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justabooktrovert's reviews
1094 reviews
Madison Square Murders by C.S. Poe
4.5
I was on the hunt for a solid MM detective story and Madison Square Murders by C.S. Poe completely delivered and then some. This book was such a pleasant surprise. The premise hooked me right away: cold cases, a mysterious crate of remains, and a death mask straight out of the Victorian era? Yes, please.
Everett Larkin is a fascinating character: brilliant, detail-obsessed, and emotionally complex. Then enter Ira Doyle, his complete opposite; charming, grounded, and not shy with the flirting. They had this low-key, slow-burn thing going on that totally pulled me in.
The mystery itself was gripping. I thought I had it figured out… I didn’t. And honestly? I was glad to be wrong. That’s great storytelling in my book. The plot kept me guessing, and the pacing never dragged.
If you like clever writing, complex leads, and a slow-building connection between unlikely partners, give this one a go. I'm already looking forward to the next case.
Everett Larkin is a fascinating character: brilliant, detail-obsessed, and emotionally complex. Then enter Ira Doyle, his complete opposite; charming, grounded, and not shy with the flirting. They had this low-key, slow-burn thing going on that totally pulled me in.
The mystery itself was gripping. I thought I had it figured out… I didn’t. And honestly? I was glad to be wrong. That’s great storytelling in my book. The plot kept me guessing, and the pacing never dragged.
If you like clever writing, complex leads, and a slow-building connection between unlikely partners, give this one a go. I'm already looking forward to the next case.
Burned & Bound by A. Winchester
4.0
This is one of those books that hooks you with its premise: childhood best friends turned enemies forced to coexist; then drags you through every bit of pain, resentment, and buried emotion between them.
West and Jackson’s story is intense. You can feel the history between them, the love, the betrayal, and the hurt that never really went away. The forced proximity on the family ranch adds so much delicious tension, and the slow unraveling of secrets kept me turning the pages. I especially loved how the author handled West’s trauma: raw, real, and layered.
That said, it did feel a bit long in places. Some scenes dragged and could’ve been tighter, which is what knocked it down from a full five stars for me. Still, if you love dark, emotionally heavy romances with broken characters clawing their way toward understanding (and maybe forgiveness), this one’s worth the ride.
⚠️ Trigger warnings galore!!! Definitely check those before diving in. This is not a light book, and it doesn’t shy away from some heavy, dark themes.
West and Jackson’s story is intense. You can feel the history between them, the love, the betrayal, and the hurt that never really went away. The forced proximity on the family ranch adds so much delicious tension, and the slow unraveling of secrets kept me turning the pages. I especially loved how the author handled West’s trauma: raw, real, and layered.
That said, it did feel a bit long in places. Some scenes dragged and could’ve been tighter, which is what knocked it down from a full five stars for me. Still, if you love dark, emotionally heavy romances with broken characters clawing their way toward understanding (and maybe forgiveness), this one’s worth the ride.
⚠️ Trigger warnings galore!!! Definitely check those before diving in. This is not a light book, and it doesn’t shy away from some heavy, dark themes.
Devilish by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine
3.5
Devlish is book two in the Park Avenue Kings series, and this time we get Lucien’s story; a billionaire playboy with a dominant streak and a heart of gold under all that power. When he meets Kai, a younger man in a bad situation, Lucien steps in like a dark knight and whisks him into his world.
Their relationship moves fast, but there's undeniable chemistry and a sweet dynamic between them. Kai’s vulnerability tugs at Lucien’s protective side. The "different worlds" contrast is well done, though at times I wished we’d gotten more depth or buildup. It’s definitely a steamy, feel-good read, with D/s and BDSM elements.
Their relationship moves fast, but there's undeniable chemistry and a sweet dynamic between them. Kai’s vulnerability tugs at Lucien’s protective side. The "different worlds" contrast is well done, though at times I wished we’d gotten more depth or buildup. It’s definitely a steamy, feel-good read, with D/s and BDSM elements.
The Beautiful Dead by Skyla Raines
4.5
This book owns its darkness in the best way. The Beautiful Undead follows Domino and Remi. Domino, the heir to a crime empire, and Remi, the new guy in town who is obsessed with the undead. It’s depraved, obsessive, toxic, and I was so here for it. Their dynamic is all-consuming. It’s not healthy, it’s not safe, but it is magnetic. I couldn’t look away. The writing pulls you deep into their spiral, and the tension just simmers. Absolutely loved it.
⚠️ Big trigger warnings: check those first. This one’s dark, intense, and definitely not for the faint of heart.
⚠️ Big trigger warnings: check those first. This one’s dark, intense, and definitely not for the faint of heart.
Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall
4.5
This book is gloriously ridiculous in the best possible way and I adored every moment of it. Alexis Hall serves up a Regency romance that’s over-the-top, unapologetically campy, and somehow still manages to be sweet and swoony beneath the madness. I laughed and rolled my eyes (affectionately of course) throughout the story and cannot recommend it enough.
Enemies of the State by Tal Bauer
5.0
I can always count on Tal Bauer to take me on an incredible journey. Enemies Of The State pulled me in from the beginning. The tension, the forbidden chemistry, the emotional depth; it was everything I love in a romance. In the midst of political chaos and hidden truths, Jack and Ethan discovered something rare…an undeniable, quietly powerful love. A perfect series starter. Can’t wait to dive into the next one!
Whisper by Tal Bauer
5.0
I put off reading Whisper for a while, not just because it’s a long book, but because I knew the subject matter would wreck me. But after reading Hush and seeing Kris in that book, I finally took the plunge to read his story, and I’m so glad I did.
The first half was slow going and took me a couple of days to get through, but once the second half hit I could not put it down. “One more chapter” turned into I have to finish this now…I needed to know it all works out. It was gut-wrenching, and yet I absolutely loved it. Tal Bauer has this way of making you feel everything; every ounce of tension, longing, and heartbreak. The entire cast of characters are so raw and real, their journey gripping from start to finish.
Tal proves once again why he’s a master storyteller. If you’re hesitating, don’t be shy, just read it.
The first half was slow going and took me a couple of days to get through, but once the second half hit I could not put it down. “One more chapter” turned into I have to finish this now…I needed to know it all works out. It was gut-wrenching, and yet I absolutely loved it. Tal Bauer has this way of making you feel everything; every ounce of tension, longing, and heartbreak. The entire cast of characters are so raw and real, their journey gripping from start to finish.
Tal proves once again why he’s a master storyteller. If you’re hesitating, don’t be shy, just read it.
Us, Et Cetera by Kit Vincent
5.0
Wow. Just… wow. This book completely consumed me from start to finish. It’s an an emotional gut punch in the best way. Beautiful, heartbreaking, and utterly unforgettable. The writing is exquisite, every word purposeful and evocative. The world-building is immersive without ever feeling overwhelming, and the plot is compelling, pulling you in deeper with every page.
But above all else, it’s the characters that make this story truly shine. Eke. Oh, my heart. I don’t even have the words to fully express how much I ached for him. He’s fragile but resilient, broken but not beyond repair, and I wanted to wrap him in a blanket and protect him from everything. And then there’s Kyp; steady, caring, everything Eke needed. The way he looked after Eke, the way their relationship unfolded... it was tender and raw and just so beautifully done.
I honestly don’t have enough words to do this book justice. It’s the kind of story that lingers, the kind that leaves you staring at the ceiling long after you’ve turned the last page. If you love sci-fi with deeply human (and heartbreaking) emotions woven into it, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. 5 stars, easily.
But above all else, it’s the characters that make this story truly shine. Eke. Oh, my heart. I don’t even have the words to fully express how much I ached for him. He’s fragile but resilient, broken but not beyond repair, and I wanted to wrap him in a blanket and protect him from everything. And then there’s Kyp; steady, caring, everything Eke needed. The way he looked after Eke, the way their relationship unfolded... it was tender and raw and just so beautifully done.
I honestly don’t have enough words to do this book justice. It’s the kind of story that lingers, the kind that leaves you staring at the ceiling long after you’ve turned the last page. If you love sci-fi with deeply human (and heartbreaking) emotions woven into it, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. 5 stars, easily.
Possessive Puckboy by Eden Finley, Saxon James
4.0
The Puckboys series is my ultimate guilty pleasure, and Possessive Puckboy delivers exactly what I love…hockey, heat, and hilariously chaotic relationships.
Eden Finley and Saxon James have perfected the formula: banter that makes me laugh out loud, sizzling chemistry, and just the right amount of emotional depth to keep things from being all fun and games. This was another solid hit, and I devoured every page.
Eden Finley and Saxon James have perfected the formula: banter that makes me laugh out loud, sizzling chemistry, and just the right amount of emotional depth to keep things from being all fun and games. This was another solid hit, and I devoured every page.
Garron Park by Nordika Night
5.0
I just finished my re-read of Garron Park. This time via the newly released audiobook, and let me tell you, Brandon Francis and Gabriel Michael knocked it out of the park (or should I say trailer park?). Their narration brought Maddox and Devon’s story to life in a way that made me fall in love with them all over again.
Maddox, our resident grumpy (and occasionally feral) mechanic, and Devon, the golden-hearted trouble magnet, already had my heart from my first read. But hearing their banter, tension, and all that delicious intensity through these narrators? Chef’s kiss. It was like watching my favorite trashy reality TV show, but with actual depth, emotional gut punches, and way hotter main characters.
Nordika Night gave us an MM romance that’s equal parts raw, messy, and heartwarming, and now, with this stellar audiobook, it’s even better. Highly recommend both the book and the audio, whether you’re reading it for the first time or diving back in for a re-read like me.
Now excuse me while I stare wistfully into the distance, waiting for the audiobook of Lot 62 to drop next month.
Maddox, our resident grumpy (and occasionally feral) mechanic, and Devon, the golden-hearted trouble magnet, already had my heart from my first read. But hearing their banter, tension, and all that delicious intensity through these narrators? Chef’s kiss. It was like watching my favorite trashy reality TV show, but with actual depth, emotional gut punches, and way hotter main characters.
Nordika Night gave us an MM romance that’s equal parts raw, messy, and heartwarming, and now, with this stellar audiobook, it’s even better. Highly recommend both the book and the audio, whether you’re reading it for the first time or diving back in for a re-read like me.
Now excuse me while I stare wistfully into the distance, waiting for the audiobook of Lot 62 to drop next month.