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readingwithfefe's reviews
745 reviews
Driving My Obsession by Lauren Biel
challenging
dark
tense
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: 4.5/5
I think this just became my favorite book of the series! I really didn’t think the Kursicki brothers could be topped - then Ambrose said hold my Moscow Mule! 😆 (Btw I friggin love his name!!)
The storyline just hooked me right away and had me struggling to put down the book and be an adult lol. It gradually reveals the tragic things that happened in both the characters' pasts and how that led them to where they are currently. All without getting too drawn out or losing my interest at that. I just had to flip to the next page to see what would happen next or what I would discover about their history. And the way the events unfolded bringing them to their ending was just so good! It even had me shedding a tear or two before it was all said and done. 🙈
Now let me inform you that the heat in this sucker will absolutely have you sweating and panting! 🥵 Ambrose gives not a single F… well you know. 😏 He has his mind set on his revenge plot and once he finds the final piece nothing will stop him. He takes what he wants and doesn’t apologize for it. And the somno here is killer! It’s so dirty, so wrong, so dark, but so freaking hot! Which also means there’s quite a bit of dub-con/non-con so if that’s not your thing keep browsing but if it is then read this as soon as you can!
In the end though, I adored Ambrose and watching the slight transformation he goes through, especially how his thoughts rearrange within his mind over time. I say slight transformation because if I’m being honest he doesn’t change a whole lot but he does where it counts lol. I’m more than satisfied with that.
I have no idea if we will see more from this series or not but I am crossing my fingers Lauren has more coming our way. Otherwise, it’s full-on hitchhiker withdrawals for me. 🙃
**Don’t forget to check the TW before reading!**
Spice: 4.5/5
I think this just became my favorite book of the series! I really didn’t think the Kursicki brothers could be topped - then Ambrose said hold my Moscow Mule! 😆 (Btw I friggin love his name!!)
The storyline just hooked me right away and had me struggling to put down the book and be an adult lol. It gradually reveals the tragic things that happened in both the characters' pasts and how that led them to where they are currently. All without getting too drawn out or losing my interest at that. I just had to flip to the next page to see what would happen next or what I would discover about their history. And the way the events unfolded bringing them to their ending was just so good! It even had me shedding a tear or two before it was all said and done. 🙈
Now let me inform you that the heat in this sucker will absolutely have you sweating and panting! 🥵 Ambrose gives not a single F… well you know. 😏 He has his mind set on his revenge plot and once he finds the final piece nothing will stop him. He takes what he wants and doesn’t apologize for it. And the somno here is killer! It’s so dirty, so wrong, so dark, but so freaking hot! Which also means there’s quite a bit of dub-con/non-con so if that’s not your thing keep browsing but if it is then read this as soon as you can!
In the end though, I adored Ambrose and watching the slight transformation he goes through, especially how his thoughts rearrange within his mind over time. I say slight transformation because if I’m being honest he doesn’t change a whole lot but he does where it counts lol. I’m more than satisfied with that.
I have no idea if we will see more from this series or not but I am crossing my fingers Lauren has more coming our way. Otherwise, it’s full-on hitchhiker withdrawals for me. 🙃
**Don’t forget to check the TW before reading!**
The Unruly by K Webster
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-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? N/A
5.0
1st person/multi pov
Spice: 4/5
Another phenomenal book from the Wild World! I have been so excited for this book and it did not disappoint!
From the start, it sucks you in with the suspense the end of The Untamed created. There's so much tension between the characters as everyone is unsure about what happens next. It effortlessly flows from one point of view to the next so that you get the entire picture of what they are going through from every angle. The pain and trauma they go through as they fight to survive is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring.
My heart ached for the way these three felt so connected and safe with each other and had to try and fight it. But when they would give in and let themselves truly be together things got so hot I'm surprised no one's cabin caught on fire! (Too soon? lol) K. Webster just has a way of writing the spice that makes it feel so emotional regardless of how physical it gets. It's just one of the reasons I enjoy this world and these characters. For all the ups and downs, it's so evident that there is so much love between all of them.
I also loved that we got a little foreshadowing into what the future of this Wild World might hold and I cannot wait to see what comes next!
**This is a taboo romance that contains scenes that could be triggering for some readers. Please check the TW before reading!**
Spice: 4/5
Another phenomenal book from the Wild World! I have been so excited for this book and it did not disappoint!
From the start, it sucks you in with the suspense the end of The Untamed created. There's so much tension between the characters as everyone is unsure about what happens next. It effortlessly flows from one point of view to the next so that you get the entire picture of what they are going through from every angle. The pain and trauma they go through as they fight to survive is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring.
My heart ached for the way these three felt so connected and safe with each other and had to try and fight it. But when they would give in and let themselves truly be together things got so hot I'm surprised no one's cabin caught on fire! (Too soon? lol) K. Webster just has a way of writing the spice that makes it feel so emotional regardless of how physical it gets. It's just one of the reasons I enjoy this world and these characters. For all the ups and downs, it's so evident that there is so much love between all of them.
I also loved that we got a little foreshadowing into what the future of this Wild World might hold and I cannot wait to see what comes next!
**This is a taboo romance that contains scenes that could be triggering for some readers. Please check the TW before reading!**
Unhinged Kallie by Brooklyn Cross
dark
emotional
funny
sad
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/multi pov
Spice: 4/5
Kallie Buchanan grew up with a dark family legacy. Her father, Cain Buchanan, was not only her hero but also one of the most feared and notorious serial killers in the country. Known as "The Chameleon," he had a chilling ability to blend into society and leave no trace of his crimes. It was a legacy that Kallie had learned about at a young age, and while it didn't bother her, it made navigating her own identity outside of their family farm somewhat difficult. She's so independent and constantly wants to prove to herself and her family that she is good enough to follow in her dad's footsteps.
Kallie and her father have always done things their own way, without worrying about what others thought. They didn't follow the usual rules or societal norms, and they were okay with that. But as Kallie got older, she started to struggle with her emotions, especially when it came to her feelings for kind of sorta stepbrother, Carter Kohlmann. He came to live with them after his parents were killed in a car accident when he was two. So naturally everyone assumed he was her brother. Awkward. 🥴 Kallie now found herself in a tricky situation, trying to keep her feelings a secret and manipulate things behind the scenes. But she couldn't help constantly watching his every move, and doing whatever it took to make sure he stayed hers and hers alone.
After losing his parents Carter came to live with the Buchanans and a few years later Kallie was born. As he grew up his goal was to avoid trouble at all costs. This included any romantic involvement between him and Kallie, even though his feelings for her got stronger every day. But when the girl you're falling for has a serial killer for a father and is also the man who raised you the last thing you want to do is end up on his bad side by cozying up to his little girl. But when an evil from the past threatens the family once again, Carter has no choice but to turn to the man he fears most in this world in order to protect the person he loves the most.
I loved that we get to see the dilemma Carter goes through as he and Kallie get older. Attending high school, new circles of friends, personas that must be kept in public to avoid outing the family business, and navigating the teenage dating scene full of hormones and jealousy. This section of the book builds so much tension and will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what unhinged thing will happen next! The spice is slow to build in this book since a big portion of the book shows them growing into adulthood. But once they are there be ready for things to start heating up and getting wild. The way these two tap into their inner selves around each other is scorching hot and they live up to all the crazy that you would expect from the Buchanan family. Be ready for some laughs as well because there are a few spots that I almost passed out I was laughing so hard! Brooklyn never fails to lighten the darkness of her stories with some well-timed and twisted humor! It's not all sunshine and rainbows though - there were definitely some parts that had me sobbing and all in my feelings. I have to hand it to Brooklyn though for writing a story that will take you through the whole spectrum of emotions lol. And the epilogue... I was an absolute mess! It wrecked me and healed me all at the same time. It's possibly one of my favorite epilogues Brooklyn has written.
Now just like Cain's book, Unhinged Kallie is not for the faint of heart. It is dark and twisted in so many ways but it also gives you a story about love and loyalty that will make your heart melt. So heed those trigger warnings because they are absolutely necessary but if you enjoyed Unhinged Cain then you will love Kallie's story just as much!
Spice: 4/5
Kallie Buchanan grew up with a dark family legacy. Her father, Cain Buchanan, was not only her hero but also one of the most feared and notorious serial killers in the country. Known as "The Chameleon," he had a chilling ability to blend into society and leave no trace of his crimes. It was a legacy that Kallie had learned about at a young age, and while it didn't bother her, it made navigating her own identity outside of their family farm somewhat difficult. She's so independent and constantly wants to prove to herself and her family that she is good enough to follow in her dad's footsteps.
Kallie and her father have always done things their own way, without worrying about what others thought. They didn't follow the usual rules or societal norms, and they were okay with that. But as Kallie got older, she started to struggle with her emotions, especially when it came to her feelings for kind of sorta stepbrother, Carter Kohlmann. He came to live with them after his parents were killed in a car accident when he was two. So naturally everyone assumed he was her brother. Awkward. 🥴 Kallie now found herself in a tricky situation, trying to keep her feelings a secret and manipulate things behind the scenes. But she couldn't help constantly watching his every move, and doing whatever it took to make sure he stayed hers and hers alone.
After losing his parents Carter came to live with the Buchanans and a few years later Kallie was born. As he grew up his goal was to avoid trouble at all costs. This included any romantic involvement between him and Kallie, even though his feelings for her got stronger every day. But when the girl you're falling for has a serial killer for a father and is also the man who raised you the last thing you want to do is end up on his bad side by cozying up to his little girl. But when an evil from the past threatens the family once again, Carter has no choice but to turn to the man he fears most in this world in order to protect the person he loves the most.
I loved that we get to see the dilemma Carter goes through as he and Kallie get older. Attending high school, new circles of friends, personas that must be kept in public to avoid outing the family business, and navigating the teenage dating scene full of hormones and jealousy. This section of the book builds so much tension and will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what unhinged thing will happen next! The spice is slow to build in this book since a big portion of the book shows them growing into adulthood. But once they are there be ready for things to start heating up and getting wild. The way these two tap into their inner selves around each other is scorching hot and they live up to all the crazy that you would expect from the Buchanan family. Be ready for some laughs as well because there are a few spots that I almost passed out I was laughing so hard! Brooklyn never fails to lighten the darkness of her stories with some well-timed and twisted humor! It's not all sunshine and rainbows though - there were definitely some parts that had me sobbing and all in my feelings. I have to hand it to Brooklyn though for writing a story that will take you through the whole spectrum of emotions lol. And the epilogue... I was an absolute mess! It wrecked me and healed me all at the same time. It's possibly one of my favorite epilogues Brooklyn has written.
Now just like Cain's book, Unhinged Kallie is not for the faint of heart. It is dark and twisted in so many ways but it also gives you a story about love and loyalty that will make your heart melt. So heed those trigger warnings because they are absolutely necessary but if you enjoyed Unhinged Cain then you will love Kallie's story just as much!
Reckless by Becca Steele
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
1st person/dual pov
Spice: 4/5
Becca has hit another enemies-to-lovers sports romance out of the park! I swear I don't know a thing about soccer (football) but I will pick up one of Becca's sports romances over any other sports romance out there. With enemies to lovers being my all-time favorite trope, I know I will not be left disappointed and by the end, I will have added another couple to my evergrowing list of favorites.
Jordan and Theo just might have moved their way to the top of my favorite couples from Becca though. The bickering and antagonizing throughout the majority of the book didn't just bring that tension to a mouthwatering boil it also added quite a bit of humor. It was like they just had to go out of their way to annoy or instigate a fight with the other but at the same time, they were adorably hilarious. Jordan's confidence was infectious and I loved the way that got under Theo's skin even once he started noticing Jordan in a more tempting way. And when that spark officially struck for the both of them I couldn't get enough of the push and pull. They could go from cold to hot and back to cold again within seconds without managing to make me feel like I had whiplash lol. Instead, I just wanted more of it!
I also really liked that the book is split into three separate parts. I feel like in order to lay the groundwork for their feelings towards each other from beginning to end there was a lot of backstory and build-up needed. The way it was split up I felt like I was reading a trilogy all rolled into one book where each part had a specific purpose in showing their road to happiness. From childhood animosity to adult rivalry, to curious lovers, and finally finding love in the most unexpected place this book had me wrapped up in their story from the first page. I cried - quite a bit, I swooned so dang hard, I drooled a little because helloooo spicy scenes (thanks for making them so competitive Becca lol); I even laughed so hard at one point I'm positive I pulled something lol. It was worth it though because I absolutely LOVED this freaking book!!
For those of you into stories like these, I have no doubt you will love it. If you are someone who typically likes to stay clear of sports romance or enemies to lovers I highly encourage you to throw caution to the wind and read this one. You just might find a new obsession! ;)
*Also, the little cameo from a certain someone - way to dangle a carrot in front of us Becca haha!
Spice: 4/5
Becca has hit another enemies-to-lovers sports romance out of the park! I swear I don't know a thing about soccer (football) but I will pick up one of Becca's sports romances over any other sports romance out there. With enemies to lovers being my all-time favorite trope, I know I will not be left disappointed and by the end, I will have added another couple to my evergrowing list of favorites.
Jordan and Theo just might have moved their way to the top of my favorite couples from Becca though. The bickering and antagonizing throughout the majority of the book didn't just bring that tension to a mouthwatering boil it also added quite a bit of humor. It was like they just had to go out of their way to annoy or instigate a fight with the other but at the same time, they were adorably hilarious. Jordan's confidence was infectious and I loved the way that got under Theo's skin even once he started noticing Jordan in a more tempting way. And when that spark officially struck for the both of them I couldn't get enough of the push and pull. They could go from cold to hot and back to cold again within seconds without managing to make me feel like I had whiplash lol. Instead, I just wanted more of it!
I also really liked that the book is split into three separate parts. I feel like in order to lay the groundwork for their feelings towards each other from beginning to end there was a lot of backstory and build-up needed. The way it was split up I felt like I was reading a trilogy all rolled into one book where each part had a specific purpose in showing their road to happiness. From childhood animosity to adult rivalry, to curious lovers, and finally finding love in the most unexpected place this book had me wrapped up in their story from the first page. I cried - quite a bit, I swooned so dang hard, I drooled a little because helloooo spicy scenes (thanks for making them so competitive Becca lol); I even laughed so hard at one point I'm positive I pulled something lol. It was worth it though because I absolutely LOVED this freaking book!!
For those of you into stories like these, I have no doubt you will love it. If you are someone who typically likes to stay clear of sports romance or enemies to lovers I highly encourage you to throw caution to the wind and read this one. You just might find a new obsession! ;)
*Also, the little cameo from a certain someone - way to dangle a carrot in front of us Becca haha!
Say My Name by Ashley James
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
- 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: 4.5/5
For starters - if you like dirty talk then run grab this book ASAP! The things coming out of Mateo’s mouth are dripping with seduction!
Anyway, I enjoyed his book so dang much. The way Mateo and Travis first meet is awkward, to say the least. 🙈 You could say they don’t exactly hit it off in the beginning - or really for a lot of the book haha -but even when Travis is fuming in aggravation and Mateo is riling him up more than ever, you can tell there is something there between them no matter how much they try to ignore it. I love that they are so different from each other with personalities that sometimes feel like they’re on opposite ends of the spectrum yet at their core are very similar.
Travis is one of those characters you become attached to instantly. He is incredibly sweet, loyal, and just wants to see the good in people instead of the bad. He is the kind of character you want to protect and if they get hurt you do as well. Mateo is the character you don't necessarily want to like at first but kind of can't help that you do. The way he acts towards everyone else versus the way he truly thinks and feels in his inner monologue leaves you wishing everyone could just see what you see in him. So many times I just wanted to jump into the scene and demand Travis look a little bit closer so that he would realize who Mateo really was below the surface. Although I can't lie, the fact that Mateo kept that side of himself hidden away and even enjoyed getting under Travis' skin certainly made their entire relationship incredibly entertaining lol! As much as I adore Travis there's just something about the way that Mateo is one big walking contradiction and full of surprises that made me enjoy his character a little bit more.
As I pointed out earlier if you want some good spice and lots of dirty talk Mateo is your guy. The way Ashley handled their intimate scenes ranks pretty high on some of my favorites. The passion and lust were there but still had this thread of tenderness and respect flowing between them. It felt like deep down they truly trusted each other even when they weren't sure that they should. I loved how there were moments where you could feel the anxiety coming from one or both of them yet even if they were "enemies" they were so attentive to each other and worked through it together. When I say my face stayed sore from all the smiling at those tender little moments! It was so worth it because reading this book just gave me this happy fuzzy feeling as I witnessed two people discover what they both deserved from life.
I highly recommend it if you're looking for a story that will leave you grinning with lots of steamy moments!
Spice: 4.5/5
For starters - if you like dirty talk then run grab this book ASAP! The things coming out of Mateo’s mouth are dripping with seduction!
Anyway, I enjoyed his book so dang much. The way Mateo and Travis first meet is awkward, to say the least. 🙈 You could say they don’t exactly hit it off in the beginning - or really for a lot of the book haha -but even when Travis is fuming in aggravation and Mateo is riling him up more than ever, you can tell there is something there between them no matter how much they try to ignore it. I love that they are so different from each other with personalities that sometimes feel like they’re on opposite ends of the spectrum yet at their core are very similar.
Travis is one of those characters you become attached to instantly. He is incredibly sweet, loyal, and just wants to see the good in people instead of the bad. He is the kind of character you want to protect and if they get hurt you do as well. Mateo is the character you don't necessarily want to like at first but kind of can't help that you do. The way he acts towards everyone else versus the way he truly thinks and feels in his inner monologue leaves you wishing everyone could just see what you see in him. So many times I just wanted to jump into the scene and demand Travis look a little bit closer so that he would realize who Mateo really was below the surface. Although I can't lie, the fact that Mateo kept that side of himself hidden away and even enjoyed getting under Travis' skin certainly made their entire relationship incredibly entertaining lol! As much as I adore Travis there's just something about the way that Mateo is one big walking contradiction and full of surprises that made me enjoy his character a little bit more.
As I pointed out earlier if you want some good spice and lots of dirty talk Mateo is your guy. The way Ashley handled their intimate scenes ranks pretty high on some of my favorites. The passion and lust were there but still had this thread of tenderness and respect flowing between them. It felt like deep down they truly trusted each other even when they weren't sure that they should. I loved how there were moments where you could feel the anxiety coming from one or both of them yet even if they were "enemies" they were so attentive to each other and worked through it together. When I say my face stayed sore from all the smiling at those tender little moments! It was so worth it because reading this book just gave me this happy fuzzy feeling as I witnessed two people discover what they both deserved from life.
I highly recommend it if you're looking for a story that will leave you grinning with lots of steamy moments!
Hitched: A Dark Hitchhiker Romance by Lauren Biel
adventurous
dark
tense
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
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Series
𝗦𝘂𝗺 𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝗽: A woman picks up a man walking on the side of the road during her drive home on a stormy night not knowing he is a prison escapee. Now she is his ride to freedom but he just might be the key to hers as well.
𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁: Everything that is Lex lol! This man starts out as someone you don't really see yourself feeling sorry for at any point in the future. Then along the way as events play out one after another, you start to understand a little more about him and to see the side of him that he keeps hidden. The side of him that he doesn't like to acknowledge. So not only is the man dirty as all hell when it comes to the spice (and I legit mean panty melting 🥵) but he has some major swoon-worthy moments I didn't see coming.
OH!! I almost forgot to mention that if you are willing to do audiobooks LISTEN TO THIS ONE! Teddy does such a phenomenal job! Seriously he had no business being as good as he was with this character lol!!
***Don't overlook the TW on this one!***
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Series
𝗦𝘂𝗺 𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝗽: A woman picks up a man walking on the side of the road during her drive home on a stormy night not knowing he is a prison escapee. Now she is his ride to freedom but he just might be the key to hers as well.
𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁: Everything that is Lex lol! This man starts out as someone you don't really see yourself feeling sorry for at any point in the future. Then along the way as events play out one after another, you start to understand a little more about him and to see the side of him that he keeps hidden. The side of him that he doesn't like to acknowledge. So not only is the man dirty as all hell when it comes to the spice (and I legit mean panty melting 🥵) but he has some major swoon-worthy moments I didn't see coming.
OH!! I almost forgot to mention that if you are willing to do audiobooks LISTEN TO THIS ONE! Teddy does such a phenomenal job! Seriously he had no business being as good as he was with this character lol!!
***Don't overlook the TW on this one!***
Exiled by Jessie Walker
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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 pov1st person/dual pov
Spice: 4/5
I absolutely had high expectations going into this story and I can happily say I was not disappointed! Jessie crafted a compelling story that had me so immersed in this world and so invested in the outcome for these characters. The emotions that it pulled from me were intense and powerful making it such an enthralling read. Not only was it enjoyable to read through but it had quite an impact on how I view certain things about myself and my own mental health. But these characters? Gah, these characters just suck you in and make you want the world for them!
I’ll start with Nolan. At first, there is this air of mystery surrounding the gradual unveiling of his backstory. What could he have done that was so terrible it landed him here? What happened that led to all of this guilt and self-imposed harshness he carries around with him? He makes you want to peel back those layers of who he is and to see him succeed.
Then we have Skyler… this incredibly sweet and misunderstood guy who has been dealt blow after blow in his short life yet somehow still has a heart of gold. It’s a tad unclear at first why he is on the island and in this specific program but his backstory is revealed a little faster allowing you to fully grasp the importance of the way he and Nolan interact with each other. I loved the way Skyler was represented in this story as well. It was both strange and remarkable to see so many moments and traits within his character that mirror my own. It enabled me to empathize more with him and the ability to understand the emotional and physical journey he takes throughout the book. I found myself very protective of Skyler not even a quarter of the way into the story. Like I will throw some hands over him in a heartbeat! He is precious and without a doubt the major reason I loved this book so much.
Now put them together and you have magic. Being on the island having limited contact with the outside world creates an intimacy between them allowing them to explore themselves (and each other 😏) in ways they never imagined. The depth of their unexpected connection and the unique challenges they face while on the island had me so engrossed in their dynamic together as well as the growth each of their characters go through. And let me tell you the spice IS 👏🏻 ON 👏🏻 POINT. 👏🏻
I was not expecting the level of spice Jessie put into their story and I certainly didn’t hate it! These two were so freaking hot together but so understanding, safe, and trusting at the same time. It made all of their spicy moments more emotionally charged and it just hit you in the chest differently. Each second together carried with it a weight of significance and a profound sense of this bond growing between them. You can’t help but love them to pieces and hope with all of your heart they find happiness.
And lastly the storyline… I should have known it wouldn’t be a simple cut-and-dry meet on an island, fall in love, and live happily ever after with Jessie writing it. At one point my heart was falling into my stomach with tiny cracks weaving their way through it expecting to shatter at any moment. Then in true rollercoaster fashion things are up and then down and then sideways and back again. There’s passion, humor, companionship, and at the heart of it all acceptance shines bright. Flaws and quirks are embraced with open arms and a love so deep that it resonates long after the last page is read. 🥹
Amazingly written. Beautifully executed. Lovable characters. Quite possibly my favorite book from the series. Be prepared for one heck of a book hangover but I can assure you it is entirely worth it!
Spice: 4/5
I absolutely had high expectations going into this story and I can happily say I was not disappointed! Jessie crafted a compelling story that had me so immersed in this world and so invested in the outcome for these characters. The emotions that it pulled from me were intense and powerful making it such an enthralling read. Not only was it enjoyable to read through but it had quite an impact on how I view certain things about myself and my own mental health. But these characters? Gah, these characters just suck you in and make you want the world for them!
I’ll start with Nolan. At first, there is this air of mystery surrounding the gradual unveiling of his backstory. What could he have done that was so terrible it landed him here? What happened that led to all of this guilt and self-imposed harshness he carries around with him? He makes you want to peel back those layers of who he is and to see him succeed.
Then we have Skyler… this incredibly sweet and misunderstood guy who has been dealt blow after blow in his short life yet somehow still has a heart of gold. It’s a tad unclear at first why he is on the island and in this specific program but his backstory is revealed a little faster allowing you to fully grasp the importance of the way he and Nolan interact with each other. I loved the way Skyler was represented in this story as well. It was both strange and remarkable to see so many moments and traits within his character that mirror my own. It enabled me to empathize more with him and the ability to understand the emotional and physical journey he takes throughout the book. I found myself very protective of Skyler not even a quarter of the way into the story. Like I will throw some hands over him in a heartbeat! He is precious and without a doubt the major reason I loved this book so much.
Now put them together and you have magic. Being on the island having limited contact with the outside world creates an intimacy between them allowing them to explore themselves (and each other 😏) in ways they never imagined. The depth of their unexpected connection and the unique challenges they face while on the island had me so engrossed in their dynamic together as well as the growth each of their characters go through. And let me tell you the spice IS 👏🏻 ON 👏🏻 POINT. 👏🏻
I was not expecting the level of spice Jessie put into their story and I certainly didn’t hate it! These two were so freaking hot together but so understanding, safe, and trusting at the same time. It made all of their spicy moments more emotionally charged and it just hit you in the chest differently. Each second together carried with it a weight of significance and a profound sense of this bond growing between them. You can’t help but love them to pieces and hope with all of your heart they find happiness.
And lastly the storyline… I should have known it wouldn’t be a simple cut-and-dry meet on an island, fall in love, and live happily ever after with Jessie writing it. At one point my heart was falling into my stomach with tiny cracks weaving their way through it expecting to shatter at any moment. Then in true rollercoaster fashion things are up and then down and then sideways and back again. There’s passion, humor, companionship, and at the heart of it all acceptance shines bright. Flaws and quirks are embraced with open arms and a love so deep that it resonates long after the last page is read. 🥹
Amazingly written. Beautifully executed. Lovable characters. Quite possibly my favorite book from the series. Be prepared for one heck of a book hangover but I can assure you it is entirely worth it!
Spice: 4/5
I absolutely had high expectations going into this story and I can happily say I was not disappointed! Jessie crafted a compelling story that had me so immersed in this world and so invested in the outcome for these characters. The emotions that it pulled from me were intense and powerful making it such an enthralling read. Not only was it enjoyable to read through but it had quite an impact on how I view certain things about myself and my own mental health. But these characters? Gah, these characters just suck you in and make you want the world for them!
I’ll start with Nolan. At first, there is this air of mystery surrounding the gradual unveiling of his backstory. What could he have done that was so terrible it landed him here? What happened that led to all of this guilt and self-imposed harshness he carries around with him? He makes you want to peel back those layers of who he is and to see him succeed.
Then we have Skyler… this incredibly sweet and misunderstood guy who has been dealt blow after blow in his short life yet somehow still has a heart of gold. It’s a tad unclear at first why he is on the island and in this specific program but his backstory is revealed a little faster allowing you to fully grasp the importance of the way he and Nolan interact with each other. I loved the way Skyler was represented in this story as well. It was both strange and remarkable to see so many moments and traits within his character that mirror my own. It enabled me to empathize more with him and the ability to understand the emotional and physical journey he takes throughout the book. I found myself very protective of Skylar not even a quarter of the way into the story. Like I will throw some hands over him in a heartbeat! He is precious and without a doubt the major reason I loved this book so much.
Now put them together and you have magic. Being on the island having limited contact with the outside world creates an intimacy between them allowing them to explore themselves (and each other 😏) in ways they never imagined. The depth of their unexpected connection and the unique challenges they face while on the island had me so engrossed in their dynamic together as well as the growth each of their characters go through. And let me tell you the spice IS 👏🏻 ON 👏🏻 POINT. 👏🏻
I was not expecting the level of spice Jessie put into their story and I certainly didn’t hate it! These two were so freaking hot together but so understanding, safe, and trusting at the same time. It made all of their spicy moments more emotionally charged and it just hit you in the chest differently. Each second together carried with it a weight of significance and a profound sense of this bond growing between them. You can’t help but love them to pieces and hope with all of your heart they find happiness.
And lastly the storyline… I should have known it wouldn’t be a simple cut-and-dry meet on an island, fall in love, and live happily ever after with Jessie writing it. At one point my heart was falling into my stomach with tiny cracks weaving their way through it expecting to shatter at any moment. Then in true rollercoaster fashion things are up and then down and then sideways and back again. There’s passion, humor, companionship, and at the heart of it all acceptance shines bright. Flaws and quirks are embraced with open arms and a love so deep that it resonates long after the last page is read. 🥹
Amazingly written. Beautifully executed. Lovable characters. Quite possibly my favorite book from the series. Be prepared for one heck of a book hangover but I can assure you it is entirely worth it!
Limerence by Rory Ireland
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
1st person/dual pov
Spice: 4/5
Limerence is the newest standalone taboo romance from Rory Ireland. So if taboo is not your thing then maybe keep on browsing (and I mean legit taboo not forbidden step family relations here but 🩸relations).
For those of you who read Edge of Insanity you’ll remember Sutton and Bliss from the tattoo shop that had a rather memorable moment involving the twins. 👀 Anyways if like me you were wondering what their story was well here it is in all its naughty goodness! I loved how these two danced around their confusing feelings in the beginning and the tension it created. Between him trying to deny and ignore his growing attraction to Bliss, dealing with his creepy friend’s comments, and trying to play off his possessiveness as nothing more than fatherly worry I just knew he was going to snap like a twig right at the beginning. Somehow he kept it together better than I expected him to. Rory edged the hell out of us with this one similar to the way her and Tate did with Edge of Insanity while keeping its own uniqueness. Trust me - the way Sutton holds out for so long makes the ending even more worth it!
The spice builds up in this books as well but I’ll reiterate that tension that builds with it is so damn good you won’t even notice the time it took to get there. And the ending will have you swooning SO hard! And maybe never look at honey the same way again… 😏😆
Spice: 4/5
Limerence is the newest standalone taboo romance from Rory Ireland. So if taboo is not your thing then maybe keep on browsing (and I mean legit taboo not forbidden step family relations here but 🩸relations).
For those of you who read Edge of Insanity you’ll remember Sutton and Bliss from the tattoo shop that had a rather memorable moment involving the twins. 👀 Anyways if like me you were wondering what their story was well here it is in all its naughty goodness! I loved how these two danced around their confusing feelings in the beginning and the tension it created. Between him trying to deny and ignore his growing attraction to Bliss, dealing with his creepy friend’s comments, and trying to play off his possessiveness as nothing more than fatherly worry I just knew he was going to snap like a twig right at the beginning. Somehow he kept it together better than I expected him to. Rory edged the hell out of us with this one similar to the way her and Tate did with Edge of Insanity while keeping its own uniqueness. Trust me - the way Sutton holds out for so long makes the ending even more worth it!
The spice builds up in this books as well but I’ll reiterate that tension that builds with it is so damn good you won’t even notice the time it took to get there. And the ending will have you swooning SO hard! And maybe never look at honey the same way again… 😏😆
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest and Sexual content
Abysmal by Marie Ann
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-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
Spice: 4/5
So this is the first book from the Unlucky 13 series that I’ve read and what better way to dive into it than with Marie Ann’s book? Why is that you’re wondering? Because Marie never ceases to amaze and surprise me at the same time. In fact, this feels like one of the hardest reviews I’ve written because I’m struggling with getting my thoughts in order to express how much I enjoyed this story. So we will start at the beginning…
As the book opens you meet one of the main characters, Zevryn, who is young, rich, and looking to numb everything about his life with drugs and alcohol. Since his mom passed away years ago he’s been dealing with the trauma by not dealing with it as well as feeding the distance between him and his dad by showing how little he cares about the company he is to inherit one day. Jumping at any opportunity to piss off his dad, Zev finds himself in a situation there is no coming back from leaving him full of guilt, regret, and even more trauma. Seeing no other option his dad intervenes and sends him to a remote island known for keeping its guest list extremely private and out of the public eye. Only he’s not going by choice and he’s definitely not going alone.
Enter Gavin, the attractive and bossy bodyguard hired to “protect” Zev while he’s on the island and to make sure he’s sticking to the program. From their first meeting, you can tell there is a strong pull to take care of and be cared for by the other. Once they arrive at the island Gavin will be the only full-time companion for Zev during his stay, which also means he will get a crash course in the challenges addicts go through in the process. Marie does not shy away from the struggles of going through withdrawals, opening up in therapy, and reaching out to the people that have been hurt along the way. It really gives the reader a deeper understanding of battling addiction and connects you emotionally with Zev's character. As Gavin witnesses the physical and mental toll the early stages of recovery have on Zev he allows his need to care for someone to run free.
At this point in the story, we witness the feelings growing between the two of them as Zev works through his trauma and begins the path to healing while Gavin grows more and more protective of him. What started as a simple bodyguard job is quickly taking a turn neither of them expected it to. Plus the remote island setting adds this layer of isolation to their situation as they navigate the recovery process which amplifies their vulnerability as well as the importance of trust, making their rapidly growing connection feel more intense.
Now let me just say that I was not expecting to enjoy some of the things that happen next as much as I did lol. So as I've said before I can always count on Marie to write things in a way that shocks me on some level and this was no different. The spice is steamy and primal and dirty. These two are so dang hot for each other that they can't keep their hands to themselves. There are also some interesting preferences they discover along the way that I have not seen in any of the spicy books I've read before. With that said I felt the way these preferences were discovered and handled was written quite tastefully and gave a deeper look into each personality. But underneath that, there is this acceptance that they both have been craving and it took this unusual situation for them to find it. As their relationship develops you witness those barriers breaking down as they begin to trust one another taking this couple who seem to be an unlikely match and highlighting the transformation that can occur when opposite personalities come together. How open and honest communication can strengthen a relationship that otherwise may not have worked.
From witnessing Zevryn's history with his trauma and drug use, his estranged relationship with his father, his time on the island, and his life after returning home Marie has created a love story that explores the boundaries of love and what it means to be yourself regardless of what society has to say about it. It's intertwined with personal growth, addiction, and recovery. It also handles infidelity in such a way that didn't leave my stomach twisted into knots. (Yes there is cheating in this book however it's not between the main characters.) Whether you enjoy cheating in books or not I enjoyed the way it was written and empathized with the characters involved.
So there you have it. If you enjoy well-developed characters, exploring unconventional love, witnessing a raw and honest journey towards self-discovery and healing, and emotionally charged stories then I highly encourage you to pick up Abysmal and fall in love with these guys.
Spice: 4/5
So this is the first book from the Unlucky 13 series that I’ve read and what better way to dive into it than with Marie Ann’s book? Why is that you’re wondering? Because Marie never ceases to amaze and surprise me at the same time. In fact, this feels like one of the hardest reviews I’ve written because I’m struggling with getting my thoughts in order to express how much I enjoyed this story. So we will start at the beginning…
As the book opens you meet one of the main characters, Zevryn, who is young, rich, and looking to numb everything about his life with drugs and alcohol. Since his mom passed away years ago he’s been dealing with the trauma by not dealing with it as well as feeding the distance between him and his dad by showing how little he cares about the company he is to inherit one day. Jumping at any opportunity to piss off his dad, Zev finds himself in a situation there is no coming back from leaving him full of guilt, regret, and even more trauma. Seeing no other option his dad intervenes and sends him to a remote island known for keeping its guest list extremely private and out of the public eye. Only he’s not going by choice and he’s definitely not going alone.
Enter Gavin, the attractive and bossy bodyguard hired to “protect” Zev while he’s on the island and to make sure he’s sticking to the program. From their first meeting, you can tell there is a strong pull to take care of and be cared for by the other. Once they arrive at the island Gavin will be the only full-time companion for Zev during his stay, which also means he will get a crash course in the challenges addicts go through in the process. Marie does not shy away from the struggles of going through withdrawals, opening up in therapy, and reaching out to the people that have been hurt along the way. It really gives the reader a deeper understanding of battling addiction and connects you emotionally with Zev's character. As Gavin witnesses the physical and mental toll the early stages of recovery have on Zev he allows his need to care for someone to run free.
At this point in the story, we witness the feelings growing between the two of them as Zev works through his trauma and begins the path to healing while Gavin grows more and more protective of him. What started as a simple bodyguard job is quickly taking a turn neither of them expected it to. Plus the remote island setting adds this layer of isolation to their situation as they navigate the recovery process which amplifies their vulnerability as well as the importance of trust, making their rapidly growing connection feel more intense.
Now let me just say that I was not expecting to enjoy some of the things that happen next as much as I did lol. So as I've said before I can always count on Marie to write things in a way that shocks me on some level and this was no different. The spice is steamy and primal and dirty. These two are so dang hot for each other that they can't keep their hands to themselves. There are also some interesting preferences they discover along the way that I have not seen in any of the spicy books I've read before. With that said I felt the way these preferences were discovered and handled was written quite tastefully and gave a deeper look into each personality. But underneath that, there is this acceptance that they both have been craving and it took this unusual situation for them to find it. As their relationship develops you witness those barriers breaking down as they begin to trust one another taking this couple who seem to be an unlikely match and highlighting the transformation that can occur when opposite personalities come together. How open and honest communication can strengthen a relationship that otherwise may not have worked.
From witnessing Zevryn's history with his trauma and drug use, his estranged relationship with his father, his time on the island, and his life after returning home Marie has created a love story that explores the boundaries of love and what it means to be yourself regardless of what society has to say about it. It's intertwined with personal growth, addiction, and recovery. It also handles infidelity in such a way that didn't leave my stomach twisted into knots. (Yes there is cheating in this book however it's not between the main characters.) Whether you enjoy cheating in books or not I enjoyed the way it was written and empathized with the characters involved.
So there you have it. If you enjoy well-developed characters, exploring unconventional love, witnessing a raw and honest journey towards self-discovery and healing, and emotionally charged stories then I highly encourage you to pick up Abysmal and fall in love with these guys.
Was I Ever Free by Naomi Loud
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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: 5/5
I am so freaking obsessed with this author and this series! Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest right away lol! Moving on...
This story follows Lucy (Lenix's younger sister from book two) who is learning to live in a world outside of the cult she was raised in. With so much that she wants to see and experience, she plans a road trip across the country mapped out with all the places she wants to go. With her sister not wanting her to travel alone Lenix and her husband Connor elect his cousin Bastian into tagging along with her. Bastian has perfected keeping his walls up around others never letting anyone get close. However, with each day that passes another destination is checked off the list as Lucy blossoms into who she was always meant to be and Bastian takes it upon himself to help her experience even more than she planned. The only problem is, Bastian is finding it difficult to keep her from freeing not only her own heart but his as well.
Naomi's writing style is addictive with words flowing effortlessly, painting scenes so beautiful it will have you feeling all of the feels. Naomi also does an amazing job of diving into the human mind giving us a crystal clear picture of the characters' internal battles and desires. It will have you so invested in the characters you momentarily forget that they are fictional. The pacing is spot on as well giving moments that make you swoon, moments that have you fighting back tears, and moments that leave you needing to catch your breath. Because the spice... yeah, the spice is HOT! The way these scenes are described will have you fanning yourself and your heart skipping a beat! They are just so well written and never feel out of place or unnecessary. Trust me I'd agree to be Bastian's student ANY day of the week lol!!
One of my favorite things about this book though is how it tackles some heavier themes like the pursuit of true happiness, struggles with addiction and PTSD, societal expectations, and the choices we make in our own quest for freedom and independence. They are woven into the story so seamlessly that it will have you reflecting on your own life choices and the limitations we put on ourselves. You will feel like you know these characters inside out and find yourself easily relating to their struggles and their dreams. I'm telling you the character development is off the charts making this book unputdownable.
It's an incredible ride of emotions and unforgettable romance. I'm not going to lie I'm a little sad that this series has come to an end but I'm even more excited to see what Naomi has up her sleeve next. Whether you're looking for a thought-provoking read, a deep love story, or just want to get swept away in a captivating story this book is a must-read! So grab yourself a copy, get cozy, and prepare for a journey of love and self-discovery!
**Also, I encourage you to heed the content warnings for this book. It does have some moments that get pretty dark and could potentially be triggering for some readers.**
Spice: 5/5
I am so freaking obsessed with this author and this series! Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest right away lol! Moving on...
This story follows Lucy (Lenix's younger sister from book two) who is learning to live in a world outside of the cult she was raised in. With so much that she wants to see and experience, she plans a road trip across the country mapped out with all the places she wants to go. With her sister not wanting her to travel alone Lenix and her husband Connor elect his cousin Bastian into tagging along with her. Bastian has perfected keeping his walls up around others never letting anyone get close. However, with each day that passes another destination is checked off the list as Lucy blossoms into who she was always meant to be and Bastian takes it upon himself to help her experience even more than she planned. The only problem is, Bastian is finding it difficult to keep her from freeing not only her own heart but his as well.
Naomi's writing style is addictive with words flowing effortlessly, painting scenes so beautiful it will have you feeling all of the feels. Naomi also does an amazing job of diving into the human mind giving us a crystal clear picture of the characters' internal battles and desires. It will have you so invested in the characters you momentarily forget that they are fictional. The pacing is spot on as well giving moments that make you swoon, moments that have you fighting back tears, and moments that leave you needing to catch your breath. Because the spice... yeah, the spice is HOT! The way these scenes are described will have you fanning yourself and your heart skipping a beat! They are just so well written and never feel out of place or unnecessary. Trust me I'd agree to be Bastian's student ANY day of the week lol!!
One of my favorite things about this book though is how it tackles some heavier themes like the pursuit of true happiness, struggles with addiction and PTSD, societal expectations, and the choices we make in our own quest for freedom and independence. They are woven into the story so seamlessly that it will have you reflecting on your own life choices and the limitations we put on ourselves. You will feel like you know these characters inside out and find yourself easily relating to their struggles and their dreams. I'm telling you the character development is off the charts making this book unputdownable.
It's an incredible ride of emotions and unforgettable romance. I'm not going to lie I'm a little sad that this series has come to an end but I'm even more excited to see what Naomi has up her sleeve next. Whether you're looking for a thought-provoking read, a deep love story, or just want to get swept away in a captivating story this book is a must-read! So grab yourself a copy, get cozy, and prepare for a journey of love and self-discovery!
**Also, I encourage you to heed the content warnings for this book. It does have some moments that get pretty dark and could potentially be triggering for some readers.**
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug use, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Incest, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Rape