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kpaigey's reviews
201 reviews
Twisted Hearts by Jagger Cole
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
[ARC Review]
(rounded up to 4 star overall)
Story: ☆☆☆. 5
Spice: ☆☆☆☆
I have a feeling my review is not going to be the norm. Having already read a few of Jagger Cole's books in this series, I feel like Twisted Hearts was lacking in its storyline. Of course it is spicy. Most, if not all of the storyline is based off of the sexual chemistry between the MMC and FMC. There wasn’t much building of any sort of relationship as Eilish was Gavan’s free use sex toy throughout the book- even though they seemed to develop feelings. Either way, none of this was really dealt with. My favorite part and the most intimate connection between them was almost at the end when Gavan and Eilish finally had a heart to heart talk, and both confessed something that neither of them had told another soul.
The author threw in a couple of twists towards the end, but I felt they were a bit rushed. I am used to amazing world building and more depth to the main characters told on the page with Jagger Cole. Do I like Gavan? Heck yes, his adoptive father raised him to be a standup man with integrity. Do I like Eilish? Yes, but perhaps me having not read Sinful Hearts yet left me wanting to know more about her.
Overall I enjoyed Twisted Hearts, but (shame on me for saying this) I would have preferred more character and love development between Gavan and Eilish with less passionless sex.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving my honest review.
(rounded up to 4 star overall)
Story: ☆☆☆. 5
Spice: ☆☆☆☆
I have a feeling my review is not going to be the norm. Having already read a few of Jagger Cole's books in this series, I feel like Twisted Hearts was lacking in its storyline. Of course it is spicy. Most, if not all of the storyline is based off of the sexual chemistry between the MMC and FMC. There wasn’t much building of any sort of relationship as Eilish was Gavan’s free use sex toy throughout the book- even though they seemed to develop feelings. Either way, none of this was really dealt with. My favorite part and the most intimate connection between them was almost at the end when Gavan and Eilish finally had a heart to heart talk, and both confessed something that neither of them had told another soul.
The author threw in a couple of twists towards the end, but I felt they were a bit rushed. I am used to amazing world building and more depth to the main characters told on the page with Jagger Cole. Do I like Gavan? Heck yes, his adoptive father raised him to be a standup man with integrity. Do I like Eilish? Yes, but perhaps me having not read Sinful Hearts yet left me wanting to know more about her.
Overall I enjoyed Twisted Hearts, but (shame on me for saying this) I would have preferred more character and love development between Gavan and Eilish with less passionless sex.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving my honest review.
Stalker of Mine by Jagger Cole
fast-paced
3.0
This is a much shorter story of Jagger Coles, but the Stalker trope is one of my favorites. The story is fast paced and goes back and forth between present time and six years ago when the MMC and FMC first encountered each other.
Oren is obsessed with Kenzie and has been "looking" after her for the past six years, and by looking after her I mean he's made sure no man ever touches her or gets more than one date with her. Poor Kenzie just thinks she's got really back luck with the fellas.
Through the story we learn what happened the night Oren first laid eyes on Kenzie, and what he else has done and who he had killed to keep her safe. Oren isn't the only one obsessed with Kenzie and getting what he wanted that night six years ago.
If you enjoy spicy fast paced romantic suspense with an obsessive stalker trope then you'll enjoy this read.
Oren is obsessed with Kenzie and has been "looking" after her for the past six years, and by looking after her I mean he's made sure no man ever touches her or gets more than one date with her. Poor Kenzie just thinks she's got really back luck with the fellas.
Through the story we learn what happened the night Oren first laid eyes on Kenzie, and what he else has done and who he had killed to keep her safe. Oren isn't the only one obsessed with Kenzie and getting what he wanted that night six years ago.
If you enjoy spicy fast paced romantic suspense with an obsessive stalker trope then you'll enjoy this read.
Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
[ALC Audiobook Review]
Story: Four out of Five Stars
Performance: Four out of Five Stars
This is a story of a mother doing anything she can to protect her daughter.
Imagine you find out your forty something year old mother has been having symptoms of early onset alzheimers, but wants nothing to do with having more tests done or seek treatment. As you try to plan for the all the life changes this new diagnosis will bring, recent actions and lies your mother told come to fruition and begin to muddle the trust you have in her. Then you come to the realization that you know nothing about your mother's past, where she comes from or if she has even given you her real birthdate. What would you do? This is exactly what Katherine Sterling is going through and she is determined to discover her mother's secrets.
This psychological thriller is told in three Acts through dual points of view: Ruth Sterling the mother, and Katherine her daughter with chapters of Ruth retelling her past as she writes in a journal that Katherine will eventually read- though we don't know when.
If you are familiar with actress Kate Mara, then you will enjoy her narration of this book. Kate Mara did a good job portraying the ranges of emotions both MFC went through. Even though the narrator does not change inflection to differentiate the two main characters, it didn't disrupt my following of the story. The story has a slow pace yet I didn't get frustrated because each chapter unwraps more layers of the story.
At the beginning of act three I did however begin to question how the story could go from there. I wondered how the author would incorporate a twist or turn so as to not end the book suddenly, but I didn't dwell on that questioning for too long because there definitely was more.
Throughout the book the author sprinkled tidbits of clues, but they never once had me veering away from of what the author wanted the reader to believe. I really enjoyed this Audiobook. I didn't expect the twist, and if she really wanted to Sarah Pekkanen could probably continue their story in another book.
If you are a fan of Frieda McFadden or Liv Constantine then you will enjoy this audiobook.
Please note: the story involves sexual assault of a minor, physical abuse of minors, talks of alcohol abuse, murder and mental health issues.
Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan audio for the free audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Story: Four out of Five Stars
Performance: Four out of Five Stars
This is a story of a mother doing anything she can to protect her daughter.
Imagine you find out your forty something year old mother has been having symptoms of early onset alzheimers, but wants nothing to do with having more tests done or seek treatment. As you try to plan for the all the life changes this new diagnosis will bring, recent actions and lies your mother told come to fruition and begin to muddle the trust you have in her. Then you come to the realization that you know nothing about your mother's past, where she comes from or if she has even given you her real birthdate. What would you do? This is exactly what Katherine Sterling is going through and she is determined to discover her mother's secrets.
This psychological thriller is told in three Acts through dual points of view: Ruth Sterling the mother, and Katherine her daughter with chapters of Ruth retelling her past as she writes in a journal that Katherine will eventually read- though we don't know when.
If you are familiar with actress Kate Mara, then you will enjoy her narration of this book. Kate Mara did a good job portraying the ranges of emotions both MFC went through. Even though the narrator does not change inflection to differentiate the two main characters, it didn't disrupt my following of the story. The story has a slow pace yet I didn't get frustrated because each chapter unwraps more layers of the story.
At the beginning of act three I did however begin to question how the story could go from there. I wondered how the author would incorporate a twist or turn so as to not end the book suddenly, but I didn't dwell on that questioning for too long because there definitely was more.
Throughout the book the author sprinkled tidbits of clues, but they never once had me veering away from of what the author wanted the reader to believe. I really enjoyed this Audiobook. I didn't expect the twist, and if she really wanted to Sarah Pekkanen could probably continue their story in another book.
If you are a fan of Frieda McFadden or Liv Constantine then you will enjoy this audiobook.
Please note: the story involves sexual assault of a minor, physical abuse of minors, talks of alcohol abuse, murder and mental health issues.
Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan audio for the free audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Along for the Ride by Lauren Biel
fast-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
4.0
|| ARC Review ||
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Angst: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I went in blindly with this book. All I did read were the tropes, and immediately knew I wanted everything it has to offer. The first few chapters set things up introducing each characters story and background, and once the trio meet up -all bets are off.
Gentry and Karson are brothers and hitmen. Leanna is a homeless drug addicted women on the run from her abusive fiance. On a whim Leanna steals a vehicle and slows to a stop when she spots Karson beside a broken down car in need of help.
Didn't her mom ever teach her not to pick up strangers off the highway?
Fortunately for Leanna and unfortunately for the brothers Grimm, she was in the beginnings of withdrawal so the fact that they basically carjacked her was the last thing on her mind, but surprisingly Gentry cared for and cleaned her up.
The story picks up the pace from then on and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the interactions between the three. Leanna knows what she wants and has a smart mouth on her. Karson is a murderous sociopathic self that grates on his brothers every nerve, and Gentry is the jealous homicidal grump that is a millisecond away from losing his zen.
I'm not going to go into any more detail with my review, because it's just too good to ruin with spoilers. Suffice it to say, I was not disappointed and there is a HEA - even if they are serial unalivers that enjoy playing with their targets.
If you like one bed, forced proximity, why choose, steamy, angsty, dark romances with a heavy history of abuse and neglect, and don't mind serial unaliving, non-consensual and some dubious consent with a healthy mix of MFM scenes then I highly recommend Along For The Ride by Lauren Biel.
This is only my second Lauren Biel book so I only have Captured to compare it to, however I can say with all honesty that she is one my new favorite go to authors for pitch black romances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Angst: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I went in blindly with this book. All I did read were the tropes, and immediately knew I wanted everything it has to offer. The first few chapters set things up introducing each characters story and background, and once the trio meet up -all bets are off.
Gentry and Karson are brothers and hitmen. Leanna is a homeless drug addicted women on the run from her abusive fiance. On a whim Leanna steals a vehicle and slows to a stop when she spots Karson beside a broken down car in need of help.
Didn't her mom ever teach her not to pick up strangers off the highway?
Fortunately for Leanna and unfortunately for the brothers Grimm, she was in the beginnings of withdrawal so the fact that they basically carjacked her was the last thing on her mind, but surprisingly Gentry cared for and cleaned her up.
The story picks up the pace from then on and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the interactions between the three. Leanna knows what she wants and has a smart mouth on her. Karson is a murderous sociopathic self that grates on his brothers every nerve, and Gentry is the jealous homicidal grump that is a millisecond away from losing his zen.
I'm not going to go into any more detail with my review, because it's just too good to ruin with spoilers. Suffice it to say, I was not disappointed and there is a HEA - even if they are serial unalivers that enjoy playing with their targets.
If you like one bed, forced proximity, why choose, steamy, angsty, dark romances with a heavy history of abuse and neglect, and don't mind serial unaliving, non-consensual and some dubious consent with a healthy mix of MFM scenes then I highly recommend Along For The Ride by Lauren Biel.
This is only my second Lauren Biel book so I only have Captured to compare it to, however I can say with all honesty that she is one my new favorite go to authors for pitch black romances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Happy Place by Emily Henry
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Audiobook Review
I love Emily Henry books and this one did not disappoint. Similar to People We Meet On Vacation, Happy Place gave me all the feels. The story revolves around six friends that have known each other since college and annually the group meet up at Sabrina's family vacation home, but this year is their last hurray. Sabrina's family is selling the home, and for the one couple who are secretly no longer engaged - Harriet and Wynn, they choose to pretend they are still a couple as to not ruin everyone's last group visit and in true romance form this leads to conflicting feelings and conflict.
As someone who didn't grow up with a strong group of friends that were basically family and people I would do anything for, Happy Place opened up a world that I know nothing about. The struggles this group of friends go through was very touching for me. Although they've each grown apart in their own ways, they are always there for each other.
Julia Whelan's acting skills left me in tears, with goosebumps or with am enormous smile. I honestly don't know if I would love Emily Henry's books as much if it wasn't for the fact that I've listened to them all via audiobook with Julia Whelan as the narrator.
As for Harriet and Wynn, their breakup isn't really explained until we are pretty far along in the story, however I felt the attraction and love they still have for each other. After college and their engagement, their lives end up such that neither could make the other truly happy. Harriett made Wynn promise to break off their lives together before things ever got too bad. So one late night over a twenty minute phone call they ended things.
Without giving away any spoilers I just have to say that Happy Place is worth the listen. Worth the time, and worth the slow burn between Harriet and Wynn. As usual Emily Henry sprinkles literary metaphorical brilliance throughout the book. Topics include the loss of a family member, drug use, pregnancy, mental illness, troubled family dynamics. The only reason I didn't give the audiobook five stars is because I felt it was slightly lacking in amount of usual witty banter I have come to love from the author.
I love Emily Henry books and this one did not disappoint. Similar to People We Meet On Vacation, Happy Place gave me all the feels. The story revolves around six friends that have known each other since college and annually the group meet up at Sabrina's family vacation home, but this year is their last hurray. Sabrina's family is selling the home, and for the one couple who are secretly no longer engaged - Harriet and Wynn, they choose to pretend they are still a couple as to not ruin everyone's last group visit and in true romance form this leads to conflicting feelings and conflict.
As someone who didn't grow up with a strong group of friends that were basically family and people I would do anything for, Happy Place opened up a world that I know nothing about. The struggles this group of friends go through was very touching for me. Although they've each grown apart in their own ways, they are always there for each other.
Julia Whelan's acting skills left me in tears, with goosebumps or with am enormous smile. I honestly don't know if I would love Emily Henry's books as much if it wasn't for the fact that I've listened to them all via audiobook with Julia Whelan as the narrator.
As for Harriet and Wynn, their breakup isn't really explained until we are pretty far along in the story, however I felt the attraction and love they still have for each other. After college and their engagement, their lives end up such that neither could make the other truly happy. Harriett made Wynn promise to break off their lives together before things ever got too bad. So one late night over a twenty minute phone call they ended things.
Without giving away any spoilers I just have to say that Happy Place is worth the listen. Worth the time, and worth the slow burn between Harriet and Wynn. As usual Emily Henry sprinkles literary metaphorical brilliance throughout the book. Topics include the loss of a family member, drug use, pregnancy, mental illness, troubled family dynamics. The only reason I didn't give the audiobook five stars is because I felt it was slightly lacking in amount of usual witty banter I have come to love from the author.
My Temptation by TL Swan
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I can't say enough good things about this book! That and I really want to live on Juliet's street!!
Juliet's Drinkwater and Henley James have an amazing first date full of margaritas, great conversation and are even better between she sheets- with completely off the charts chemistry, but then he ghosted her. Years later Juliet buys her dream renovation home, totally unaware that Henley James lives next door.
Juliet is convinced Henley is a complete a$$hat, but he's never quite gotten over the one night they spent together. "Last time we had sex, she changed my f**king DNA. There is no way in hell I’m doing that again." - Henley James. Henley has some baggage that causes him to run hot and cold so much that I'm surprised Juliet didn't get whiplash.
The arguments between the two, their internal monologues and screaming matches throughout the book had me rolling. The book is written with dual pov which makes it all the more better.
I laughed more times that I can count, wanted to throw the book a couple times at the MMC's stupidity sometimes, had my eyes well up with tears, and had a couple of hard realization moments that related to my own life.
Tee introduced so many new characters that I can't wait to read what she has planned for them in this new series. (Rebecca, Chloe, Blake and Antony to name a few).
The story does touch on mental health issues and grief.
"If you lean into the light, love will always find you there."
Thank you for the amazing surprise of choosing my for this ARC. Thank you to TL Swan and her team for this opportunity. I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Juliet's Drinkwater and Henley James have an amazing first date full of margaritas, great conversation and are even better between she sheets- with completely off the charts chemistry, but then he ghosted her. Years later Juliet buys her dream renovation home, totally unaware that Henley James lives next door.
Juliet is convinced Henley is a complete a$$hat, but he's never quite gotten over the one night they spent together. "Last time we had sex, she changed my f**king DNA. There is no way in hell I’m doing that again." - Henley James. Henley has some baggage that causes him to run hot and cold so much that I'm surprised Juliet didn't get whiplash.
The arguments between the two, their internal monologues and screaming matches throughout the book had me rolling. The book is written with dual pov which makes it all the more better.
I laughed more times that I can count, wanted to throw the book a couple times at the MMC's stupidity sometimes, had my eyes well up with tears, and had a couple of hard realization moments that related to my own life.
Tee introduced so many new characters that I can't wait to read what she has planned for them in this new series. (Rebecca, Chloe, Blake and Antony to name a few).
The story does touch on mental health issues and grief.
"If you lean into the light, love will always find you there."
Thank you for the amazing surprise of choosing my for this ARC. Thank you to TL Swan and her team for this opportunity. I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Mental illness
The Rebound by Leeanne Slade
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
[Audiobook Review]
Story: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Performance: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Recommend? Yes
I really enjoyed this story. The author masterfully combines humor, finding yourself again, mental health issues, love and divorce into a truly entertaining slow burn, no-strings attached summer fling. (HEA included)
Story: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Performance: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Recommend? Yes
I really enjoyed this story. The author masterfully combines humor, finding yourself again, mental health issues, love and divorce into a truly entertaining slow burn, no-strings attached summer fling. (HEA included)
Content Warnings
Minor: Infertility, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
Vicious Hearts by Jagger Cole
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
|| ARC REVIEW ||
Story: 5 out of 5
Spice: 5 out of 5
Plot: 5 out of 5
World Building: 5 out of 5
Five fuk'n stars. Bravo Jagger Cole! As much as this is a love story with uber spicy scenes, it also throws in a helluva thrilling plot twist.
I was first introduced to Cillian in Dark Kingdom, and instantly knew I would fall in love with his crazy story and I wasn't wrong one tiny bit. Una and Cillian are perfect together, even if she stabbed and tried to kill him more than once.
We learn about Cillian's childhood and how he evolved into the man is he today, as well as learn about Una and her true inner darkness that she's forever hidden from the world. Do heed the authors content warnings as this story deals with some heavy issues.
If you love a dark mafia romance that includes a thrilling twist, revolves around a true psychopath hero that will kill anyone who even touches his woman, and a heroine that will and has made multiple attempts to kill for those she loves then you will love this spicy as hell love story. There are even several laugh out loud moments thrown in there (ie. the car scene with Castle and Cillian after he's been stabbed).
Vicious Hearts will leave you running to read about all the other men in this world Jagger Cole has so brilliantly created. I love your writing so much!
I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review. Thank you Jagger Cole and Valentine PR for allowing me the opportunity to read this before its official release.
******
My favorite laugh out loud moment between Castle and Cillian~
“So, a girl…”
“Just drive.”
“A single—”
“Drive the damn car.”
“Like, are we talking a Viking-sized—”
“Stop fucking talking and drive.”
Story: 5 out of 5
Spice: 5 out of 5
Plot: 5 out of 5
World Building: 5 out of 5
Five fuk'n stars. Bravo Jagger Cole! As much as this is a love story with uber spicy scenes, it also throws in a helluva thrilling plot twist.
I was first introduced to Cillian in Dark Kingdom, and instantly knew I would fall in love with his crazy story and I wasn't wrong one tiny bit. Una and Cillian are perfect together, even if she stabbed and tried to kill him more than once.
We learn about Cillian's childhood and how he evolved into the man is he today, as well as learn about Una and her true inner darkness that she's forever hidden from the world. Do heed the authors content warnings as this story deals with some heavy issues.
If you love a dark mafia romance that includes a thrilling twist, revolves around a true psychopath hero that will kill anyone who even touches his woman, and a heroine that will and has made multiple attempts to kill for those she loves then you will love this spicy as hell love story. There are even several laugh out loud moments thrown in there (ie. the car scene with Castle and Cillian after he's been stabbed).
Vicious Hearts will leave you running to read about all the other men in this world Jagger Cole has so brilliantly created. I love your writing so much!
I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review. Thank you Jagger Cole and Valentine PR for allowing me the opportunity to read this before its official release.
******
My favorite laugh out loud moment between Castle and Cillian~
“So, a girl…”
“Just drive.”
“A single—”
“Drive the damn car.”
“Like, are we talking a Viking-sized—”
“Stop fucking talking and drive.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Kidnapping
Captured by Lauren Biel
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail