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theartistreader's reviews
219 reviews
Oscar by BJ Alpha
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
๐ง๐ถ๐๐น๐ฒ: Oscar
๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: BJ Alpha
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐: Secrets and Lies (#5)
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐: 317
๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: โญโญโญโญโญ
๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
๐๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐๐จ:
- Autistic hero
- Mafia
- BDSM relationship (paid)
- Hero that doesn't like to be touched
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐:
If there was an option to give this book a higher rating, then I definitely would. Neurodivergence is something that is rarely covered within books because of how difficult it can be to depict, and BJ has captured Autism perfectly in this book. It is definitely my favourite of the series - but now I need Reese's book...
๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: BJ Alpha
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐: Secrets and Lies (#5)
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐: 317
๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: โญโญโญโญโญ
๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
๐๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐๐จ:
- Autistic hero
- Mafia
- BDSM relationship (paid)
- Hero that doesn't like to be touched
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐:
If there was an option to give this book a higher rating, then I definitely would. Neurodivergence is something that is rarely covered within books because of how difficult it can be to depict, and BJ has captured Autism perfectly in this book. It is definitely my favourite of the series - but now I need Reese's book...
Bren by BJ Alpha
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
๐ง๐ถ๐๐น๐ฒ: Bren
๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: BJ Alpha
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐: Secrets and Lies (#4)
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐: 375
๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: โญโญโญโญโญ
๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ:๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
๐๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐๐จ:
-20 years age gap
-Surprise/accidental pregnancy (ร2)
-Cryptic pregnancy
-Mafia Don/human trafficking victim
-Saved your life
-I'll give you all your firsts
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐:
Each and every one of BJ Alpha's books are so unique in their own way. I honestly wouldn't be able to choose my favourite brother from this series because they are all amazing in their own way. The plot and backstory to these characters is incredible, an I kinda feel like I want more, so I'll definitely be reading the novellas and extended epilogues to this series. Now, onto Oscar's book...
๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: BJ Alpha
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐: Secrets and Lies (#4)
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐: 375
๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: โญโญโญโญโญ
๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ:๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
๐๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐๐จ:
-20 years age gap
-Surprise/accidental pregnancy (ร2)
-Cryptic pregnancy
-Mafia Don/human trafficking victim
-Saved your life
-I'll give you all your firsts
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐:
Each and every one of BJ Alpha's books are so unique in their own way. I honestly wouldn't be able to choose my favourite brother from this series because they are all amazing in their own way. The plot and backstory to these characters is incredible, an I kinda feel like I want more, so I'll definitely be reading the novellas and extended epilogues to this series. Now, onto Oscar's book...
The Final Vow by BJ Alpha
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
๐ง๐ถ๐๐น๐ฒ: The Final Vow
๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: BJ Alpha
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐: Secrets and Lies (Novella)
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐: 110
๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: โญโญโญโญโญ
๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
๐๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐๐จ:
- Mafia family wedding
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐:
This book shows the sheer level of chaos that is the O'Connell family and I ๐๐ป am ๐๐ป here for it! I literally cannot get enough of this series so now I'm onto the short stories๐๐ปโโ๏ธ
๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: BJ Alpha
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐: Secrets and Lies (Novella)
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐: 110
๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: โญโญโญโญโญ
๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
๐๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐๐จ:
- Mafia family wedding
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐:
This book shows the sheer level of chaos that is the O'Connell family and I ๐๐ป am ๐๐ป here for it! I literally cannot get enough of this series so now I'm onto the short stories๐๐ปโโ๏ธ
Finn by BJ Alpha
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
๐ง๐ถ๐๐น๐ฒ: Finn
๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: BJ Alpha
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐: Secrets and Lies (#3)
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐: 244
๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: โญโญโญโญโญ
๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
๐๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐๐จ:
- Second chance
- Heroine with a traumatic past
- Single mum
- Veteran hero
- Mafia
- Breeding with pregnancy
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐:
So far I have absolutely devoured this whole series. I don't think I've ever been so irritated because I've been too busy to be able to have time to read. So at the first chance of being able to pick this book back up, I can assure you that I LEAPED.
I always thought that Finn was one of the most difficult within the five brothers, Bren being the worst, but this book shows that despite his rather dark and difficult side, he has a heart of gold and is extremely possessive of what is his.
I'm going to work my way through all the main books before I get to the novellas, but I can assure you that the second I finish Oscar's book that is exactly where I'm heading.
**SPOILER:**
I really do hope we get to meet Teddy.
๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: BJ Alpha
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐: Secrets and Lies (#3)
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐: 244
๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: โญโญโญโญโญ
๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
๐๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐๐จ:
- Second chance
- Heroine with a traumatic past
- Single mum
- Veteran hero
- Mafia
- Breeding with pregnancy
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐:
So far I have absolutely devoured this whole series. I don't think I've ever been so irritated because I've been too busy to be able to have time to read. So at the first chance of being able to pick this book back up, I can assure you that I LEAPED.
I always thought that Finn was one of the most difficult within the five brothers, Bren being the worst, but this book shows that despite his rather dark and difficult side, he has a heart of gold and is extremely possessive of what is his.
I'm going to work my way through all the main books before I get to the novellas, but I can assure you that the second I finish Oscar's book that is exactly where I'm heading.
**SPOILER:**
I really do hope we get to meet Teddy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Violence, Car accident, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, Child abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Medical content, Murder, Sexual violence, Torture, Blood, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
Minor: Abortion, Addiction, and Alcohol
Con by BJ Alpha
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
- 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
๐ง๐ถ๐๐น๐ฒ: CON
๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: BJ Alpha
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐: Secrets and Lies (#2)
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐: 294
๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: โญโญโญโญโญ
๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ:๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
๐๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐๐จ:
- Secret baby
- Second chance
- Childhood sweethearts
- Irish mafia
- On the run
- Hero with mental health issues
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐:
So far, this has to be my favourite BJ Alpha book by far! Connor is such an amazing character and the representation of his mental health issues are so accurate and relatable that they hit hard and deep. Please check the trigger warnings on this one, because it's darker than the first book in the series.
While there was definitely some lows, there was some amazing highs, too, which had me laughing out loud. And I cannot wait to continue the family chaos in Finn's book!
๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: BJ Alpha
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐: Secrets and Lies (#2)
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐: 294
๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: โญโญโญโญโญ
๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ:๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
๐๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐๐จ:
- Secret baby
- Second chance
- Childhood sweethearts
- Irish mafia
- On the run
- Hero with mental health issues
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐:
So far, this has to be my favourite BJ Alpha book by far! Connor is such an amazing character and the representation of his mental health issues are so accurate and relatable that they hit hard and deep. Please check the trigger warnings on this one, because it's darker than the first book in the series.
While there was definitely some lows, there was some amazing highs, too, which had me laughing out loud. And I cannot wait to continue the family chaos in Finn's book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Addiction, Drug use, Medical trauma, Miscarriage, Violence, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Abortion, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Infertility, Murder, Suicide, Child abuse, Suicide attempt, Torture, Domestic abuse, Vomit, Medical content, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pregnancy
Cal by BJ Alpha
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
TROPES:
- One night stand
- Secret baby
- Second chance
- Irish mafia
- Side character with Autism
- On the run
I've read three books by this author so far and so far, Reese is my favourite character. I definitely think that he made this book a hundred times better, and I love his attitude as a whole. The representation of ASD in this is very accurate (based on my personal experience) which, again, makes it that much better - especially how the book highlights how no two individuals with Autism are the same.
Lily and Cal's relationship definitely moved fast, and I think that's something I'm always hesitant about when reading second chance romances. Of course, we got the initial scene which led to the creation of Reese, but I would have loved to have some throwbacks into the past, both while their relationship was developing and the accounts of Reese's and Lily's trauma, as I feel that always adds to the story that much more.
Despite that, however, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'll now be moving onto the next.
- One night stand
- Secret baby
- Second chance
- Irish mafia
- Side character with Autism
- On the run
I've read three books by this author so far and so far, Reese is my favourite character. I definitely think that he made this book a hundred times better, and I love his attitude as a whole. The representation of ASD in this is very accurate (based on my personal experience) which, again, makes it that much better - especially how the book highlights how no two individuals with Autism are the same.
Lily and Cal's relationship definitely moved fast, and I think that's something I'm always hesitant about when reading second chance romances. Of course, we got the initial scene which led to the creation of Reese, but I would have loved to have some throwbacks into the past, both while their relationship was developing and the accounts of Reese's and Lily's trauma, as I feel that always adds to the story that much more.
Despite that, however, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'll now be moving onto the next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Murder, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Blood, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Car accident, Child death, Confinement, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Rape, Abandonment, and Addiction
Veiled In Hate by BJ Alpha
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
TROPES:
- 12 year age gap
- Forced marriage
- Enemies to lovers
- Rival mafia families
- Accidental pregnancy
- OTT protective hero
I made sure to read Shaw before this, and although I wouldn't say it's necessary, I would definitely say that it added that much more to the reading experience.
I'll be honest, I didn't like Luca in Shaw. And for most of this book, I didn't like him either. But the last 25% or so of this book definitely made up for it.
If you're looking for a dark mafia romance with enemies to lovers and incredibly steamy hate s3x, then this book is 1,000,000% for you.
I'm now about to read the rest of this author's backlog๐คซ๐คฏ
- 12 year age gap
- Forced marriage
- Enemies to lovers
- Rival mafia families
- Accidental pregnancy
- OTT protective hero
I made sure to read Shaw before this, and although I wouldn't say it's necessary, I would definitely say that it added that much more to the reading experience.
I'll be honest, I didn't like Luca in Shaw. And for most of this book, I didn't like him either. But the last 25% or so of this book definitely made up for it.
If you're looking for a dark mafia romance with enemies to lovers and incredibly steamy hate s3x, then this book is 1,000,000% for you.
I'm now about to read the rest of this author's backlog๐คซ๐คฏ
Shaw by BJ Alpha
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
TROPES:
- 11 year age gap
- Mafia princess/billionaire hero
- Forced marriage
- Accidental/surprise pregnancy
My first book by this author and after the release of her latest book yesterday, I thought I'd ought to give this one a go before I dove into Luca's story. Safe to say it did not disappoint!
The only negative thing I'd have to say about this is that the characters can be irritating sometimes, but I understand that it has to be that way for the story to be able to take full effect.
- 11 year age gap
- Mafia princess/billionaire hero
- Forced marriage
- Accidental/surprise pregnancy
My first book by this author and after the release of her latest book yesterday, I thought I'd ought to give this one a go before I dove into Luca's story. Safe to say it did not disappoint!
The only negative thing I'd have to say about this is that the characters can be irritating sometimes, but I understand that it has to be that way for the story to be able to take full effect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Medical content, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Murder, Sexual content, Abandonment, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexism, Violence, Sexual harassment, Gaslighting, Gore, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Eating disorder, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, and Kidnapping
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
My Girl by A. Briar
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
TROPES:
- Uncle/Niece (blood)
- Recluse hero
- Touch her and die
- Found family
- Guardian/Ward
- Age gap (underage heroine at first)
I've really enjoyed this whole series. However, I did think this one jumped a bit too significantly and I feel like there should have been an extra chapter between the ๐ซ and the ๐ถ๏ธ scene. I'll definitely be reading more of this author's work!
- Uncle/Niece (blood)
- Recluse hero
- Touch her and die
- Found family
- Guardian/Ward
- Age gap (underage heroine at first)
I've really enjoyed this whole series. However, I did think this one jumped a bit too significantly and I feel like there should have been an extra chapter between the ๐ซ and the ๐ถ๏ธ scene. I'll definitely be reading more of this author's work!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Violence, Incest, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Abandonment and Car accident
Minor: Addiction, War, and Drug abuse