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readingwithfefe's reviews
745 reviews
Don't Stop by Lauren Biel
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
1st person/dual pov
Spice: 4/5
LAUREN!! Like what do I even say about this one? Oh my lawd...
Did I enjoy it? Yes, I absolutely did. Does that make me question things about myself? Oh does it ever! Yet I couldn't put it down! The story was so different from what I expected and somehow even more shocking at certain points than I anticipated. Which says a lot because I have come to learn this author does not shy away from things that will have your eyes bulging out of your head and questioning if you really just read what you just read lol!
If you want dark, disturbing, and kind of morbid with some spice tossed in then you should absolutely pick this one up. Huge warning though - if you're easily triggered maybe skip over it cause some of the things these two do are not for the faint of heart.
And to the author... your mind is WILD and I freaking love it!
Spice: 4/5
LAUREN!! Like what do I even say about this one? Oh my lawd...
Did I enjoy it? Yes, I absolutely did. Does that make me question things about myself? Oh does it ever! Yet I couldn't put it down! The story was so different from what I expected and somehow even more shocking at certain points than I anticipated. Which says a lot because I have come to learn this author does not shy away from things that will have your eyes bulging out of your head and questioning if you really just read what you just read lol!
If you want dark, disturbing, and kind of morbid with some spice tossed in then you should absolutely pick this one up. Huge warning though - if you're easily triggered maybe skip over it cause some of the things these two do are not for the faint of heart.
And to the author... your mind is WILD and I freaking love it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Carnage by Shantel Tessier
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
1st person/dual pov
Spice: 5/5
Saint Beckham Carter - a devil who walks among men. Don't let that name fool you because this man is 100% the complete opposite of holy. I wouldn't have him any other way either! If you thought the previous books in The L.O.R.D.S world were dark just wait until you let Saint get ahold of your attention. You will be jaw-dropped and eyes glued to the pages as he struts his devilish ass right over any and every line that can be crossed. Yet I found myself not caring one single bit because the amount of obsession this man has for his woman is unreal! I could not, I repeat could not, get enough of how feral he gets over Ashtyn. I'm a sucker for an over-the-top possessive man and Saint checks all the right boxes and then some. And the other two guys... my god. I knew the Spade Brothers were going to be intense but I swear these three are on a whole other level. I don't know how Shantel does it. Every time I read one of these books I think to myself the men in this world can't possibly get more unhinged. Then here comes another Lord in another book proving me wrong haha!
As for Ashtyn, this poor girl, I felt for her so much. The people in her life she is supposed to be able to trust and lean on put her through it let me tell you. The things she winds up going through just broke my heart into pieces. But through it all, you keep seeing the strength and the resilience she has shining from her soul even in her darkest of moments. On top of all of that - kudos to her for being able to handle all the wicked things Saint puts her body through. There couldn't have been a better match for the two of them that's for sure. Oh, and before you start reading make sure to have a fan, a spray bottle, or anything that you can use to cool off nearby because the heat inside Carnage got bumped up to Hades with no intention of chilling back down. The. Spice. Is. Filthy. And so freaking good!
Now for my favorite thing about this book - the storyline. I mean I love a good dark and smutty book as much as the next person but the way all of that is intertwined inside this wild ride of a plot that has all these secrets and twists is the sweetest cherry on top. You never know what's going to be revealed or happen next and it is highly addicting so you've been warned.
It's also stated that this can be read as a standalone and while it absolutely can be if you haven't read the previous books in this world I highly encourage you to do so before reading this one. So much of the story will click into place and make better sense if you do. Even better is they will not wind up spoiled in any way if you do because there are several things in this book that will spoil the storylines of the others before it.
As always please make sure to check the TW before reading and do not take them lightly. Believe me when I say they are there for a reason and they are not an exaggeration. This one gets pretty graphic and pretty dark but it is so worth the read if you can handle the content. I cannot wait for more of the Spade Brothers and to see where Shantel takes this world next!
Spice: 5/5
Saint Beckham Carter - a devil who walks among men. Don't let that name fool you because this man is 100% the complete opposite of holy. I wouldn't have him any other way either! If you thought the previous books in The L.O.R.D.S world were dark just wait until you let Saint get ahold of your attention. You will be jaw-dropped and eyes glued to the pages as he struts his devilish ass right over any and every line that can be crossed. Yet I found myself not caring one single bit because the amount of obsession this man has for his woman is unreal! I could not, I repeat could not, get enough of how feral he gets over Ashtyn. I'm a sucker for an over-the-top possessive man and Saint checks all the right boxes and then some. And the other two guys... my god. I knew the Spade Brothers were going to be intense but I swear these three are on a whole other level. I don't know how Shantel does it. Every time I read one of these books I think to myself the men in this world can't possibly get more unhinged. Then here comes another Lord in another book proving me wrong haha!
As for Ashtyn, this poor girl, I felt for her so much. The people in her life she is supposed to be able to trust and lean on put her through it let me tell you. The things she winds up going through just broke my heart into pieces. But through it all, you keep seeing the strength and the resilience she has shining from her soul even in her darkest of moments. On top of all of that - kudos to her for being able to handle all the wicked things Saint puts her body through. There couldn't have been a better match for the two of them that's for sure. Oh, and before you start reading make sure to have a fan, a spray bottle, or anything that you can use to cool off nearby because the heat inside Carnage got bumped up to Hades with no intention of chilling back down. The. Spice. Is. Filthy. And so freaking good!
Now for my favorite thing about this book - the storyline. I mean I love a good dark and smutty book as much as the next person but the way all of that is intertwined inside this wild ride of a plot that has all these secrets and twists is the sweetest cherry on top. You never know what's going to be revealed or happen next and it is highly addicting so you've been warned.
It's also stated that this can be read as a standalone and while it absolutely can be if you haven't read the previous books in this world I highly encourage you to do so before reading this one. So much of the story will click into place and make better sense if you do. Even better is they will not wind up spoiled in any way if you do because there are several things in this book that will spoil the storylines of the others before it.
As always please make sure to check the TW before reading and do not take them lightly. Believe me when I say they are there for a reason and they are not an exaggeration. This one gets pretty graphic and pretty dark but it is so worth the read if you can handle the content. I cannot wait for more of the Spade Brothers and to see where Shantel takes this world next!
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
1st person/single pov (with end chapter from alternate pov)
Spice: 3.5/5
Welp - I get it now. All the hype surrounding this book had me not only excited to read it but nervous as well because I know from experience that some books have a big following but they don't always live up to my expectations once I read them. Yeah, not a single doubt about this one now. In fact, it surpassed what expectations I had before opening it. My husband even read it (and he doesn't read stuff like this at all lol) and loved every minute of it! He finished and ran straight to audible to preorder the second book before I could myself! 😂
This is the first I've read from this author and I liked how the world-building was written to give you enough to completely picture their environment but not so much that it became boring or felt like it was added just to fill a chapter. The character development was phenomenal and drawn out at a pace that felt natural, never forced or rushed in order to get them where they needed to be for the end of the book. (Speaking of the end of the book - I'll definitely be coming back to that one later!) And there is spice... I don't know why but I wasn't expecting the spice that I got from it. Then I got to it and hellooooooo Shadow Daddy!!! 🤤 I assumed there would be some flirting and some fade to black stuff but nope - Rebecca gave us a full-on adult fantasy complete with tension, steam, and chemistry. Plus, it was the perfect amount. Not too much and not too little. 🤌🏻
My favorite thing though, besides the killer storyline going on here, is the little moments of humor and found family sprinkled throughout. I love it when I can laugh with the characters in a book even if chaos and/or danger is surrounding them. Humor and sarcasm are coping mechanisms for me so this not only had me engrossed in the story but it left me feeling like these characters were more alive than just words on a page.
As for the ending... let me just say that I never saw it coming. I usually can spot the twists a mile away and I did in fact spot one of them but that wasn't the biggest one. It wasn't the bombshell dropped at the last possible minute that made waiting for the next book torture even though it will be here in like a week or so lol. I don't know how all of these people who read this when it came out haven't gone mad with the wait because it's only been days for me and I'm still trying not to scream over it anymore!
So if you're about to jump into this one just buckle up. It's full of action, laughs, drama, secrets, suspense, passion, and so much more. Once you get to the last 20ish percent or so don't make any plans that will cause you to put this book down because you will wish you hadn't. I'm telling you I could not function like a normal adult until I finished it. I was angry, I was shocked, I bawled my eyes out (I mean why Rebecca? Just WHY?!), I swooned all over the place, and then my head exploded with six little words... 🤯
Enjoy!!!
Spice: 3.5/5
Welp - I get it now. All the hype surrounding this book had me not only excited to read it but nervous as well because I know from experience that some books have a big following but they don't always live up to my expectations once I read them. Yeah, not a single doubt about this one now. In fact, it surpassed what expectations I had before opening it. My husband even read it (and he doesn't read stuff like this at all lol) and loved every minute of it! He finished and ran straight to audible to preorder the second book before I could myself! 😂
This is the first I've read from this author and I liked how the world-building was written to give you enough to completely picture their environment but not so much that it became boring or felt like it was added just to fill a chapter. The character development was phenomenal and drawn out at a pace that felt natural, never forced or rushed in order to get them where they needed to be for the end of the book. (Speaking of the end of the book - I'll definitely be coming back to that one later!) And there is spice... I don't know why but I wasn't expecting the spice that I got from it. Then I got to it and hellooooooo Shadow Daddy!!! 🤤 I assumed there would be some flirting and some fade to black stuff but nope - Rebecca gave us a full-on adult fantasy complete with tension, steam, and chemistry. Plus, it was the perfect amount. Not too much and not too little. 🤌🏻
My favorite thing though, besides the killer storyline going on here, is the little moments of humor and found family sprinkled throughout. I love it when I can laugh with the characters in a book even if chaos and/or danger is surrounding them. Humor and sarcasm are coping mechanisms for me so this not only had me engrossed in the story but it left me feeling like these characters were more alive than just words on a page.
As for the ending... let me just say that I never saw it coming. I usually can spot the twists a mile away and I did in fact spot one of them but that wasn't the biggest one. It wasn't the bombshell dropped at the last possible minute that made waiting for the next book torture even though it will be here in like a week or so lol. I don't know how all of these people who read this when it came out haven't gone mad with the wait because it's only been days for me and I'm still trying not to scream over it anymore!
So if you're about to jump into this one just buckle up. It's full of action, laughs, drama, secrets, suspense, passion, and so much more. Once you get to the last 20ish percent or so don't make any plans that will cause you to put this book down because you will wish you hadn't. I'm telling you I could not function like a normal adult until I finished it. I was angry, I was shocked, I bawled my eyes out (I mean why Rebecca? Just WHY?!), I swooned all over the place, and then my head exploded with six little words... 🤯
Enjoy!!!
Brazen Affairs by Ashley James
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
1st person/dual pov
Spice: 4/5
What happens when a man whose world is crumbling around him ventures into the world of Only Fans and seeks the help of a popular creator to teach him the ropes? Well, he learns a whole lot more than what he ever expected to, not only about the industry but about himself.
The way Vaughn and Camden are around each other is adorable. Camden is a laid-back and easygoing college guy who doesn't take himself or the things around him too seriously. He's focused on school and creating content for his subscribers. Vaughn, being a decade older than Cam, is more uptight and serious when it comes to most things but seems to go with the flow easily. The age difference between them is very obvious but in a way that makes their interactions feel playful and adds some humor to the story. I really enjoyed the fact that even though Vaughn is the older of the two he is the one being guided through this by someone who is younger but definitely has the experience to teach him.
My favorite thing about this book though is how their relationship builds over time. Each encounter they have with each other moves things a little bit further in pushing Vaughn out of his comfort zone just enough to discover more about not only creating content but his own feelings and attractions as well. It's like an entire side of himself he never knew existed slowly floated to the surface with Cam as its beacon. And of course, it made all of the spice incredibly steamy with moments of hesitation and tension followed by completely letting go to be in that moment with each other. I felt like those scenes were very well written without going overboard which I almost expected due to the topic the book revolves around.
I also like how certain things were handled involving collaborations with other content creators. Whether it was Cam explaining how things were discussed and planned out or dealing with the very real fact that there were other people involved in his content outside of Vaughn. For me, it had things falling in a sort of cheating grey area if that makes any sense lol. Like at times it almost felt like cheating because my emotions were all tied up in their story but at the same time, it didn't feel like cheating due to the way the characters navigated certain situations. Plus when it came down to it this was a job to Cam way before Vaughn shook things up. So keep that in mind going into this if cheating is a sore subject for you to read about. I don't think this book would be difficult to read if so but each person is different and only you know your limits on the matter.
One more thing - if you're picky about your audiobooks I'd say not to worry about this one. The performance was great from both narrators and it felt like they embodied the characters they were portraying.
Now on to the next in the series!
Spice: 4/5
What happens when a man whose world is crumbling around him ventures into the world of Only Fans and seeks the help of a popular creator to teach him the ropes? Well, he learns a whole lot more than what he ever expected to, not only about the industry but about himself.
The way Vaughn and Camden are around each other is adorable. Camden is a laid-back and easygoing college guy who doesn't take himself or the things around him too seriously. He's focused on school and creating content for his subscribers. Vaughn, being a decade older than Cam, is more uptight and serious when it comes to most things but seems to go with the flow easily. The age difference between them is very obvious but in a way that makes their interactions feel playful and adds some humor to the story. I really enjoyed the fact that even though Vaughn is the older of the two he is the one being guided through this by someone who is younger but definitely has the experience to teach him.
My favorite thing about this book though is how their relationship builds over time. Each encounter they have with each other moves things a little bit further in pushing Vaughn out of his comfort zone just enough to discover more about not only creating content but his own feelings and attractions as well. It's like an entire side of himself he never knew existed slowly floated to the surface with Cam as its beacon. And of course, it made all of the spice incredibly steamy with moments of hesitation and tension followed by completely letting go to be in that moment with each other. I felt like those scenes were very well written without going overboard which I almost expected due to the topic the book revolves around.
I also like how certain things were handled involving collaborations with other content creators. Whether it was Cam explaining how things were discussed and planned out or dealing with the very real fact that there were other people involved in his content outside of Vaughn. For me, it had things falling in a sort of cheating grey area if that makes any sense lol. Like at times it almost felt like cheating because my emotions were all tied up in their story but at the same time, it didn't feel like cheating due to the way the characters navigated certain situations. Plus when it came down to it this was a job to Cam way before Vaughn shook things up. So keep that in mind going into this if cheating is a sore subject for you to read about. I don't think this book would be difficult to read if so but each person is different and only you know your limits on the matter.
One more thing - if you're picky about your audiobooks I'd say not to worry about this one. The performance was great from both narrators and it felt like they embodied the characters they were portraying.
Now on to the next in the series!
Last Mistake: A Forbidden Romance Novella by Lauren Biel
dark
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
1st person/dual pov
Spice: 4/5
Such a cute and spicy novella to read during spooky season! Not as dark as some of Lauren’s other books but the dirty talk and the steam are still on point. The story itself was really entertaining and I was a big fan of the way we get to see both sides of Mason’s character due to the circumstances. Spoiler Alert - I friggin loved both of his sides because let’s face it he was written by Lauren! 🤣🤷🏻♀️
As always check the TW before reading just to be safe! 🖤
Spice: 4/5
Such a cute and spicy novella to read during spooky season! Not as dark as some of Lauren’s other books but the dirty talk and the steam are still on point. The story itself was really entertaining and I was a big fan of the way we get to see both sides of Mason’s character due to the circumstances. Spoiler Alert - I friggin loved both of his sides because let’s face it he was written by Lauren! 🤣🤷🏻♀️
As always check the TW before reading just to be safe! 🖤
Cruel Crypts by Becca Steele
mysterious
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
4.0
1st person/dual pov
Spice: 3/5
If you enjoy enemies to lovers and haven't read one of Becca's books yet then take a seat with Cruel Crypts and have fun! This is one of my favorite tropes and you probably will never catch me turning down or DNFing an enemies-to-lovers book. Now if it's one of Becca's books then there is zero doubt I will not like it. The tension Becca writes between her characters is done so well and most importantly - it LASTS! This is not something that will fizzle out early on or even halfway through the story, nope, you can expect it to be there through pretty much the ending in one way or another. Let's be honest we don't flock to this trope for them to bicker a little bit and then fall madly in love within 5 chapters and just dote on each other the rest of the time haha. Thankfully Becca knew the assignment and always aces it because a lot of my favorite books with this trope belong to her!
I'm pretty excited about this new series after reading this book. I like that there is a little bit of the whole Greek mythology vibe thrown in without going overboard and the groups of characters seem to be really close-knit having somewhat of a found family feel to them. The spice was good and steamy but it doesn't take over the storyline and make it all about the smut. There's also some suspense that builds regarding secrets and the past which unfolds at a good pace throughout the book. I have a feeling I know where one of the next books will be headed as far as the couple it will be focused on and if I'm right then I cannot wait to find out all about what happened there and see how it plays out between them.
I love the fact that Becca writes all kinds of romance and does it so well. Sometimes I'm in the mood for something a little different than what I have been reading lately but I'm not sure what exactly that is. Then Becca comes along and drops a new book on us and well here is what I was looking for to change things up a bit!
*Please check for any TW before reading.*
Spice: 3/5
If you enjoy enemies to lovers and haven't read one of Becca's books yet then take a seat with Cruel Crypts and have fun! This is one of my favorite tropes and you probably will never catch me turning down or DNFing an enemies-to-lovers book. Now if it's one of Becca's books then there is zero doubt I will not like it. The tension Becca writes between her characters is done so well and most importantly - it LASTS! This is not something that will fizzle out early on or even halfway through the story, nope, you can expect it to be there through pretty much the ending in one way or another. Let's be honest we don't flock to this trope for them to bicker a little bit and then fall madly in love within 5 chapters and just dote on each other the rest of the time haha. Thankfully Becca knew the assignment and always aces it because a lot of my favorite books with this trope belong to her!
I'm pretty excited about this new series after reading this book. I like that there is a little bit of the whole Greek mythology vibe thrown in without going overboard and the groups of characters seem to be really close-knit having somewhat of a found family feel to them. The spice was good and steamy but it doesn't take over the storyline and make it all about the smut. There's also some suspense that builds regarding secrets and the past which unfolds at a good pace throughout the book. I have a feeling I know where one of the next books will be headed as far as the couple it will be focused on and if I'm right then I cannot wait to find out all about what happened there and see how it plays out between them.
I love the fact that Becca writes all kinds of romance and does it so well. Sometimes I'm in the mood for something a little different than what I have been reading lately but I'm not sure what exactly that is. Then Becca comes along and drops a new book on us and well here is what I was looking for to change things up a bit!
*Please check for any TW before reading.*
After Dark by Becca Steele
dark
fast-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? N/A
4.0
A wicked and hot return behind the curtain of Cirque De Masque where we get to see three more characters coming together! (no pun intended *snort*) It's dirty. It's bloody. It's deliciously dark. I love that we got another glimpse into this world and I cannot wait to see if more will come of this!
Touched by Death by Harleigh Beck
dark
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
1st person/multi pov
Spice: 4/5
Just when I think I have this sucker figured out it twists on me and leaves my head spinning! This series is absolutely unputdownable!
In order to keep from spoiling this amazing story I will keep things pretty vague but trust me when I say this is a series that needs to be read!
I love how far Aurelia has come from the first book and through all of the crap she has had to go through she is still there fighting through it. Like any normal person she has her moments that she gets defeated and questions if all of this is worth it but in the end, she exudes such strength and has so much fight in her. I just love her character. As for the guys, (Daemon, Ronan, & Alaric) and Dari, it has been evident that they are close but I feel like we see more of that sense of family and that bond in this part of their story. They all genuinely care about each other and are deathly loyal to those who are in their tight-knit group. We've seen Daemon question himself in the past but not to the same extent we see in this book. However, their closeness shines through as they are there to help him see how important he is and get him through it.
Some unexpected feelings sparked for me as I read through this as well when it came to the Uncle Amenadiel and his son Dimitriy. Up to this point in the series I wasn't their biggest fan but that shifted throughout the book. I really like the way their characters have developed so far and I can't wait to see where they go from here. I'm also quite thrilled with the direction Dimitriy's storyline seems to be going when it comes to his interactions with one of the other characters. It took me by surprise but I am more than ready for that to take off! As for Daddy Lucifer in all of his devilish glory well... let's just say he lives up to his evil nature and is just as twisted and filthy as I'd hoped he'd be. Getting to see more of him and from his viewpoint is another highlight I was excited to see.
As with the rest of the series the spice is smoking hot! If you're looking for dirty and steamy this will give you what you're looking for without a doubt! The things that Daemon and Dari say made me weak! Then of course Amenadiel had his own little moments that stood out a little more for me than they have before and I'm not hating it one bit lol.
If you've read up to this point in the series then you know how dark it can get and should have no issue reading this book either. With that said if you haven't started book one yet and stumbled across this review then heed the TW because Harleigh does not hold back. I mean this is Hell we're talking about here so shocking that should not be. And just like the books that came before the ending will punch you in the gut because Harleigh has zero reservations when it comes to leaving us with a plot twist and shocker of a cliffhanger! Honestly, though I'm living for these endings because it just makes the excitement for the next book even more intense! I'm so ready for the next book and will absolutely be putting every single one of these books on my shelves when it is finished!
Spice: 4/5
Just when I think I have this sucker figured out it twists on me and leaves my head spinning! This series is absolutely unputdownable!
In order to keep from spoiling this amazing story I will keep things pretty vague but trust me when I say this is a series that needs to be read!
I love how far Aurelia has come from the first book and through all of the crap she has had to go through she is still there fighting through it. Like any normal person she has her moments that she gets defeated and questions if all of this is worth it but in the end, she exudes such strength and has so much fight in her. I just love her character. As for the guys, (Daemon, Ronan, & Alaric) and Dari, it has been evident that they are close but I feel like we see more of that sense of family and that bond in this part of their story. They all genuinely care about each other and are deathly loyal to those who are in their tight-knit group. We've seen Daemon question himself in the past but not to the same extent we see in this book. However, their closeness shines through as they are there to help him see how important he is and get him through it.
Some unexpected feelings sparked for me as I read through this as well when it came to the Uncle Amenadiel and his son Dimitriy. Up to this point in the series I wasn't their biggest fan but that shifted throughout the book. I really like the way their characters have developed so far and I can't wait to see where they go from here. I'm also quite thrilled with the direction Dimitriy's storyline seems to be going when it comes to his interactions with one of the other characters. It took me by surprise but I am more than ready for that to take off! As for Daddy Lucifer in all of his devilish glory well... let's just say he lives up to his evil nature and is just as twisted and filthy as I'd hoped he'd be. Getting to see more of him and from his viewpoint is another highlight I was excited to see.
As with the rest of the series the spice is smoking hot! If you're looking for dirty and steamy this will give you what you're looking for without a doubt! The things that Daemon and Dari say made me weak! Then of course Amenadiel had his own little moments that stood out a little more for me than they have before and I'm not hating it one bit lol.
If you've read up to this point in the series then you know how dark it can get and should have no issue reading this book either. With that said if you haven't started book one yet and stumbled across this review then heed the TW because Harleigh does not hold back. I mean this is Hell we're talking about here so shocking that should not be. And just like the books that came before the ending will punch you in the gut because Harleigh has zero reservations when it comes to leaving us with a plot twist and shocker of a cliffhanger! Honestly, though I'm living for these endings because it just makes the excitement for the next book even more intense! I'm so ready for the next book and will absolutely be putting every single one of these books on my shelves when it is finished!
Lotus by Jennifer Hartmann
dark
emotional
inspiring
slow-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
5.0
1st person/dual pov (mostly)
Spice: 3/5
I have been saying I was going to read this book for a couple of years now and never got around to it... how stupid of me lol. I should have read this as soon as I finished Still Beating! Oliver is this kind and incredibly smart man who has no idea how the normal world operates after being kept in an underground room for over twenty years. With very little human interaction and nothing but time on his hands, he turned to reading anything and everything his abductor would bring him from fictional stories to textbooks. Once he is back home it is clear how intelligent he is when it comes to his education but his lack of social skills gives him this adorable almost childlike quality that you can't help but feel drawn to. The way he talks to people without using any shortcuts or slang makes him stand out and at times offers up some pretty funny moments during his interactions with other characters. I just wanted to hug him pretty much the entire book lol he is seriously the cutest thing ever!
As for Sydney, I liked her instantly due to her laid-back and fun personality. She's goofy and doesn't take herself too seriously which is something that I look for in the people I surround myself with. She's one of those characters that I could see fitting into my own circle of friends and it made me feel for her as I would someone I care about. I wanted her to find happiness, I wanted her to heal from missing Oliver all of these years, and I wanted her to allow herself to experience the love that so obviously existed between her and Oliver. Which brings me to another point - their connection. It is evident early on that they have been connected since childhood even when spending so many years apart but I had no idea just how deep that connection ran until the end of the book. I feel like this took 'childhood friends to lovers' and elevated it a notch. And once the answer to the question that has been haunting Oliver for years about the word that followed him into adulthood is revealed you will understand it as well. At that moment I think I cried more than I did the entire book because my heart just couldn't handle how perfect it was. What an amazing detail to write into a story like this! It's so touching and I never saw it coming.
The spice was not super heavy but what was there was very steamy and emotionally charged. In a story like this though I wouldn't want more spice because I feel like it could easily take away from the beauty of their journey to finding love. In fact, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have cared it there had been zero spice because their story was that good on its own. Ugh, I just can't get over how sweet and perfect they are together!!
As for the audiobook lovers out there do not hesitate on this one. I swapped back and forth between reading and listening and the narrators did a fantastic job on this performance. They brought the characters to life and it felt genuine instead of forced. I've never listened to either of these narrators before so at first I was worried if I would like them but they definitely surpassed my expectations and did such a good job on this book!
I truly believe Jennifer cannot write a bad book. At least I haven't found one yet and if one does exist I never want to find it lol!
*There is some potentially triggering content in this book so be mindful of the TW provided by the author before reading.*
Spice: 3/5
I have been saying I was going to read this book for a couple of years now and never got around to it... how stupid of me lol. I should have read this as soon as I finished Still Beating! Oliver is this kind and incredibly smart man who has no idea how the normal world operates after being kept in an underground room for over twenty years. With very little human interaction and nothing but time on his hands, he turned to reading anything and everything his abductor would bring him from fictional stories to textbooks. Once he is back home it is clear how intelligent he is when it comes to his education but his lack of social skills gives him this adorable almost childlike quality that you can't help but feel drawn to. The way he talks to people without using any shortcuts or slang makes him stand out and at times offers up some pretty funny moments during his interactions with other characters. I just wanted to hug him pretty much the entire book lol he is seriously the cutest thing ever!
As for Sydney, I liked her instantly due to her laid-back and fun personality. She's goofy and doesn't take herself too seriously which is something that I look for in the people I surround myself with. She's one of those characters that I could see fitting into my own circle of friends and it made me feel for her as I would someone I care about. I wanted her to find happiness, I wanted her to heal from missing Oliver all of these years, and I wanted her to allow herself to experience the love that so obviously existed between her and Oliver. Which brings me to another point - their connection. It is evident early on that they have been connected since childhood even when spending so many years apart but I had no idea just how deep that connection ran until the end of the book. I feel like this took 'childhood friends to lovers' and elevated it a notch. And once the answer to the question that has been haunting Oliver for years about the word that followed him into adulthood is revealed you will understand it as well. At that moment I think I cried more than I did the entire book because my heart just couldn't handle how perfect it was. What an amazing detail to write into a story like this! It's so touching and I never saw it coming.
The spice was not super heavy but what was there was very steamy and emotionally charged. In a story like this though I wouldn't want more spice because I feel like it could easily take away from the beauty of their journey to finding love. In fact, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have cared it there had been zero spice because their story was that good on its own. Ugh, I just can't get over how sweet and perfect they are together!!
As for the audiobook lovers out there do not hesitate on this one. I swapped back and forth between reading and listening and the narrators did a fantastic job on this performance. They brought the characters to life and it felt genuine instead of forced. I've never listened to either of these narrators before so at first I was worried if I would like them but they definitely surpassed my expectations and did such a good job on this book!
I truly believe Jennifer cannot write a bad book. At least I haven't found one yet and if one does exist I never want to find it lol!
*There is some potentially triggering content in this book so be mindful of the TW provided by the author before reading.*
The Stars Are on Our Side by Jennifer Hartmann
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
1st person/dual pov
Spice: 3.5/5
What is there that you can't say about this book? For those who loved Jennifer's book Still Beating trust me when I say this one is without a doubt just as good! Still Beating is my favorite book from Jennifer and nothing has been able to top it so far even though several have come incredibly close. This book though... I can confidently say it is at the very least tied with Still Beating! In fact, if any of the other books could take the number one spot from Still Beating then it would be this one.
I adored Gabe's character when I read Lotus, especially towards the end of that story. I had no idea that he would mean so much to me by the time I read this one. He is the ultimate playboy turned husband material within a matter of pages. Now don't get me wrong he wasn't a "bad guy" to begin with just had no intentions of falling in love and settling down. That is until Tabitha walked into his life and all of that changed the moment they locked eyes. The way this man will move heaven and earth for her without expecting or asking for anything in return had me melting! He is so sweet and selfless that it had me looking back on his character when we met him in Lotus and saw him in an entirely brighter light. He easily secured his spot as one of Jennifer's best male leads very early on in his story.
Tabitha is a character that I knew I wanted to know more about after meeting her in Lotus. She has to be the sweetest person on the planet and her strength is so inspiring to read about. I love how Jennifer took us on her journey of the past when she was held captive in that basement. It was such a unique way to bring in those flashback moments without them feeling like they didn't belong in the present. It made the time jumps in the book so much easier to follow along with, to understand, and offered the exact kind of insight into her trauma to see where she was coming from in regards to her feelings for Gabe. My heart broke for her so many times but it also soared any time you could see another piece of her beginning to heal itself.
As for the story as a whole, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. From the beginning to the end, it was full of heartbreak, healing, laughter, and these beautiful moments that will make you reflect on what is important in your own life. I loved that all of these characters from previous books were so present in this one and it really felt like all of their individual stories were wrapped up and complete without taking away from the main couple's path to love and happiness. The spice was well written as I've come to expect from Jennifer and elevated the emotional connection between the characters instead of overshadowing it. Seriously every single part of this book is just done flawlessly! I can't even explain adequately enough how amazing this story is!
As always Jennifer has knocked another hit out of the park and given us a book that will be read over and over because it's just that beautiful!
*It is highly recommended to read Still Beating and Lotus before reading this book however it can be read as a standalone if you prefer.*
**There are some pretty dark moments in this story so please heed the TW before reading.**
Spice: 3.5/5
What is there that you can't say about this book? For those who loved Jennifer's book Still Beating trust me when I say this one is without a doubt just as good! Still Beating is my favorite book from Jennifer and nothing has been able to top it so far even though several have come incredibly close. This book though... I can confidently say it is at the very least tied with Still Beating! In fact, if any of the other books could take the number one spot from Still Beating then it would be this one.
I adored Gabe's character when I read Lotus, especially towards the end of that story. I had no idea that he would mean so much to me by the time I read this one. He is the ultimate playboy turned husband material within a matter of pages. Now don't get me wrong he wasn't a "bad guy" to begin with just had no intentions of falling in love and settling down. That is until Tabitha walked into his life and all of that changed the moment they locked eyes. The way this man will move heaven and earth for her without expecting or asking for anything in return had me melting! He is so sweet and selfless that it had me looking back on his character when we met him in Lotus and saw him in an entirely brighter light. He easily secured his spot as one of Jennifer's best male leads very early on in his story.
Tabitha is a character that I knew I wanted to know more about after meeting her in Lotus. She has to be the sweetest person on the planet and her strength is so inspiring to read about. I love how Jennifer took us on her journey of the past when she was held captive in that basement. It was such a unique way to bring in those flashback moments without them feeling like they didn't belong in the present. It made the time jumps in the book so much easier to follow along with, to understand, and offered the exact kind of insight into her trauma to see where she was coming from in regards to her feelings for Gabe. My heart broke for her so many times but it also soared any time you could see another piece of her beginning to heal itself.
As for the story as a whole, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. From the beginning to the end, it was full of heartbreak, healing, laughter, and these beautiful moments that will make you reflect on what is important in your own life. I loved that all of these characters from previous books were so present in this one and it really felt like all of their individual stories were wrapped up and complete without taking away from the main couple's path to love and happiness. The spice was well written as I've come to expect from Jennifer and elevated the emotional connection between the characters instead of overshadowing it. Seriously every single part of this book is just done flawlessly! I can't even explain adequately enough how amazing this story is!
As always Jennifer has knocked another hit out of the park and given us a book that will be read over and over because it's just that beautiful!
*It is highly recommended to read Still Beating and Lotus before reading this book however it can be read as a standalone if you prefer.*
**There are some pretty dark moments in this story so please heed the TW before reading.**
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail