their family tell them off it made me smile and laughvfudsk

The pacing especially in the ending chapters was rushed, I understand there needed to be drastic time jumps to shoe the progress of their relationships but bc of how short it was, it didn't make things as believable.

When I say this author can make me read anything though I mean it!! bc I know i'll be tuning into her new releases bc I'm guaranteed entertainment

Takeover by Evelyn Sola

funny lighthearted slow-paced

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

3.5

Even though this book was a nice read, the pacing threw me off which made me skim the last five chapters. I liked the dynamic between Tara and Ethan, but some of their dialogue was weird which made them at times feel immature.  The third act conflict was great, I really like how realistic their issues was which made me really think about how I would navigate through their drama. It was hard to pick a side bc everyone was both right and wrong though I wish Ethan grovelled more. Overall, it was the pacing of this book that really made me not as invested into the story but the book had great entertaining and wholesome moments that kept me hooked. 

Husky by Jessa Kane

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

This book is my favourite out of the series. Even though it was Insta love I still was smitten over their romance it was strangely wholesome and smutty