tomeaftertome's Reviews (108)

Rangers Claim

Bridget Adrienne

4.0

adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

In this installment of the Untamed Rangers series, a series full of Insta love romances and Rangers with filthy mouths, we follow the story of Calla and Sawyer.

Calla is a 19 year old college student who finds herself at the mercy of a workplace creep. This is when we meet Sawyer, a single dad who’s nearly twice her age, built like the Brawny man himself, with ruggedly good looks. Our Ranger steps in to save the day more than once throughout this 80 page adventure.

This was a thrilling and fast paced adventure, there’s nothing sweet about it— aside from his undying love and need to protect our FMC. Oh and our wonderfully heartwarming HEA.

This is a perfectly quick steamy ride, don’t miss your chances to take it free with KU!

Thank you to the author for a copy of this ebook in exchange for this honest review.

Content Warnings

Consumed in the Dark: A Brimstone Court Novel (Book 2)

Shanna Robillard

3.75

adventurous dark funny tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Imagine, your parents take you to a fire station when you’re seven years old and tell you that they’d be coming right back. They can’t tell you where they’re going (maybe for a carton of cigarettes and a gallon of milk?) but they make a promise that they’ll return for you soon. The only thing they leave you with is a deep seated fear of the sea, a necklace with a star shaped Ruby amulet, and a prayer for when you’re in times of trouble. The next day you’re placed in foster care to never see or hear from them again.

Now fast-forward 19 years. You’re 26 and running a bookshop (aptly named tales and tomes… love that name can’t quite figure out why 🤭) with your best friend and Foster sister Lynn. One night you go to lock up, go home and decide to take a decompressing bath before bed when suddenly you find sand on your bathroom floor! Being someone with thalassophobia, your natural reaction is to drive 10 hours away in a panic.

It is in this seedy motel with questionably stained carpets in California, that you remember the few things your parents left you along with many stories. In your moment of need and panic you hold onto that amulet and you say your prayer to a goddess, pleading for help and sanctuary from impending doom. Which then lands you… In hell.

Needless to say, this was a fun read. However, I will say it was not my favorite of the series so far.

While, we do see a myriad of characters that are introduced to us in book one return, Sirena’s story is very much her own. My favorite part of the series definitely being the return Utor, our cinnamon roll lethal weapon of an MMC. Who’s massive… heart (🤭) definitely steals the show.

The bedlam that ensues upon Sirena‘s arrival to hell, takes us on many adventures through the hellscape and back. We get new villains, new side characters, and an FMC that doesn’t wait for somebody to save her… Almost obnoxiously so (Violet, anyone?) armed with a sharp tongue that had me giggling more than once.

The love that blossoms between Utor and Sirena is one for the ages. I found myself noting quotes from Utor‘s dialogue to save in order to provide reference to any potential future suitors. 😮‍💨 his unwavering love for the FMC is what had me unable to put this book down.

Some other highlights of the second installment of the brimstone court series were getting to see Millie and Asmodus again and being able to get to know Utor better. There was also an exploration of “one does not define the many“ that was woven throughout the story in different forms which I felt was a lovely touch.

This being said I still would recommend if you were a fan of the first book, or just looking for a read in the genre that has a completely original feel, to give this one a try before we get the third installment!

Thank you to the author for a copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest review.

Content Warnings

The Darkest Echo

Shanna Robillard

4.5

adventurous dark hopeful reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Follows the story of Millie, a young woman who wakes up with amnesia after a 14 year coma, in a small town. Four years post her awakening, she finds herself in a rut with a dead end job, decent looking big-fish-ilttle-pond boyfriend, and a creepy landlord, who possibly has been engaged in criminal activity and stolen her underwear.

When suddenly, the whimsy she has been longing for flies into her life— quite literally, only it’s not into her life so much as her home, and it’s not whimsy so much as a bat. This event triggers a series of more creatures that find themselves drawn to this mysterious woman. Then one day, one of the creatures— an owl named Nox, finds that they are able to speak with her.

After spending some time, debating whether or not she is absolutely insane. Millie comes to accept her ability to communicate with this creature who then becomes her translator for the many other magical creatures that come into her life. It is these magical creatures that begin the shift which changes our heroines story from bland to magic.

At least until she finds out, she’s being summoned to hell.

I fell in love with this incredibly unique and original storyline as I expected another dark romantasy (which I absolutely love!), but this story delivered so much more. An unexpected harmonious blend of whimsy, adventure, self discovery, female rage, and heated romance.

I was wonderfully surprised by this first installment of the brimstone court series in more than one way. From the diverse cast of demons, humans, angels,and LGBTQIA+ representation, to the deeper running themes of radical self acceptance, perseverance, and stepping into your power. With side servings of heated romance— expertly crafted and a swoon worthy morally Grey MMC with a silver tongue that reminds us just why we prefer males written by women.

Highly recommend picking this one up while it’s still free on KU if you’re looking for a break from dark romantasy without actually having to take one.

Definitely be sure to check your trigger warnings before diving in!

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest review.

Content Warnings

Ranger's Obsession

Bridget Adrienne

4.5

adventurous dark funny tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book made promises of a short read chock full of heated romance, a possessive and rugged MMC, and a HEA... and it has delivered in spades.

As a slow reader, I was able to finish this read in 1.5 hours. And oh, was it a steamy ride! This author fully brings you into Logan and Rylee's messy world with effortless ease and non-stop action.

This was an absolute blast to read and the perfect pallet cleanser between my series read. Our main characters being very relatable, I was rooting for their happily ever after.

If you're looking for a short read, that will have you turning your thermostat to a lower temperature and ordering a pair of hiking boots... I highly recommend giving this one a try. I look forward to the next standalone in this series, Ranger's Claim-

Thank you to the author for a copy of this e book in exchange for my honest review.

Content Warnings

Daughter of Destiny

Rebecca Parcha

5.0

adventurous dark 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

A spellbinding sequel that deepens the magic, sharpens the stakes, and leaves you breathless for more.

This sequel leaves no plot holes, picking up right where Fangs of Fate left off. We immediately plunged back into the richly layered world told through three compelling POVs. Each of our main characters continues their journey in parallel, as their electrically soulful arcs unfold belore us.

The author once again absolutely SERVES us an elixir with the perfect blend of romance, action, political intrigue, magic, mystery, topped with a dollop of humor . This world - inhabited by vampires, fae, humans, shapeshifting dragons, and terrifying creatures - Tarragons. Seethings. & Ghouls, is vividly imagined and masterfully expanded in Daughter of Destiny.

This sequel is chock full with Character development that shines as bright as Tate's power. Packing an even heavier punch as themes of self exploration and morality deepen.

The second installment of the Untish Series invites the readers to experience the deeper evolution of the bond between Tate and ether on a visceral level. Providing emotional nuance that is palpable - seasoned with just the right dash of spice. While simultaneously. we are transported passenger seat with Chance as he navigates his journey packed with wild. unpredictable turns.

Everything about this strong sophomore follow up from its well timed pacing, high stakes, and even the emotional damage HITS. Further wrecking you with a cliffhanger that is absolutely BRUTAL.

I welcome you to your newest obsession.

I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for this honest review, and thank you Rebecca! I’m OBSESSED 😍

Content Warnings

Lifebound

D.N. Hoxa

5.0

adventurous dark funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

🌶️🌶️🌶️.75
Based on the romantasy scale rubric

Rune said, 'Obey. I said Say less

This book? Absolute fire. Set in a lush, dangerous fae realm that's as seductive as it is deadly, it delivers tension so thick you could choke on it - and you'll say thank you. The spice? You'll definitely need a chaser (based on romantasy scale rubric). And Rune? Our new shadow daddy? He's pure SIN wrapped in tattoos and dominance, every scene with him — a religious experience. And Nilah is no wallflower, greeting every demand, teeth first. Needless to say this dynamic will have you clapping your hands and stomping your feet.

And beneath all that heat, subtle glimpse at how we hide behind walls, how fear shapes us, and how the right person can drag our truth into the light.

Plus, the humor? Sprinkled in just right, keeping things sharp and sexy.

You'll come for the fae heat. You'll stay for the soul-punch.
And you'll be questioning your current ranking order of all other book boyfriends.

To the author, D.N. Hoxa.
I thank you for your service.

Thank you, NetGalley, and the author for providing me a copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest review. This was such a fun read. I look forward to seeing what happens in book 2 of the Royal Sins series!

Content Warnings

Sea of Evil and Desire: A dark Mer fantasy romance

J. Strelou, J. Strelou

4.5

adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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: Complicated

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Romantasy Scale Rubric

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This mythic urban fantasy grips you a tide fierce, relentless, and achingly beautiful. With world-building steeped in saltwater, Celtic lore,

and secrets that whisper beneath the waves. Ruadán's Port is more than a backdrop, it's a haunting, living force tied to gods, curses, and the kind of grief that lingers like mist.

Morgana, our heroine, forged from trauma and storm. Her journey a reckoning of unraveling grief, tearing down emotional walls, and charging headfirst into fate. And the MMC? That unreadable, sea bound stranger? Pure, magnetic torment.

Tension thrums through every page emotional, magical, romantic. Villains you love to hate. Prophecies that burn. Spicy scenes laced with water magic that boil rather than soothe. And at the core, a love story woven into destiny, one that dares you to feel everything.

As for the ending... let's just say you will be left with some questions that will have you counting the minutes down until you can have them answered in book 2 of The Deep Saga.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for introducing me to my addiction.

Content Warnings

Once Charmed, Twice Cursed

Shaylin Gandhi

3.75

adventurous relaxing fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I would like to think NetGalley, the author, and Tantor audio for providing me a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I would like to preface this review with noting that I don’t feel like I was in the right headspace for this particular story at the time of my review. I am torn between giving this a full 4 stars and the rating that I’m providing which is 3.75.

The reason for the dip in my rating is primarily just due to the lack of variation by the narrator between masculine and feminine characters. To me, it really just came across as everybody sounded exactly the same. This aside the narrator did do a wonderful job at maintaining the spirit of the Princess Bride vibes throughout the storytelling as a whole.

As far as the story itself, I felt it was well in the tone of and keeping in spirit with this particular film. There was a plot hole for me in regards to the FMC not being able to touch a Null but touched a null in one particular scene and did not nullify her charm, but maybe I missed something?

These picadillo’s aside, I would still recommend this book for a quick feel good romance read/listen that has a humorous undertone and a happily ever after.

Enigma

RuNyx

5.0

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective 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

“ I was looked at, but was never seen.“

— Albert Camus

The misunderstanding

I have so much to say about this wonderful tome. I would first like to start up with my appreciation to McMillan Audio, the author RuNyx, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for this honest review.

Before I begin, I just would like to advise you to check your trigger warnings before you start this journey. 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75

So many beautiful layers interwoven throughout this story between the multi layer complex characters and the interwoven prose from classics such as The Misunderstanding, Wuthering Heights, and both Emilys (Dickinson and Brontë) to name a few. That not only add depth to the story for the reader, but also provoke thought as the author draws you further into this world.

Cazimir Van der Waal. A name born not merely of sound, but of science— of unseen forces that draw bodies closer than reason allows. Why does this matter? Because our MMC, christened with these names, embodies those same invisible tethers. The Casimir effect speaks of neutral objects in close proximity, their very presence warping the fabric of space between them until an irresistible force pulls them together. Van der Waals forces, though delicate, are profound whispers of attraction that transcend the strength of chemical bonds. They are ephemeral, yet inescapable. And so too is the gaze of our MMC; meticulous, consuming, and seeing the FMC not as the world has taught her to see herself, but as something elemental. Something worthy. Our FMC Salem Salazar is a soul long dismissed, overlooked, and worn thin by the weight of invisibility. She finds herself altered by his attention, transformed by his unwavering presence. Caz becomes the catalyst for her metamorphosis. And if this name, crafted with both purpose and poetry, does not embody his role in the story, then perhaps nothing ever could.

These two are not merely lovers, they are twin flames drawn together across a chasm of pain, both haunted by the ghosts of their pasts. Both seeking not just redemption or revenge… but resurrection. Their paths, though twisted and shrouded in shadow, were always meant to cross. And when they do, something ancient and undeniable blooms between them. It is more than desire. It is a bond forged in darkness, made luminous through love.

The tale unfolds with the air of a whispered curse. A gothic university veiled in secrets and sorrow sets the stage. Each revelation is delivered with precision; some slowly bled from the text like ink in water, others held until the author chooses to shatter us with them. This deliberate storytelling crafts an atmosphere heavy with mystery and suspense, enticing the reader ever deeper into its dark halls.

It would be easy to mistake this novel for another tale of dark academia romance. But to do so would be a disservice. This is no ordinary love story, it is a requiem, an ode, an incantation. A masterwork of storytelling that binds self discovery, sorrow, passion and purpose, into a world that breathes and bleeds. The author conjures characters so intricately wrought, so painfully real, they seem to step off the page. Their world, rich with lore and layered truths, feels lived in, haunted, and achingly familiar.

Through dual perspectives, we are drawn into the innermost sanctums of both our leads. We walk with them through betrayal, longing, and the slow-burning agony of becoming. Their inner conflicts echo like cathedral bells— resounding, sacred, and impossible to ignore. Their love is not soft, it is a tempest. It is survival. It is sacred alchemy.

Threaded throughout this tale are themes as sharp and aching as winter air: rebirth, resilience, and the fragile audacity of hope. The tension is suffocating in the best of ways, the chemistry electric and earned with every turn of the page.

On the surface, this may appear to be a romance. But it is something more. It is love sculpted from ruin. It is a call to rise when you’ve been broken. It is an echo of the truth that even in your most shattered state, you are not only lovable— you are worth saving.

Where once there was silence, now there is song. Where once there was death, now there is a heartbeat. Memento vivere. Remember to live. And remember this story, for it will linger like a ghost in your bones.

I will carry these characters, and the spellbinding ache of their love, for years to come.

Content Warnings

White Rose Painted Red

Elena Lawson

3.75

adventurous dark emotional funny tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Seven— you’ve made it onto my book boyfriend list, and trust me, that’s not an easy feat.

But before I dive into why you need to read this, let’s get a couple of things out of the way that didn’t quite click for me.

First, the FMC's relationship with Elijah. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I found myself simultaneously rooting for them while feeling that something was… off. It was like the chemistry was almost there for me, but never fully ignited. Still, I couldn’t help but be invested in their twisted connection.

Second, the dynamic between the FMC and Atticus? It just felt forced. The sparks weren’t sparking for me (although the tension had me rooting for it!), and just didn’t land the way I hoped it would. Something about it left me cold.

Now, with that out of the way, let me tell you why you absolutely need to dive into this one.

Seven. Oh, Seven. The golden retriever of your darkest, most depraved fantasies. I’m feral for this man! From his heartbreaking backstory to his dark, almost dangerous devotion to the FMC and his family— he’s the perfect mix of sweet chaos and unrelenting obsession to keep those he loves safe. The psychopath with a heart of gold, the kind of man you know you shouldn’t want… but you can’t help yourself. 😮‍💨

Sure, I had my qualms about some of the relationships, but let me be clear: the authors absolutely kill it with character development! Every flaw, every twisted piece of these characters felt earned. They’re messy, broken, and just so damn real, even if it’s in the darkest way possible.

The plot? Original. Gripping. Action-packed from page one. And let’s not forget the banter. If you’re a fan of dark humor that hits right where it should, this book delivers in spades. Think: “Lights Out” but darker, sharper, and just a little more dangerous. The spice? Oh, the spice is there. Not overdone, but scorching with a burn that hurts so good.

This book checks all the boxes for us dark romance lovers:

- Touch her and die

- Who hurt you?

- I can fix him (spoiler: you really shouldn’t, but you’ll want to)

- FMC who takes back control (yes, queen!)

- Why choose? (because why should you?)

- Morally grey characters who make you question your own morals

- Villainous leads who you’ll love to hate

- A revenge plot that keeps you turning pages long past midnight (I stayed up all night with this book!)

And let’s talk about the characters because we get some of the best dark romance tropes:

- The psycho golden retriever (Seven, I’m looking at you)

- The OCD ex military hacker who knows how to push every button (Atticus or Daddicus if you will)

- The tortured artist who hides his pain to his pain, but cannot hide the scars (Elijah) and surprises you more than once.

This book isn’t just for dark romance lovers— it’s for anyone who enjoys complex characters, twisted relationships, and a plot that’s as intense as it is addictive. If you like your romance a little broken, your humor a lot dark, and your spice served raw, then trust me, you don’t want to miss this.

Content Warnings

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