phantomparagrapher7's reviews
111 reviews

Pretend You're Mine by Lucy Score

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

  I have to admit, when it comes to Lucy Score’s books, I’m either all in or completely out. *Pretend You’re Mine* was definitely one of those hits for me! I was completely hooked from the start, drawn in by characters that were so easy to love and a romance that had all the feels.

Harper is on her way to stay with her friend Hannah when she gets lost and finds herself in the middle of a fight, stepping in to defend a woman being beaten. She doesn’t walk away unscathed, but luckily, Luke Garrison is there to help. Luke, a broody and selfless National Guard soldier, takes her in so she can heal. What starts as a simple act of kindness quickly turns into something more. Harper ends up sticking around, finding a job, and—of course—falling hard for Luke. And despite his best efforts to resist, Luke falls right back.

But Luke isn’t looking for love. He’s already lost his wife and unborn child, and he refuses to go through that pain again. With a deployment to Afghanistan looming, the last thing he wants is to get attached. So, he pushes Harper away. But love has a way of sneaking in when you least expect it, and sometimes, second chances come in the most unexpected ways.

This book had everything I love in a small-town romance—found family, heartwarming moments, and just the right amount of steam. Harper was such a strong and kind-hearted heroine, and Luke, despite his grumpy exterior, had a heart of gold. The slow burn was so worth it, and the emotional depth kept me turning the pages late into the night.

While some moments felt a little predictable, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. I laughed, swooned, and even got a little teary-eyed. If you love emotional, small-town romances with swoon-worthy heroes and fierce heroines, *Pretend You’re Mine* is a must-read!  

Prince of Pain by Tara Gallina

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

 He’s no prince, she’s no princess—and their love story is anything but a fairy tale. Welcome to the cruel, glittering world of Prince of Pain, where the Gilded Age vibes of opulence and decadence collide with the toxicity and torment of a modern-day old-money romance. 

Tara Gallina’s Prince of Pain dives headfirst into the lives of Adelaide and Kingston, childhood friends turned enemies-turned-something-more. Adelaide, raised in the lap of luxury yet emotionally bruised by betrayal and loss, is determined to keep her guard up in a world where people take what they want, no matter the cost. Kingston, with his piercing moonbeam eyes and dangerously sharp edges, is the boy who saved her once—but has become the man who knows exactly how to break her. 

The setting, a Rhode Island mansion enclave, feels like a character itself—full of secrets, echoes of past grandeur, and shadows that can’t be escaped. 

The push-pull dynamic between her and Kingston will have readers hooked, even when you’re screaming at them to make better choices. It’s toxic, messy, and borderline unbearable at times, but it’s written with such emotional depth that you can’t look away. Adelaide and Kingston’s story is a collision course of destruction—or salvation. 

This isn’t a sunshine-and-rainbows romance. Prince of Pain doesn’t shy away from the darker side of love, tackling themes like emotional manipulation, dominance, and past trauma. Readers should approach with care, as some moments are intense and may hit close to home. But if you love angst, drama, and high-stakes love-hate chemistry, this book delivers all of it in spades. 

For fans of modern romances with high heat, dark twists, and a touch of the forbidden, Prince of Pain is an addictive read that will leave you breathless, frustrated, and desperately needing the next installment of the Cruel Legacies series 

Killer Potential by Hannah Deitch

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

3.75

 It’s equal parts murder mystery, romantic suspense, and biting social commentary—all wrapped up in a sharp, unforgettable narrative. 

The story kicks off with Evie Gordon, a scholarship kid who’s done everything right but still finds herself treading water post-college, drowning in student debt and tutoring the super-rich SAT crowd in Beverly Hills. Evie’s mundane routine is upended when she stumbles into a crime scene at the Victors’ estate: the parents are brutally murdered, and their blood-spattered mansion hides a bound woman Jae crying out for help. Without a second thought, Evie rescues the stranger, only for the two of them to be spotted and mistaken for the perpetrators. In a flash, Evie and her new companion—a mysterious, near-silent woman—are thrust into the spotlight as the prime suspects in a case gripping the nation. 

Evie’s transformation from anonymous tutor to notorious fugitive is a wild ride. One moment she’s a nobody, the next she’s being labeled the next Charles Manson. 

There’s dark humor sprinkled in the tensest moments, romantic tension that crackles between Evie and her mysterious accomplice, and layers of suspense that keep you glued to the pages. The LGBTQA+ representation is seamlessly woven into the narrative, and the slow-burning bond between the two women adds emotional depth to the pulse-pounding plot. 

Killer Potential is a thrilling exploration of ambition, privilege, and the lengths we’ll go to in the name of survival. Hilarious, heart-pounding, and unflinchingly bold, this one deserves a spot on your shelf. A new adult thriller with a razor-sharp edge! 

Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

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

3.0

 

It’s no secret that The Ruinous Love Trilogy has been one of my favorite dark romantic comedy series, and I dove into Scythe and Sparrow with sky-high expectations after devouring Butcher & Blackbird and Leather & Lark. Brynne Weaver’s previous books set the bar incredibly high with their perfect blend of wit, chaos, and heart, but unfortunately, this final installment didn’t quite hit the mark for me. 

Fionn Kane, the nerdy yet emotionally scarred town doctor, and Rose Evans, the edgy motorcycle performer with a penchant for murder, seemed like they would deliver the same fiery chemistry and complex connection that made the first two books so irresistible. Sadly, I struggled to connect with their relationship—and that lack of emotional resonance made this one a tougher read. 

Thematically, Scythe and Sparrow tackles grief, trust, and second chances, but the execution felt uneven. The "friends with benefits" dynamic promised plenty of tension and emotional payoff, but instead, it felt rushed and lacking in the kind of raw honesty that made the earlier books so powerful. I also felt the pacing dragged in places, with Fionn and Rose’s individual arcs overshadowing their romantic one. 

While Scythe and Sparrow didn’t quite live up to my expectations, I’m still glad I finished the trilogy. Brynne Weaver’s unique voice and genre-defying storytelling make her a standout in the world of dark romance, and I’ll continue to look forward to her future projects. If you’re a die-hard fan of the series, it’s worth the read to see how the story ends—just go in with tempered expectations. 

The Daughter by T.M. Logan

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

3.5

 

T.M. Logan has mastered the art of taking a parent's worst nightmare and spinning it into a slow-burning, psychological thriller that leaves you reeling. The Daughter is no exception. This gripping tale draws readers into the life of Lauren, a mother who sets out on a seemingly ordinary trip to collect her daughter, Evie, from university—only to find that Evie has vanished without a trace. 

The story kicks off with a sense of unease that steadily builds as Lauren discovers that Evie hasn’t been seen for weeks. The situation spirals into a desperate search, revealing secrets and lies that make Lauren question everything she thought she knew about her daughter. 

At its core, The Daughter delves into themes of trust, family, and the lengths we’ll go to for those we love. TM Logan’s slow-paced narrative allows readers to savor every clue and red herring, creating an immersive experience. While the plot may take its time to unfold, the payoff is well worth the wait, with a series of twists that will leave you questioning everything until the final pages. 

Drug trafficking forms a central thread of the mystery, adding a gritty, real-world edge to the story. As Lauren digs deeper, she’s pulled into a dark and dangerous world that forces her to confront not only external threats but also her own fears and vulnerabilities as her ex-husband comes back into the picture. 

 The pacing may not be for everyone as this follows the famous slow-paced thrillers that are synoymous with UK Fiction, especially if you prefer fast-moving thrillers, but those who enjoy a slow-burn suspense will find themselves completely hooked. 

Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena and Clare Mackintosh, this is one thriller you won’t want to miss. 

My Fault by Mercedes Ron

adventurous challenging lighthearted tense medium-paced

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

4.5

 

Starting a new series is always a gamble, and with My Fault by Mercedes Ron, I decided to dive in blind. As I got deeper into the story, a sense of déjà vu crept in. The storyline felt oddly familiar, almost as if I had read it before—so much so that I paused to check Goodreads. No record of a previous read, so it must have been another title with similar vibes. That said, this book brings its own unique twist to the familiar tropes, blending an intoxicating mix of family drama, forbidden romance, and high-stakes thrills. 

The best way to describe My Fault? Imagine Grease crashing headfirst into Fast and the Furious in a modern-day setting. The story follows seventeen-year-old Noah Morgan, who’s yanked from her quiet Toronto life when her mother unexpectedly marries a billionaire and moves them to Los Angeles. Suddenly, Noah finds herself immersed in a world of illegal street racing, opulent pool parties, and a parade of spoiled rich kids. Enter Nick, her new stepbrother—a dangerously alluring bad boy who is equal parts infuriating and irresistible. 

Nick is everything Noah despises: arrogant, aloof, and undeniably magnetic. His bad-boy persona isn’t an act; it’s who he is, and Noah, who’s spent her life running from danger, knows he’s exactly the kind of trouble she should avoid. Yet the attraction between them is electric and impossible to ignore, setting the stage for an intense enemies-to-lovers romance. But just as Noah begins to navigate her complicated feelings for Nick, secrets from her past resurface, threatening to unravel everything. Nick must decide if he’s willing to risk it all to protect her, even if it means crossing lines that could destroy them both. 

What makes My Fault such a page-turner is its unrelenting angst and undeniable chemistry. Mercedes Ron does a fantastic job capturing the intensity of forbidden romance, weaving in themes of identity, trust, and resilience. The dual POVs give readers an intimate look into both Noah and Nick’s struggles, adding depth to their tumultuous journey. 

While the plot isn’t groundbreaking, it’s undeniably addictive. Think New Adult romance with all the classic tropes: forbidden love, enemies-to-lovers, and a dash of danger. If you’re into TikTok’s hottest romance recs or devoured Chloe Walsh’s Ocean Bay series, this one’s for you. Prepare for a wild, emotional ride that’s impossible to put down. My Fault is a guilty pleasure in every sense of the word—a binge-worthy start to the Culpables series.
 

You're Dead To Me by Amy Christine Parker

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.25

 

Amy Christine Parker’s You’re Dead to Me is a chilling YA thriller that blends the glam of Gossip Girl with the sinister vibes of Carrie, delivering a high school horror story that’s impossible to put down. Packed with ghostly visions, a masked serial killer, and a fierce heroine on the clock to save her own life, this novel keeps you guessing right until its blood-soaked finale. 

Meet Ruby, a snarky, sharp-tongued scholarship student at the elite Oleander High School. Straddling the tense divide between the town’s privileged elites and its struggling locals, Ruby’s anonymous gossip blog, ReputationKiller, has earned her both loyal followers and enemies. But when her secret identity is exposed, the tables turn. Publicly shunned and targeted by the town’s collective ire, Ruby’s situation spirals into outright terror after she encounters her ghostly doppelgänger—a blood-drenched vision of herself in a prom dress. 

Ruby’s ghostly warning is clear: someone wants her dead, and prom night is their endgame. With only days to unmask the murderer, Ruby embarks on a high-stakes investigation that peels back the layers of Oleander Bay’s darkest secrets. From family scandals to hitmen and clandestine alliances, Ruby’s journey reveals that no one is as innocent as they seem. The tightly woven plot ratchets up the suspense with every twist, each revelation more shocking than the last. 

If you love your thrillers laced with dark humor, pulse-pounding suspense, and a touch of the supernatural, You’re Dead to Me is the perfect read. Amy Christine Parker masterfully crafts a story where secrets lurk around every corner, and danger is as close as the next masked figure. With prom night looming and the stakes higher than ever, Ruby’s fight for survival is one wild ride you won’t want to miss.
 

Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

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

3.5

 

I went into Heart of the Sun blindly, expecting an edgy, angst-filled new adult romance. Instead, what I got was a gripping dystopian love story reminiscent of Zombieland or The Walking Dead—but without the zombies. Mia Sheridan’s masterful storytelling delivers a heart-wrenching yet hopeful tale about love, survival, and second chances when the world as we know it is thrust into chaos. 

The story takes us to the sun-drenched orange groves of California, where childhood best friends Emily Swanson and Tuck Mattice shared an unshakable bond—until life tore them apart. Fast forward thirteen years, and Emily, now a famous pop sensation, is in need of security. Enter Tuck, an ex-con trying to rebuild his life. As Emily hires Tuck as her bodyguard, their personalities create tension that’s laced with nostalgia and undeniable chemistry. What starts as a slow burn quickly ignites, reminding both characters and readers of their deep connection. 

But just as they begin to navigate their rekindled feelings, a cataclysmic solar flare plunges the world into darkness, disrupting the electrical grid and unraveling society. Fame and fortune mean nothing in this new, unpredictable world, forcing Emily to confront her vulnerability while Tuck steps up as the protector she didn’t know she needed. Their journey is both emotional and physical as they battle the collapse of civilization, their shared past, and the barriers they’ve built around their hearts. 

For fans of enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and dystopian fiction, Heart of the Sun offers the perfect blend of action, angst, and heart. If you enjoyed The Last of Us or love stories set against the backdrop of societal collapse, this book is a must-read. 

Lock Me Out by C. Hallman

challenging dark emotional tense 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? It's complicated

3.0

 

At the end of Book #1, we read that an explosion happened at the main house killing three people which included Colt and Nix's Dad, Leni's Mom and a third person which everyone but Colt assumes was his brother. Colt and Leni move in together and start dating Colt is gentle but firm with her and the pair start to get into a great routine, even more so when Colt's mum is awake and out of her coma. Life is looking up for the pair, Colt on the other hand just wishes his brother would make an appearance as he has been secretly emailing him updates of their life. Eventually, Nix does come back but half his face is scarred and we learn about what happened the day the fire was set and who the third person was. You see, the third person's family knows something happened and blames Leni for it and they want revenge and are eager to do an eye for an eye which results in Leni getting kidnapped and more people of course getting killed. I have to admit when Nix does come back, the three get into a relationship and the dark romance happens again as Nix is just like their father and into rough sex. I was like seriously Colt are you that blind and going to let your brother re-traumatise your girlfriend sexually especially after she's finally moved on, but Leni wasn't that afraid as even though Nix hurt her, she still went along with it. I started to lose respect for both Colt and Leni's characters when Nix came back as it was like he was their master and they were his puppets. In conclusion, as you can guess what happens is we finish on a Reverse Harem or as the kids are calling it today WhyChoose ending and a Dark Romance HEA for Colt, Nix, and Leni as the Locked Duet winds up. 

All My Kisses For You by Monica Murphy

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 

This first book of the Lancaster Prep Next Generation had me excited as I have loved reading Monica Murphy's Lancaster Prep series. Book #1 All My Kisses for You as you can probably guess from the title is the story of Crew and Wren Lancaster's oldest daughter Willow who is the perfect carbon copy of her mother. Quiet and studious and unassuming especially to how stunning she is. Willow is back from her year abroad and headed to her final year at Lancaster Prep. The school though she is about to discover has changed as the new principal is all about sports and football and also, he doesn't give a crap about "Lancasters" and bows down to them like the former principal. However, it will backfire as let's be honest, nobody threatens a Lancaster and gets away with it, especially at a school they are supposed to run. Willow catches the eye of football superstar Rhett Bennett and we learn that Rhett comes from football royalty as he is the grandson of Drew and Fable Callahan from Monica Murphy's The Callahan Series which I also enjoyed so loved this crossover. The other thing I enjoyed about this book was that Rhett replicated the famous painting of the Kisses as a gesture like Wren and her Chanel bag of every lipstick color.  I also enjoyed seeing the Easter Eggs in this book like the dedication chair to Daisy's mother - Daisy married Arch Lancaster and a music video from Tate Ramsey who married Scarlett Lancaster. We also saw Iris, August, and Rowan and glimpses of their potential future loves.  I am now looking forward to continuing the last couple of books in the Lancaster Prep- Next Generation series.