roksyreads's reviews
432 reviews

Honor by Danielle Baker

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emotional hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Having caught glimpses of both FMC Teddy and MMC Xander in the previous novels, I was already invested in them as characters. So, whilst Honor has tropes that are usually hard nos for me, with it being the final novel in the three author Skyridge Hotshots trilogy, I was determined to see the series through to the end, with the intention that I would not to rate/review unless I thought I could do so fairly. I am glad that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, as I thoroughly enjoyed the book and thought it was a solid finish for the series overall. Whilst there were a few aspects that I personally didn’t swoon over, I could appreciate each within the context of the story and was totally engaged in Teddy’s and Xander’s character arcs as well as their sweet, emotional romance. There’s a strong focus on grief in this story, with both Teddy and Xander having some serious trauma to work through. I appreciated the thought that Baker clearly put into writing such a heavy topic, balancing pacing and depth during Teddy’s and Xander’s journeys. This was my first novel of hers, and it won’t be my last.

Ratings:
4.5⭐   ~   4🌶️   ~   4💔

Tropes:
🧡 Best friend’s sister
🧡 Age gap
🧡 𝖲𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗅𝖾 𝗉𝖺𝗋𝖾𝗇𝗍
🧡 Slow burn
🧡 He falls first (and HARD)
🧡 Love after loss

What I loved:
🧡 Strong character arcs
🧡 Hand necklaces
🧡 Curvy FMC
🧡 Thin walls 👀
🧡 Xander’s utterly filthy mouth
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Protect by Paisley Hope

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adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The second book in the multi-author Skyridge Hotshot series, Protect, is a slow burn, second chance romance packed with romantic and spicy chemistry between FMC Violette and MMC Rowan (aka King). The dual timeline was beautifully layered. I got such a strong sense of Violette and Rowan as individuals—their strengths, insecurities, and passions—as the story followed both their history as high school sweethearts and their story when they reconnect as adults. The story is sweet and heartfelt, but there’s also plenty of banter and lovely moments of friendship between the characters and the broader cast, which included some favourites from the first novel, Fight (Sloane St. James). This was my first Paisley Hope novel, and I loved it! I’m definitely going to be reading more of her books in the near future. 

Ratings:
5⭐   ~   4🌶️   ~   3💔

Tropes:
🧡 Second chance
🧡 Slow burn
🧡 Star crossed lovers
🧡 Right love, wrong time
🧡 Single 𝗆𝗎𝗆
🧡 Golden retriever MMC
🧡 Found family

What I loved:
🧡 Strong character arcs
🧡 Hotshot firefighter x trauma nurse
🧡 Anxiety rep
🧡 Dual timeline
🧡 Heaps of banter between the MCs and the broader cast of the series 
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Fight by Sloane St. James

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

4.25

Fight is my first encounter with a firefighter/first responder romance. It was fascinating to dive into FMC Scottie’s and MMC Callahan’s world, and it’s clear that a great deal of research and thought was put into both the setting and the nail-biting survival narrative. Whilst both MCs are engaging characters, I was especially invested in Scottie’s story. The resilience, bravery, and hope that underpins her character arc and the emotional journey of self-discovery throughout the story was inspiring. I admit that I’m not keen on miscommunication in romance; usually, it’s either completely out of character, asinine, or overdone, but I felt that St. James handled the theme/trope well in this story. I found that the miscommunication between Scottie and Callahan—or, perhaps more accurately, their difficulties communicating openly—in the first half of the novel added depth to their experiences, personal growth, and ultimately their romance. The chemistry between them was sizzling, and not just because of the spice, which was undoubtedly breathtaking; the way Scottie and Callahan supported each other as they worked through their insecurities and traumatic pasts was a highlight of the story.  

Ratings:
4.25⭐   ~   4🌶️   ~   2💔

Tropes:
🧡 Workplace romance
🧡 Miscommunication
🧡 Dislike-to-lovers
🧡 Forced proximity
🧡 Only one bed
🧡 Reformed playboy x new girl in town

What I loved:
🧡 Nail-biting and adventurous survival story
🧡 Strong, complex FMC
🧡 Banter and flirty texts
🧡 Childfree rep
🧡 Callahan’s wicked tongue 👀
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Heartless by A.J. Merlin

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

5.0

Having devoured the first 4 novels in the Pleasure & Play in just a handful of days in July/August last year, I’ve been eagerly awaiting Heartless since it was announced. As a side character in Depraved, Brutal, and Delicious, some hints have been dropped about MMC Cassian’s story, but never enough to put together any true detail. Winnie’s perspective—including the memories that come back to her through the story—gave great insight into both her and Cass as individuals, as well as their shared history. The suspense plot in this novel was a highlight and one of my favourite aspects of the story; I was fully engaged in the twists and turns from start to finish. I have a particular soft spot for Winnie as an FMC who simply longs to be and feel wanted, and the chemistry between her and Cass was palpable. Cass’ feral, affectionate energy was a great match for Winnie’s sarcasm and snark, making for plenty of banter and some ultra hot brat/tamer moments. Although Gabriel (Vicious) is still my favourite MMC of the series, I’m definitely a little feral for Cassian, and Heartless has taken the overall crown. 

Ratings:
5⭐   ~   4🌶️   ~   2💔

Tropes:
🖤 Serial killer
🖤 Stalker
🖤 “It’s always been you”
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 “Show me”

What I loved:
🖤 Childfree MCs, including bi-salpingectomy rep
🖤 Suspense and mystery
🖤 Great plot twist
🖤 Brat taming
🖤 Halloween setting
Searching for Shadows by Tonya Burrows

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense 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

3.5

Searching for Shadows, the fifth novel in the Redwood Coast Rescue series focuses on FMC Veronica and MMC Connelly, childhood best friends who grew apart through their twenties due to significant misunderstandings and a traumatic event. Having met Veronica through the previous novels, I was glad to learn more about her and see her start her HEA. 

The slow-burn romance between Veronica and Connelly as Veronica begins to let her old friend back into her life and her heart is sweet and heartfelt. I especially appreciated that neither Connelly nor anyone around Veronica attempted to erase her past nor diminish the reality of Veronica’s experiences and struggles as they found ways to support her. The slow to medium pace of the story really ratcheted up the suspense elements of the narrative, but there seemed to be some inconsistencies in the progression of the romance, with a couple conversations/situations between Veronica and Connelly repeating at odd moments—as if they’d never had the original. However, the final quarter of the book, which sees the culmination of one of the series’ overarching mystery plots come together, was especially thrilling and handled well. 

This was by far the most difficult of the RWCR stories to read so far. Veronica’s story is heartbreaking and absolutely should be approached with caution due to numerous TWs, but it’s also a story of hope, triumph, and love. This series continues to be a great choice for fans of steamy romantic suspense.

Ratings:
3.5⭐   ~   4🌶️   ~   4💔

Tropes:
🖤 Found family
🖤 Friends to lovers
🖤 Hurt/comfort 
🖤 Small town
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Slow burned

What I loved:
🖤 Strong suspense and mystery plot
🖤 A heartfelt subplot focused on friendships (outside of the romance)
🖤 Mental health and disability rep
🖤 Diverse established cast of characters 
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Vicious by A.J. Merlin

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Review
Vicious was my favourite Pleasure and Prey novel the first time around and it still holds the title on this series of re-reads as I experience these stories in audiobook format. I really enjoyed Allyson Voller’s narration and thought she did an excellent job portraying the intense cat/mouse push/pull dynamics between FMC Quinn and MMC Gabriel. I especially appreciated how she narrated Quinn, who is one of my favourite FMCs; Quinn is smart, snarky, and driven, and Voller captured her essence beautifully through her narration. Whilst her voice for Gabriel wasn’t as strong, it was clear that a lot of thought was put into getting the tone right for his dialogue, and I was positively melting through the spicy scenes.

Tropes
🖤 Forbidden vibes (Doctor/former patient)
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Age gap
🖤 Touch her and 💀
🖤 𝖲𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖺𝗅 𝗄𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖾𝗋
🖤 𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗄𝖾𝗋

What I loved
🖤 Morally black protective MMC who is ✨️obsessed✨️ 
🖤 Sassy, snarky, independent FMC
🖤 Childfree MCs
🖤 Cat and mouse dynamics between the FMC and MMC
🖤 Suspense and mystery elements
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Searching for Redemption by Tonya Burrows

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adventurous dark 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

3.5

Review
The fourth Redwood Coast Rescue novel, Searching for Redemption, is MMC Shane’s and FMC Alexis’ story. The fast pace and darker tone of this particular novel suited the suspense element, which was especially strong. I’m enjoying how Burrows is building the mystery surrounding the series’ on-going villain, the Shadow Stalker, without making the overarching plot drag. However, I felt the pacing did not suit the romantic aspect of the story; the relationship between Shane and Alexis seemed to develop too quickly to feel entirely natural in the circumstances. Having met Shane and Alexis in the previous novels, it was great to get further insight into both characters’ pasts and motivations. Although I can’t say I’d like Alexis as a person due to some problematic actions in the previous novel, I have always appreciated her tenacity and courage, and this really shone through in the story. I liked getting to know her better and thought her individual growth was particularly well-done. It was also rewarding to see Shane begin to find a place of comfort and safety within the RWCR team, and I hope to see more of his journey through the series.

Tropes
⮚ Forced proximity
⮚ Beauty and the Beast vibes
⮚ Small town
⮚ Hurt/comfort

What I loved
⮚ Independent, take-charge FMC
⮚ Strong suspense
⮚ Ongoing mystery
⮚ Great cast of characters
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The Voice Upstairs by Laura E. Weymouth

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.
Very atmospheric, however the pacing is agonisingly slow for me and I’m not feeling the setting. Historical does not appear to be my genre. 
Brutal by A.J. Merlin

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dark funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Review
𝘉𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘭 was technically a re-read for me, but as with 𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘥, the new format made the story into a whole new experience. I loved this dark yet surprisingly sweet romance between FMC Hazel and MMC Wren the first time around when I devoured it via my Kindle and I enjoyed it even more as an audiobook. I thought Victoria Connolly’s delivery was perfect for Hazel and she did a fantastic job capturing Wren, too. He’s seriously unhinged and unapologetically rabid for Hazel, but he’s also a communication and aftercare king, and whilst Connolly’s voice doesn’t go as deep as I imagine Wren’s would be, she got his tone just right throughout, including during their steamiest moments.  

Tropes
🖤 Touch her and 💀
🖤 Masked man
🖤 𝖲𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖺𝗅 𝗄𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖾𝗋
🖤 𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗄𝖾𝗋
🖤 Fake relationship
🖤 He’s ✨️obsessed✨️

What I loved
🖤 Breathtaking spice with primal play
🖤 Excellent banter between the MMC/FMC and side characters
🖤 Mental health rep that’s done well
🖤 Communication and aftercare
🖤 Childfree MCs
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Depraved by A.J. Merlin

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dark funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Review
I first read Depraved mid last year and I admit that I’ve been itching to revisit it for months. I’m so glad I did—and in a new format. As I normally have at least one book and one audiobook on the go at the same time, I generally prefer to devour my romance reads in eBook form where I can annotate and swoon over passages to my heart’s content, whilst using my listening time for other genres, but I’m definitely going to listen to more romances after this. Enjoying this story as an audiobook this time around was an *experience*. Lia Holland did a fantastic job bringing FMC Sloane and MMC Virgil to life through their banter and their sizzling romance, and she truly brought the heat with Virgil’s sinfully delicious dirty talk. 

Tropes
🖤 Touch her and 💀
🖤 Masked man
🖤 Serial Killer
🖤 Stalker
🖤 “Princess”
🖤 He’s ✨️obsessed✨️

What I loved
🖤 Praise and primal play~
🖤 Epic banter between characters
🖤 Mental health rep that’s done well
🖤 Great animal characters, including a service dog (both doggos are safe!!)
🖤 Childfree MCs
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