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jessanicolesingh's reviews
139 reviews
The Sinner by Shantel Tessier
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was my second read in the L.O.R.D.S. series, and I have to say I wasn't crazy into it. I was really hoping it would be like the 1st one, where I eventually came around to not hating the MMC 25% through, but that was not the case; I found him very unlikeable and I couldn't find anything redeemable. I also felt the MFC was very flat, her ONLY personality traits seem to be that she's a sex addict with a dead dad 🤷‍♀️ Regardless, I am still invested in the series and will trudge on through.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Stalking, Murder, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Suicide, Death of parent
Shallow River by H.D. Carlton
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.5
*HEAVY trigger warnings on this book; I think this was the most intense book I have read to date
Shallow River is 70% a domestic violence survival story, and 30% a serial killer thriller (VERY different from the other dark romances I have read by this author). The rinse and repeat cycle of DV is incredibly well written, and you will be stressed from cover to cover. While there were some consensual spicy scenes, there were equally as many assault scenes, so do NOT go into this thinking it's a typical dark steamy read. Don't worry though, there is a HEA
Shallow River is 70% a domestic violence survival story, and 30% a serial killer thriller (VERY different from the other dark romances I have read by this author). The rinse and repeat cycle of DV is incredibly well written, and you will be stressed from cover to cover. While there were some consensual spicy scenes, there were equally as many assault scenes, so do NOT go into this thinking it's a typical dark steamy read. Don't worry though, there is a HEA
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts
Phantom by Greer Rivers
dark
mysterious
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
5.0
This is something I didn't know I was craving, and I am in LOVE!
This book was a modernization of the novel/musical “The Phantom Of The Opera” reimagined as a mafia romance, but this time the FMC chooses the Phantom (something I've always wished for). Some of the music innuendos and analogies were cheesy, and there were far too many “demon of music” and “my muse” nickname repetitions, but it was a small price to pay. Though this most likely would not be a 5 star read for everyone, it was personal to me as the original story has been such a pillar of my personality and awakened my adolescent interest in dark romance, which has now come full circle as an adult.
This book was a modernization of the novel/musical “The Phantom Of The Opera” reimagined as a mafia romance, but this time the FMC chooses the Phantom (something I've always wished for). Some of the music innuendos and analogies were cheesy, and there were far too many “demon of music” and “my muse” nickname repetitions, but it was a small price to pay. Though this most likely would not be a 5 star read for everyone, it was personal to me as the original story has been such a pillar of my personality and awakened my adolescent interest in dark romance, which has now come full circle as an adult.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Violence
Minor: Death of parent
Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Though I usually see this book come up as a “dark romance” recommendation, I would definitely recategorize it as a simple taboo romance and leave it at that. I appreciated the slow burn build, making it feel more realistic (if you can even say that about a boyfriend's dad, age-gap storyline). There was some repetitive & cringey dialogue, and a lot of the main characters’ issues could have been resolved with some faster-acting honestly, but overall it was cute, quick and had some swoon worthy moments.
I have a few more books by this author on my TBR list and can't wait to dive into her world again!
I have a few more books by this author on my TBR list and can't wait to dive into her world again!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Now You're Mine by Morgan Bridges
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As far as dark romances go, this stalker series was a little more on the mild side as I'm used to a more unhinged MMC. I did however like that there was not a secret society this time around, just a morally-gray dude in the regular world. For me it was a pretty fast paced read, and book 1 ends in a cliffhanger so it’s best to piggyback them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Stalking
Once You're Mine by Morgan Bridges
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As far as dark romances go, this stalker series was a little more on the mild side as I'm used to a more unhinged MMC. I did however like that there was not a secret society this time around, just a morally-gray dude in the regular world. For me it was a pretty fast paced read, and book 1 ends in a cliffhanger so it’s best to piggyback them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Stalking, Murder
Satan's Affair by H.D. Carlton
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Though the writing was just as good as any other HD Carlton novel, I just could not find myself that interested in Sibby's story. I don't know if it's because half of the characters don't even exist (IYKYK) or because it was so short and didn't deliver much more than the original series. Perhaps I will give her another chance in her upcoming duets (TEOI & TCOD respectfully)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Murder
Moderate: Child abuse
Where's Molly by H.D. Carlton
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
For a dark romance this had a genuinely happy ending! I enjoyed Molly & Cade's chemistry a lot, but the book was not nearly long enough and definitely felt rushed, especially considering how much time was covered between present day and the decade and a half flashbacks.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use, Incest, Rape, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
When I tell you I FLEW through this thriller, I mean I literally tore through it in under 48 hours. I had a hunch a twist was coming, given the genre, but was completely blindsided when it came to fruition. I enjoyed that the major plot points were wrapped up with a bow in the end, but some of the consequential events to follow were left rather ambitious 🤔
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Murder
Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I LOVE HEARTSTOPPER!! The books, the TV series, the characters; I just can't get enough. The ONLY reason I reduced by 1/2 star is because I watched the series BEFORE reading and was ever so slightly bummed that the side characters had such smaller storylines (which I admit is due to my own relations to those characters and not a fault of the source material)